By Tendai Chisiri
Winners a t the NetOne Album Honde Valley Marathon in Nyanga
NetOne, a mobile telecommunications company whose services are available across Zimpost outlets, is a company that is deeply committed to sustainability, and responsible governance whilst recognizing the vital importance of achieving the goals set forth in Environment, Sustainability, and Governance.
They chose to sponsor a fitness marathon with a theme centered around environmental protection and the promotion of tourism. “Through this event, we aim to raise awareness about the pressing need to preserve our natural resources, promote sustainable practices, and foster a sense of responsibility towards our environment. By combining the power of fitness and the beauty of tourism, we hope to inspire individuals to become custodians of our planet, supporting sustainable tourism practices and actively participating in environmental conservation efforts”, NetOne chief executive officer said at a press conference at the fitness marathon.
The increasing frequency and intensity of veld fires threaten the stability and reliability of NetOne network infrastructure, while deforestation disrupts the natural habitats of wildlife and reduces the efficacy of their signal transmission. “By addressing these environmental challenges and actively participating in the rehabilitation of our ecosystems, we not only safeguard the integrity of our business operations but also contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations. It is imperative that we raise awareness and take action against veld fires, deforestation, and the rehabilitation of our environment. Let us unite in the pursuit of a sustainable future, where the mobile telecommunications industry thrives alongside a healthy and vibrant environment”, he explained.
NetOne, as a responsible corporate citizen, recognize the urgent need to mitigate the effects of climate change on their mobile telecommunications business. “We have implemented a range of solutions to address these challenges. Firstly, we have prioritized energy efficiency by upgrading our network infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment that consumes less power. We have also invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar base stations, to power our facilities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. At NetOne, we prioritize energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing green technologies to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, we have gone green and now customers are enjoying the convenience of using OneMoney Mobile Financial services where they can actually swipe and transfer both USD and ZWL from OneMoney to other banks. Additionally, we aim to implement virtualization and cloud-based technologies in the future, to reduce the need for physical hardware and minimize energy consumption. By continuously monitoring and optimizing our operations, NetOne strives to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly footprint”, chief executive officer elaborated.
Deforestation is another critical issue that demands attention. Forests act as vital carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and mitigating climate change. However, rampant deforestation disrupts this delicate balance and accelerates global warming. It is a responsibility to advocate for the protection and restoration of forests. In the face of deforestation, we actively support reforestation initiatives, partnering with environmental organizations to restore and preserve vital ecosystems. NetOne supports reforestation and afforestation projects and encourages their employees and customers to participate in tree- planting campaigns.
“At NetOne, we also recognize that achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)l 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages – is crucial for the overall progress and happiness of our society. That is why we have chosen to sponsor a marathon. By supporting this event, we aim to promote physical fitness, encourage an active lifestyle, and inspire individuals of all ages to prioritize their well-being. We understand that a healthy population leads to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and a better quality of life. Through our sponsorship, we hope to contribute to the creation of a healthier and more vibrant community, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We understand that a healthy population is a cornerstone of a thriving society, and we are committed to playing our part in promoting a culture of wellness. Together, let us take strides towards a healthier future for all”, he revealed.
He also said community engagement is paramount. “We must foster a sense of collective responsibility towards the environment. By adopting sustainable practices such as reducing waste and recycling, conserving energy and water, using eco-friendly transportation options, and supporting local and organic products, individuals can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the preservation of natural resources, and the protection of biodiversity. Additionally, actively participating in tree planting initiatives, joining community clean-up campaigns, and educating others about environmental issues can foster a sense of collective responsibility and inspire others to take action. Together, through our daily choices and actions, we can make a positive difference in rehabilitating and preserving our precious environment”, he said.
NetOne firmly believes that by raising awareness and taking action against veld fires, deforestation, and rehabilitating our environment, we can create a positive change. “Let us embrace our responsibility to protect our planet and ensure a better tomorrow for generations to come. Together, we can be the driving force behind a sustainable and resilient future”, he urged
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