ATI sustains environment efforts amid pandemic

August 23, 2021

Listed trade enabler Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) is sustaining its commitment to promote environmental protection and sustainable development, even in the middle of theCovid-19 pandemic, planting thousands of mangrove trees in neighboring coastal communities, recently.

In line with its institutional partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in support of the Ocean Protection Program of global trade enabler DP World, its foreign equity partner, ATI initially planted over 3,000saplings along the beachfront of Baseco, Manila and the river basin of San Juan, Batangas.

ATI employees alongside community leaders and volunteers planted endemic mangrove species, particularly Nilad, in areas spanning over three hectares while following stringent safety protocols.

According to DENR, mangroves like Nilad have the capacity to capture carbon three to five times more compared to mountain forests. Mangroves also protect coastal communities against tidal surges, especially during strong typhoons which frequent an archipelago such as the Philippines.

“ATI is not just a trade enabler but also a sustainability leader. As a responsible port organization and an active partner in community-building, we continuously invest in relevant environmental initiatives alongside government and port stakeholders to promote long-term sustainability and climate change resilience, especially in communities where we operate,” ATI executive vice president William Khoury said.

ATI’s recent activity is also aligned with the environmental policy of the Philippine Ports Authority which requires port operators under its jurisdiction to plant trees or mangroves within their respective business locations to help address climate change.

Apart from planting trees, ATI supports the government-led rehabilitation of the Manila Bay, LaMesa Watershed protection, community sanitation programs, battery recycling, and other environmental initiatives in partnership with non-governmental organizations under its dynamic Corporate Sustainability Program anchored on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Photo shows ATI’s environment manager Janice Picardal (6th from left), representatives of DENR-CENRO and officials of Barangay 649 as they led the mangrove planting in Baseco, Manila last July 7.