WWF’s recently-unveiled Living Planet Report 2012 highlighted humanity’s growing demand for resources and the tremendous pressure on our planet’s biodiversity. The report is the leading survey of the Earth’s health, produced every two years.

“We are living as if we have an extra planet at our disposal. We are using 50% more resources than the Earth can sustainably produce and unless we change course, that number will grow fast,” says WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “By 2030 even two planets will not be enough – unless we reduce our impacts now.”

For businesses and entrepreneurs which seek to minimize ecological impacts and save money by reducing overhead operational costs, WWF-Philippines today launched its Corporate Club program at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center.

The Corporate Club is a network of SMEs committed to protecting the environment. By emulating the conservation and sustainability work of WWF-Philippines, companies are transformed into industry leaders through the adoption of responsible environmental practices.

In a developing country like the Philippines, one of the key levers for climate adaptation, environmental sustainability and a green economy are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which comprise over 99% of all registered businesses in the country and employ about 70% of the total Philippine labor force. The Corporate Club specifically targets SMEs to maximize impact reduction.

Members gain instant access to a wide range of activities, including WWF climate change and sustainability workshops, talks, field site visits and volunteer trips.

SME Environmental Leaders to be Recognized

Each November, WWF-Philippines holds its Environmental Leadership Awards to recognize corporate leaders which have helped the organization protect marine areas and natural parks, secure crucial government partnerships, conduct coastal and terrestrial resource management, develop policy platforms, protect endangered species and empower local communities through environmental education.

For the first time in its 16-year history, WWF-Philippines shall name an SME Environmental Leader of the Year this November. Members of the Corporate Club will get to exclusively vie for this title.

As it looks at the future through a climate lens, WWF-Philippines deems it best to tap into the potential of SMEs to fuel a greener economy and help communities become climate-resilient. WWF-Philippines now opens its doors for SMEs to become future conservation leaders.

“The world is changing. New formulas are emerging. And as we face climate change together, the value of this opportunity increases with each day. We are all connected,” says WWF-Philippines CEO and Vice Chair Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan. “Come and stand with us. It is the best time to craft new solutions for our country.”