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Healthy forests, meadows, rivers and lakes are the basis for the well-being of our world. But biodiversity is at risk. Serious threat in the face of historic wildfires, floods, droughts and the ongoing impacts of human activities.

With so many problems, it’s hard to believe that planting a single tree can make a big difference. But it’s true.

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Every tree is an important safeguard against climate change as it naturally absorbs and stores carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, trees play a crucial role in regulating, conserving and promoting biodiversity. As we all face escalating environmental crises, the simple act of planting a tree is proving to be a crucial step in the fight against large-scale destruction.

To support these important efforts, TELUS has integrated environmental stewardship and regeneration practices into its business model. Since first investing in a shared sustainable future by pursuing nature-based solutionsTELUS has planted over 12.7 million trees and more than 500,000 kelp plants off the west coast of Canada.

What are nature-based solutions?

“Nature-based solutions refer to actions that restore, protect and sustainably manage natural resources. Systems of all kinds,” says Dr. Sophie Nitoslawski, strategic program director at TELUS ​Environmental Solutions Team. “These solutions address challenges related to climate change, food and water security, land degradation and biodiversity loss, and bring a wide range of benefits to people and nature.”

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By leveraging partnerships and technology expertise, TELUS supports available nature-based solutions through new and emerging technologies. A partnership between TELUS and Flash Forest has enabled the development of drone technology that can be used in reforestation efforts. The use of drones can significantly expand tree planting efforts and reach areas that are too difficult, dangerous or remote for humans.

Not only is 50 percent of the world economy (or $44 trillion in economic value) are threatened by biodiversity loss. The impacts of biodiversity loss are also felt in everyday life.

“Healthy ecosystems are fundamental to the health and well-being of our communities,” says Nitoslawski. “The full range of environmental, economic and social benefits that nature provides increases (ecological) resilience and contributes to building a more sustainable future.”

How are nature-based solutions good for business?

With more than twenty years of experience in implementing sustainability and decarbonization initiatives, TELUS aims to help companies make the transition to greater sustainability and Showcase that investments in nature-based solutions can benefit both the economy and the environment.

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Risk minimization is a great environmental benefit and business opportunity— nature-based solutions such as those offered by TELUS can achieve 30 percent of the global carbon dioxide emission reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030. Improving the natural infrastructure provided by the environment is also expected to represent a $160 billion opportunity, meaning that investing in tree and kelp planting not only protects the environment but also the economy.

Nature-based solutions can also help companies achieve sustainability goals, stay ahead in environmental compliance, and build positive brand equity and awareness. A survey conducted by TELUS found that over 50 percent of Canadians surveyed are happy to do business with environmentally conscious companies, and over 80 percent see tree planting as an important action companies can take.

Supporting nature restoration initiatives can also boost employee morale and engagement, as employees increasingly seek meaningful work and companies that align with their values, including environmental protection. “Incorporating tree planting into employee rewards, recognition and milestone initiatives can also help prevent corporate gift waste and reduce packaging and shipping costs,” says Nitoslawski. According to some researchThe 25 percent most engaged organizations experience higher profitability, higher employee retention rates, and greater customer loyalty.

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With the help of partners like Flash Forest and veritreand TELUS Environmental Solutions’ own reforestation services, TELUS is conducting pilot projects such as Intelligent Forest to improve reporting transparency in conservation efforts. TELUS also offers solutions that do not require significant capital expenditures while maintaining operational transparency, allowing employees and customers to see for themselves how companies are sustaining conservation efforts and even monitor the actual impacts of those efforts. Finally, accountability remains paramount.

Companies looking to forge their own path to nature restoration should consider partnering with TELUS, a company that helps its customers reap the benefits of nature-based solutions. Good environmental stewardship is part of good business.

Visit telus.com/restoration to find out more.

This story was created by Content worksPostmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of TELUS.

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