In a show of dedication to the protection of the environment, Standard Chartered has engaged in a tree planting and an education exercise at Old Yumdun School.
Led by its Technology and Operations Department, the Bank took the children through key tips in protecting the environment, and also teamed up with the school to plant various fruit trees in the school premises to ensure conservation.
In the course of its 118 years of existence in The Gambia, the Bank has been constantly regarded as a partner with the government and other stakeholders on environmental issues.
In 2011 for instance, Standard Chartered complemented The Gambia’s efforts to replant the forest by planting 15,000 trees in the Fujur Forest Park, bringing total trees planted close to 61,000.
The Technology and Operations team played an instrumental part in this effort; planting a total of 4000 trees last year.
Commenting on the exercise, Richard Ahulu, Chief Finance Officer, Standard Chartered Gambia said:
“As an international Bank, operating in The Gambia, we recognize we have a key role to play in ensuring that the environment is protected. Over the years, we have maintained our commitment to building a sustainable business, simultaneously creating value for our shareholders, supporting our customers and contributing to the communities in which we live and work.
Despite the evidence that our environmental impacts are less severe than many businesses, we recognize that the biggest impact we have on society and our environment is through our support for the business activities of our clients and communities – it is a key way to deliver on our brand promise of ‘Here for Good’ ”.
The Bank further called on other corporate organizations and institutions to demonstrate a commitment to the environment, adding that it is crucial for the entire Gambian community to act as watchmen for each other in combating environmental hazards currently plaguing the country.
