IPNLF launches women-focused e-commerce platform; Philippines joins Blue Carbon Action Partnership

SeafoodSource is closely following the sustainable seafood movement by compiling a regular round-up of sector updates pertaining to sustainability initiatives.

- The International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) has launched eDhumashi, an e-commerce platform focused on improving the lives of women in the Maldives' fishing sector. The goal of the platform is to serve as a link between buyers and sellers that minimizes both language barriers and the difficulties associated with limited market information. 

“I ... sincerely hope that eDhumashi paves the path to bridge our local islands with wider markets,” Ibrahim Nashid, the president of the Gemanafushi women's fishery cooperative, said in a release. 

The program was selected for funding by the UNDP’s Ocean Innovation Challenge out of 300 proposals.

“I truly believe this is the application the people in the outer islands need to tap into the markets in the capital,” IPNLF Director of Science M. Shiham Adam said. 

- Kastrup, Denmark-based Espersen announced that its near-term emission targets have been validated by the Science-Based Targets Initative (SBTi),  The company’s scope 1 and scope 2 target emissions are in line with a 1.5-degree celsius trajectory, Espersen said in a release. 

“Sustainability is not just a goal, but a core value deeply embedded in Espersen's DNA. We firmly believe in the principle of 'we say what we do and we do what we say' when it comes to our commitment to environmental stewardship,” Espersen CEO Kalus Nielsen said.

Espersen aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions by 42 percent by 2030, using 2021 as a base year. 

“The validation of our near-term emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative is a testament to the ongoing efforts and unwavering dedication of Espersen. We are proud of this milestone, and it serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations. We remain resolute in our pursuit of our sustainability goals, demonstrating that meaningful action is not just a promise, but the only way of doing business at Espersen,” Nielsen said. 

-The Philippines' Department and Natural Resources announced the country is joining the World Economic Forum’s Blue Carbon Action Partnership. The partnership is working to accelerate restoration and conservation of coastal ecosystems. 

“Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves are critical to life in the ocean and to those who live alongside it. Increasingly, we are also recognizing their vital role to buffer us against the worst effects of the climate crisis,” Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum head. Alfredo Giron said in a release. “When blue carbon benefits are recognized and valued by governments and businesses, who commit and invest in the restoration of mangrove, seagrass, and salt marsh ecosystems around the world, everybody wins – people, nature, climate, and ultimately, the planet.”

The partnership will convene, coordinate, and support high-quality blue carbon action, and represent approximately 700 billion metric tons of carbon-sequestering mangroves and seagrasses in the Philippines. 

“The Philippines, endowed with rich biodiversity and extensive coastlines, is home to vast blue carbon ecosystems. We look forward to working with the Blue Carbon Action Partnership to facilitate the inclusive, whole-of-society approach to developing a shared ambition for blue carbon, community resilience, inclusive development and unlocking the Philippines' potential to provide nature-based climate solutions for the rest of the world whilst supporting our programs for protected areas and preparing the country for participating in the new blue economy,” Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary  Antonia Loyzaga said. 

Photo courtesy of IPNLF