By: Masayu Yulien Vinanda
Jakarta (29/04)-WWF-Indonesia acknowledged support from its partners by giving appreciation awards to the seven respected ones at WWF’s Corporate Gathering event carrying theme “Symphony and Synegy for a better Earth,” on Thursday (29/04) in Pacific Place Ballroom, Jakarta. Excluisve plaques s as symbol of WWF’s appreciation were handed over by WWF-Indonesia Boards. They were Chairman of The Executive Board Kemal Stamboel, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board Tati Darsoyo, and Vice Chairman of The Advisory Board DR. Arifin M. Siregar and member of The Advisory Board Ir. Djamaluddin Suryohadikusumo.
The WWF’s honorable partners were corporations and media who have supported WWF-Indonesia’s conservation efforts. For instance, HSBC, that has been actively working with WWF-Indonesia since 2001 through environmental education program. This London-based bank also supported global climate change campaign “Earth Hour” and WWF-Indonesia’s reforestation initiative NEWtrees in Mt. Rinjani National Park.

Appreciation was also awarded to Garuda Indonesia for supporting reforestation effort through NEWtrees program in Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan. Moreover, Garuda also supported Earth Hour since 2009.

Other corporations receiving award were The Jakarta Post for dedicating its pages for the environmental issue articles written by WWF-Indonesia, Sariayu for contributing in Save Sumatra campaign and environmental education program, Sharp for supporting Earth Hour through TV ad, radio, and print-ad, HINO for its donation of multipurpose truck as WWF’s education and campaign vehicle, and INRESH as the first member of WWF-Indonesia Corporate Club.
The Chairman of WWF-Indonesia Executive Board Kemal Stamboel expected the seven partners receiving WWF’s awards of appreciation will inspire other business players and media to play its role in conservation efforts.
“I hope there will be more partners from business and industry sectors to start makin solutions for environmental issues. Let’s form proactive synergy saving the earth. Let’s conserve nature for future generation,” he said.

The famous environmentalist Prof. Dr. Emil Salim attended the gathering of 140 corporations. The Former State Minister of the Environment underlined the importance of corporations role in conserving biological resources as the source of Indonesia excellence.
 
“Indonesia is one of the three developing countries beside Brazil and Zaire posseses the world highest bidoversities. It is our responsibility to conserve biological resources and develop sicence and technology to produce products that have global competitiveness. Your support on conserving this biological resources is a foundation of sustainable life in the global competition era,” he said.
Performances from WWF-Indonesia Honorary Supporters featuring acapella by Jamaica Cafe and renowned musicians Katon Bagaskara and Nugie closed the series of WWF’s Corporate Gathering event.