The Vodacom Group is bolstering its relationship with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) South Africa by launching a project to help preserve and protect healthy oceans, as well as ensure sustainable seafood production and consumption.
This project supports Vodacom’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by using digital innovation (SDG 9) to resolve sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG 12) in order to protect and sustainably utilize the oceans, seas, and marine resources for future generations (SDG 14).
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), more than a billion people depend on seafood as their primary source of protein, and the fisheries sector employs more than 300 million people directly or indirectly.
“Our oceans are in peril as a result of overfishing, illicit and uncontrolled fisheries, as well as the effects of climate change and pollution, with many species totally depleted. To mitigate the effects of climate change and overfishing, large-scale environmental and socio-economic initiatives are clearly needed. These strategies, on the other hand, would only be successful if individual behaviors begin to change. For example, a key part of the collaboration will be expanding the WWF-South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) network of young influencers and role models who are committed to serving as ambassadors and campaigning for the oceans,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Vodacom SA’s Chief Officer for External Affairs.
Utilizing the power of technology to increase awareness and ocean literacy while promoting pro-environmental decision-making and action is critical to the WWF partnership. Vodacom will use its technical capabilities to digitize educational tools, launch a fish identification app for students, and train WWF-South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative’s (WWF-SASSI) chefs.
“The aim of the project is to create a critical mass of knowledgeable seafood consumers who will increase demand for sustainable seafood and contribute to the protection of our oceans. “We are committed to assisting with this by offering creative technology and digital solutions, and we also agree that collaborations are crucial in helping to save the environment,” Netshitenzhe continues.
The planet’s oceans are its beating heart. They occupy more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface and help to combat climate change by releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while also collecting and storing carbon dioxide.
The Vodacom Foundation has been promoting education for 22 years, believing that technology is a vital enabler in the learning process. The basis for South Africa’s future will be equitable access to a strong and high-quality education. The collaboration with WWF South Africa adds to Vodacom’s ICT strategy and contribution to education. Youth and future leaders will be encouraged to make responsible and environmentally sustainable choices that will have a positive effect on the environment by integrating environmental education into the Vodacom Mobile Education Programme and offering online training courses.
The introduction of an app that helps students and in-training chefs find sustainable seafood sources.
The WWF-SASSI and the Responsible Fisheries Alliance training courses have been transformed into engaging e-learning opportunities.
The provision of devices and data to help WWF-SASSI cooks, volunteers, and ambassadors communicate more effectively.
“The WWF mission is accomplished by providing practical ways for people and societies to protect the world’s biological diversity, ensure the fair use of renewable natural resources, and encourage emissions reduction, responsible activities, and sustainable natural resource consumption,” says Pavs Pillay, Behaviour Change Lead and WWF-SASSI Manager.
“The ecological, social, and economic issues are all intertwined. Collaboration and multi-pronged approaches are needed for transformational change.
As a result, collaborations with corporations like Vodacom are critical to safeguarding our planet’s wealth above and below the oceans, both now and in the future,” Pillay says.
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