Good for the Earth, Good for Business

Within the UAE, a number of private organisations have committed themselves to preserving the environment through a series of programs and projects aimed at conserving the country's fragile ecosystem.

The direct involvement of both local and international organisations in these initiatives reflects the importance of combating challenges resulting from a rapidly developing country with a transient population. This has ultimately led to the depletion of threatened habitats and pushed certain species onto the endangered list.

The role of the Corporation
Every company, large and small, that maintains a presence in the UAE has an impact on the environment. Whilst some corporations have incorporated an environmental policy into their organisational structure, many companies have yet to recognise the benefits and importance of establishing such a social commitment.

This 'impact' can be assessed through a variety of factors that include infrastructure, energy, water, waste and human resource utilisation. Recognising corporate responsibility has never been more important, not only for business but for the earth.


• 92% percent of customers have a more positive image of companies/products that support causes they care about.


• After September 11, an all-time high of 81% of customers report a likelihood to switch brands, when price and quality are equal, to help support a cause ('Cone/Roper Cause-Related Trends Study fielded from March and October 2001')

Corporations that have a direct or indirect involvement in the environment have realised a host of benefits related to environmental programs they support, including:


• Employee motivation

• Customer loyalty

• Public relation opportunities

• Market differentiation

• Brand awareness / Association

Working for Nature
WWF has number of initiatives through which it works with companies, these include :


• Corporate Club
A direct contribution to WWF's research into establishing sustainable conservation projects and planning

'As one of the largest banks in the UAE, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi we see ourselves as having a special place within the community. WWF's UAE Corporate Club offers us an opportunity to preserve our environment by proving support to WWF in its effort to increase awareness of the need to conserve and safeguard our living heritage. We consider it a privilege to be one of the founding members of WWF's UAE Corporate Club. We wish WWF every success in their activities and plans for the UAE.'


Fady J. Sarkis, Advertising and Public Relations Manager



• Project Sponsorship
Direct funding of educational, research, awareness, protected areas and capacity building projects and programs


• Conservation Partners
Multinational programmes that incorporate international support and funding

'Canon became WWF's first Conservation Partner in 1998, committing itself to supporting a number of WWF's communication activities. Over the coming two years, the focus of the partnership will be to raise awareness for the environment through various joint promotional and marketing activities, especially targeted at young people. Similarly, Canon Middle East has supported WWF in the UAE since its establishment and became the first WWF founding member of the Corporate Club.'
Gordon Jones, President, Canon Middle East B.V.


• 1001: A Nature Trust
This is an exclusive membership programme established by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. In return for a membership fee of US$25,000, members receive invitations to WWF International events, the WWF Annual Conference, conservation project visits and other special events.


• Gift To the Earth
A special program developed for the provision of protected conservation areas and large donations for related projects


To find out more about how your organisation can benefit from a direct involvement with the environment, please contact:

Marc James
Marketing Development Manager, WWF-UAE
+971 (0)50 459 5158
marcjames@mail.com