FedEx/Haribon eco leaders for sustainable communities

MANILA, Philippines - In order to advance environmental sustainability among the youth and communities in the Philippines, FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., and the world’s largest express transportation company, and Haribon Foundation, the pioneer environmental conservation organization in the Philippines, has launched the “FedEx/Haribon Eco Leaders for Sustainable Communities Program.”

Through education and environmental impact initiatives such as the planting of native tree seedlings, the program helps recover and conserve biodiversity, optimize the supply of forest benefits and ecosystem services, reduce the risk of natural hazards, and enhance options for sustainable livelihood. 

About 500 elementary students began participating in environmental education sessions in three Metro Manila schools in February. 

The sessions were led by “eco leaders,” FedEx volunteers and Haribon instructors who facilitated lectures, interactive activities and exhibits focusing on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Students who completed the sessions were named “junior eco leaders” and were given guidelines to act as sustainability ambassadors in their schools, families and communities. 

As “junior eco leaders,” they will continue to work with FedEx volunteers to implement specific action plans that advance the sustainability message and drive actual environmental improvements. 

Haribon and FedEx also provided teaching materials to each participating school to further the impact of the program. 

“We’re proud to empower the youth to become leaders in their communities by cultivating their environmental consciousness and commitment. By educating children about environmental sustainability, we contribute to safeguarding their future and that of generations to come,” said Rhicke Jennings, FedEx Express managing director for the Philippines and Indonesia. 

FedEx is also donating 1,000 native tree seedlings in support of Haribon Foundation’s Rainforest Organizations and Advocates (ROAD) to 2020 program. 

FedEx volunteers will plant them in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal this summer.  This is expected to help reduce carbon emission by 192 tons and enhance options for sustainable livelihoods for more than 35,000 people. 

ROAD to 2020 is an environmental conservation movement to restore one million hectares of Philippine rainforests using native tree species by year 2020. 

FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories.