Coca-Cola & WWF organize insightful Field Trip on World Environment Day

Karachi, June 5, 2012: Coca-Cola Pakistan in association with the WWF, organized a field trip on World Environment Day to Nathiagali, where a comprehensive project for watershed management is now in its fourth year of implementation. This project, with far-reaching and sustainable environmental benefits is wholly financed by The Coca-Cola Foundation, with WWF Pakistan as the implementation partner.

The field trip was for 23 Bachelors and Masters level students of environmental sciences, from leading institutions of Islamabad, including universities of National University of Sciences and Technology, Quaid-E-Azam University, Islamic International University and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics. A number of journalists reporting on the environment were also part of the group.

The participants were first given presentations by Coca-Cola and WWF representatives and then taken on a visit to Namli Mera, one of the project sites. Here they were shown first-hand the various aspects of the project, which include renovation and strengthening of natural water courses, saplings nursery and tree plantation, fruit orchard and flower cultivation by local communities for livelihood creation, environmental awareness creation for locals and tourists to the area, solar water-heating to reduce dependence on forest wood resources and rainwater harvesting.    

Speaking on the occasion, Fahad Qadir, Coca-Cola Pakistan’s Director Public Affairs and Communications said: “The environment is a key focus area for Coca-Cola globally as part of its CSR strategy, which goes well beyond mere one-off philanthropic donations, to supporting long-term projects that bring about sustainable benefits. This project in partnership with WWF is an excellent example of our approach, as the project is already in its 4^th year of implementation and measurable benefits are accruing, especially for the local communities who are now proudly taking ownership of the project.”

In addition to visiting the project site, the group of students was also taken on guided nature tour of the scenic Pipeline Walk in Ayubia National Park, with WWF eco-guides providing invaluable information and insights into the natural environment of this important national park.

The theme for the World Environment Day this year is ‘Green Economy – does it include you?’ and the field trip conducted by Coca-Cola and WWF was very much in line with this theme, demonstrating how the corporate sector can productively partner with specialist NGOs for developing a green economy.  

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks.

Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.

For more information, please contact:

Khurram Zia Khan or Afsar Khan

Asiatic PR - Ph: 35867576 - 35837674