Is AAK Mexico implementing any practices to protect the environment in the Morelia area? AAK is focused on always complying with all government regulations, which we do. In addition, we have implemented a water reuse system that has reduced the use of water by 4 percent in the last two years, and we are also working diligently to reduce our generation of solid waste. Nevertheless, 48 our commitment to caring for the environment has lead us to new projects. We are, for instance, currently working on the implementation and eventual certification of ISO 14001 to manage our environmental responsibilities, as well as with environmental challenges such as climate change. What determines whether AAK engages in certain community activities or not? The impact we can generate in our close-by community. All of our programs and activities, such as football tournaments, arts and crafts workshops and healthy lifestyle advice, are focused on the well-being of our neighbours. Our prioritization of activities include the desires and needs of all the different age and gender groups in the community, thus we focus on the activities that have a higher impact and that are welcomed in the community. What is important in developing a good relationship with the community? Creating a culture of respect for the community from everybody within the organization is of key importance. We play our part in contributing to the development of the local community and acting responsibly in society, but it takes more than that to truly become part of it. We let the community know that we are a responsible company in all aspects. All this generate the synergy to create a solid relationship with the local community. In addition, the closeness to the community give us a better understanding on how to interact and engage in activities and programs that are relevant to the majority of our neighbours. Octavio Díaz de León President North Latin America A three-year research project financed by the Danish development cooperation Danida through the Danish Embassy in Burkina Faso was launched in June, 2015 during a workshop in Bobo-Dioulasso. The aim of the project is to secure the shea supply for future generations. The shea parkland in West Africa is getting older and the rejuvenation of shea trees in the fields is therefore of utmost importance. Furthermore, the pressure on the trees could be on the increase due to population growth, modernization of agriculture and an increased use of shea trees for fuel wood. The project, which is called “research-development project on shea tree regeneration”, is a partnership between AAK, The National Agricultural and Environmental Research Institute (INERA), and TREE-AID, a British development and environmental NGO. INERA will bring in the technology package, TREE-AID will teach the techniques in the villages and AAK will set their women’s groups and extension workers at the disposal of the project. The aim is not to do fundamental research but to base the project on existing results from the research and adapt them to a context of research-development aiming at giving the communities in the bush access to a simple technology package that will help regenerate the shea tree population. AAK very much believes that it is time to start regenerating the shea parkland in West Africa for the benefit of future generations. Mads Jules Feer Sustainability & Shea Manager, West Africa ” Being a good neighbour ” AAK starts three-year project on shea tree regeneration
AAK - Sustainability Report 2014/2015
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