Panasonic in Sh4m drive to cut Kenya's carbon emissions

By Standard Reporter

Panasonic has announced a multi-million partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help reduce carbon emission into the atmosphere.

Last week, the electronics manufacturer said it would use (Sh4 million) $50,000 in conservation around the Lake Victoria region. The project entails working with community-based organisations and selected schools in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The Panasonic-WWF partnership project is designed to empower catchment communities, schools and regional partners with the knowledge, and motivation for sustainable use and management of natural resources.

"Through this project, we aim to be environmental conscious and instill a sense of ecological responsibility in our youth by training them to be proactive in protecting their world for the sake of their future," said Mr Mohammed Awer, Country Director, WWF Kenya Country Office.

One school each from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya will be transformed into a green model school where students will be encouraged to develop and sustain a green idea. Students will be urged to be environmentally responsible and act as citizens of the earth to protect the planet.

The project aims to encourage dialogue pupils with the world through formation of ecology clubs and forums.

This move is part of Panasonic’s global zeal to drive eco-innovation by 2018, the 100th anniversary of its foundation.

The three East African States touted a programme that would cut emissions stemming from deforestation around L. Victoria as a potential money-spinner.

Eleanor Milne, then head of the programme and a Colorado State University scientist said the Carbon Benefits Project will use the L. Victoria to create a standardised way to measure carbon storage in the same ways.