Dubai-based global logistics provider DP World says it has made a new commitment to safeguard ocean health, with the additional duty to increase access to clean water, sanitation provisions, and protect aquatic biodiversity.
DP World’s Our World, Our Future sustainability strategy is said to have guided all DP World’s global business operations since its launch in 2015. Its focus areas, which now include water, are believed to help DP World work responsibly, prioritising sustainable and inclusive growth to create a positive impact for the communities and environments in which it operates. The new Water focus area combines existing ocean sustainability efforts with a commitment to support equitable access to water and sanitation. It also ensures all the aquatic environments – including several major port areas – where the company operates are sustainable, resilient and free from pollution. Activities within Water include employee coastal clean-ups, delivering educational training, delivering critical sanitation supplies and restoring biodiversity.
DP World Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Maha AlQattan, said: “DP World increasingly operates in regions where polluted oceans, water security and sanitation hinder sustainable development. Our teams around the world are already taking steps to overcome this challenge in partnership with the communities they serve. That’s why we are extending our Oceans legacy focus area to become Water under the ‘Our World, Our Future’ strategy. Working with partners including UNICEF, The Earthshot Prize and UN Global Compact’s Ocean Stewardship Coalition, we’ll focus on conserving oceans, ecosystem restoration, coastal clean-ups, drinking water access, promoting hygiene and educational programmes, among other activities. If we can improve ocean health, provide more equitable water access and connect more families to reliable sanitation, we can provide a critical foundation for improved economic growth, human rights and resilience to the effects of climate change.”
With a major coastal and waterside presence through DP World’s ports, terminals and other assets, ocean health and clean water access is considered to be foremost in the company’s ESG targets.
