Total Number of…
Funds Raised in 7 YearsUSD
People Benefitted by 5 IMPACT HEROESPeople
Countries Served by 5 IMPACT HEROESCountries
Participants of Social Innovation programParticipants
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors.
We borrow it from our children. ”
Earth Company
empowers and inspires
change-makers who realize social change
for our future generations.
WHAT’S NEW
Explore the social impact scene through our Impact Bali Excursions
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BALI AS IT STANDS
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33436" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Bali is undeniably a hotspot for tourism. Well known for its fascinating culture and breathtaking nature, this paradise of an island attracts up to 6 million international visitors every year (pre-pandemic). [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] However, behind all of the lush landscapes, captivating traditions, and its colorful islanders, Bali also faces its myriad of challenges. Decreasing groundwater levels, plastic pollution, limited land for agriculture, and wildlife trafficking are just a few of the problems that are so apparent. These issues became the driving force behind the birth of the many innovative, progressive socio-eco entrepreneurs and NGOs we find in Bali today. More recently, Bali has become increasingly known for something more than just tourism. It has become a hub for social innovation with a continuously growing sense of awareness for the planet and its people. It has become a community of changemakers trying to make this world an equitable place, a more mindful place, and a more regenerative place for all lives.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]INTRODUCING: IMPACT BALI EXCURSION
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In light of this awakening, Earth Company started the Impact Bali Excursion. A fun yet informative, a casual yet transformative experience designed to explore how this world-changing shift in awareness is manifesting itself on the ground. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33438" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Impact Bali Excursion aims to deliver a transformative and purposeful experience in Bali for corporates and conference attendants alike. Our commitments are to provide all participants with:-Personal connections with social innovators -Maximized positive outcome from program activities, and -Minimum negative impact on the environment and society[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]IMMERSION INTO SOCIAL INNOVATION
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Learning directly from the frontline experts working to tackle some of the world's pressing issues; our ever-expanding network of changemakers in Bali ensures an enriching and eye-opening experience for those who attend.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33440" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Get introduced to world-renowned innovators Green School Bali; groundbreaking grassroot activists of Environmental Bamboo Foundation and SungaiWatch; award-winning social enterprises such as Kopernik. Handep and Bumi Sehat; as well as learn the model of sustainable tourism with next-gen eco resort Mana Earthly Paradise. These pioneers are questioning the current system and walking the talk in seeking a better, more regenerative future.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]INSPIRING SOLUTIONS TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Participants will be immersed in these world changing movements to ignite a sense of awareness within. We directly connect them with the inspiring pioneers and changemakers to instill a thirst for change. We explore real-world problems, and engage in thought-provoking discussions to come up with practical and meaningful solutions.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33442" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]By the end of the excursion, participants will come out informed and inspired, equipped with the knowledge to become champions for the people and the planet in either their line of work and personal lives.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]EXPLORE WHILE MAKING BALI A BETTER PLACE
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our commitments to expand participants’ worldview and incite positive change will not be at the expense of society and the environment. In fact, the Impact Bali Excursion follows Earth Company’s values to implement circular and regenerative practices, where we aim to keep our environmental and social footprint as minimal as possible.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33444" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In order to minimize our environmental and social footprint, Impact Bali Excursions includes reusable everyday products that help reduce use of single-use products. Our program is also curated to empower local communities, and places utmost respect for local cultures and customs.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]OUR PAST IMPACT TOUR EXPERIENCES
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Earth Company ran a one-day corporate Impact Tour for the travel bag company, LOJEL. As part of LOJEL’s gathering of staff and distributors in Bali, Earth Company designed and organized a program to inspire new perspectives on sustainability for the company. The one-day program started off with a visit to Mana Earthly Paradise to showcase how the hotel was designed to become a regenerative model for businesses in the tourism industry. The tour then continued to the IDEP Foundation, an organization that promotes permaculture. Everyone had the opportunity to learn more about how permaculture gardening is an agricultural practice that is local, efficient, and regenerative; leading to organic and healthy products.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33446" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Lastly, the Impact Tour ended with a visit to the world-famous Green School Bali, learning about how a shift in education can nurture a future generation of changemakers. Though just one day in duration, everyone was inspired as light bulbs lit up in the participants’ minds and their eyes opened to new possibilities. Though just one day in duration, everyone was inspired as light bulbs lit up in the participants’ minds and their eyes opened to new possibilities.AVPN Summit Participants
In 2020, Bali hosted the first-ever Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Southeast Asia Summit from the 12th to the 14th of February. The event brought together over 200 participants working in the social impact sector from the region. As part of the summit activities, Earth Company organized a half-day social innovation program for participants from various impact organizations. These included Secondmuse, Moonshot Venture, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, BenihBaik, PLUS and the Asia Philanthropy Circle. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33448" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The program started at Bumi Sehat Clinic where the participants met founder (and Impact Hero 2016) Robin Lim. After a wonderful discussion between Robin and the participants about how gentle, loving, natural birth helps achieve world peace, the day continued at Mana Earthly Paradise. At Mana Earthly Paradise, participants were given a tour of the eco-resort and learned about the eco-technologies and sustainable business practices being used. They were impressed with the low impact design Mana adapted, from earth bad villas, wastewater garden, to solar power lighting, just to name a few.Diplomat Success Challenge Competition
In November 2021, we hosted one leg of Indonesia’s renowned business challenge for young entrepreneurs, Diplomat Success Challenge (DSC). Joining our program were 12 finalists, of which were selected from what started off at 18,000 applicants. The study tour started with a meditation walk to the nearby rice field in order to reconnect with themselves and nature. After the meditation walk, the finalists had the opportunity to listen to the life stories of Tomo and Aska, the history behind Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise, as well as the sustainability principles and practices at the property.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33450" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]All 12 finalists then joined Mana’s sustainability tour that explored the different eco-technologies implemented that ensure a sustainable and regenerative business model at the entire establishment. They also gained insight on the different products found at Mana Market and Mana Kitchen that promote social, cultural, and environmental sustainability; as well as personal health and well-being. The finalists expressed interest in all the sustainable practices and asked lots of questions about how to commit to walking the talk, and growing to become social innovators as well.MAKE YOUR NEXT CORPORATE OUTING ONE THAT LEAVES A POSITIVE FOOTPRINT, WITH US.
Get in touch with us, and create your customized impact excursion for your team and colleagues!
Contact us: [email protected]
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Announcing Impact Hero 2022 and the Finalists
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company called for applications to Impact Hero 2022 in August 2021 and received dozens of applications from a total of 15 countries. The selection committee was once again impressed by the applicants’ great visions and their initiatives tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. After much discussion and careful consideration, the committee selected 7 distinguished changemakers to be part of the Impact Hero 2022 cohort.With much anticipation and excitement, we are thrilled to share with you the Grand Winner and 6 Finalists of Impact Hero 2022![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
IMPACT HERO 2022 : Samir Lakhani
IMPACT HERO 2022 : Samir Lakhani [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Samir’s Profile: Samir Lakhani is the Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Soap Bank, a nonprofit organization that employs women to recycle leftover soap from factories which is redistributed to save lives. He is a social entrepreneur dedicated to restoring health and dignity in developing countries. In recognition of his work, Samir has received a number of awards including the CNN Heroes Award, Forbes 30 under 30 award, Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Award, Rotary Presidential Peacebuilding Award, amongst others. He also recently gave a TEDx talk. He is a business development professional with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from University of Pittsburgh.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1642750170818{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #c0d5bc !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_column_text]
Reasons for selecting Samir Lakhani as Impact Hero 2022
Message from Samir
Impact Hero 2022 Finalists
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32905" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Sungai Watch is on a mission to protect and restore Indonesia’s rivers by developing and designing simple technologies to stop the flow of plastic pollution from entering the ocean.Gary’s Profile: Gary is an environmental activist and filmmaker. He co-founded Make A Change World in 2009 with his siblings, a media outlet that uncovers uplifting and inspirational stories. With his younger brother Sam, he has launched a series of expeditions to travel down some of the world's most polluted rivers on upcycled plastic bottle rafts, including the Mississippi River and the Citarum River. Gary now dedicates 100% of his time towards growing Sungai Watch, a non-profit with the mission of protecting waterways starting in Indonesia. Since October 2020, the organization has successfully installed 108 barriers to stop plastic pollution from going into the ocean, removing over 350,000 kgs of plastics from Bali's waterways. In 2022, Sungai Watch is expanding to tackle the most polluted rivers of Indonesia by placing 1,000 barriers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32907" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Mobilizing youth leaders to promote environmental conservation through communication, education, and community organizing.Hong’s Profile: For almost 20 years, Hong has worked on raising public awareness and engaging communities to tackle climate change, pollution, and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam. With 350.org, a global climate change organization, she helped to build the youth-led climate movements in Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. In early 2013, Hong founded CHANGE, an NGO that utilizes new media and creative communication to mobilize, organize, and build the capacity of local youth groups to take action to solve the country’s most urgent environmental issues. In collaboration with CHANGE, young people and other stakeholders, including local celebrities and business-people, work to mitigate climate change, support affected communities, prevent air and plastic pollution, protect endangered wild animals, and promote renewable energy and sustainable living.Hong was inspired to take on environmental work after she joined a UNESCO expedition team of 35 youth from 25 countries to travel to Antarctica in 1997. She was the first Vietnamese citizen ever to set foot on the continent and became a Special Junior Envoy of UNESCO, and received a Certificate of Merits from the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Hong received her bachelor’s degree in foreign trade economics from Hanoi’s Foreign Trade University and her bachelor’s degree in English from Hanoi University of Foreign Studies.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32903" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Empowering community members to improve their lives in healthy and sustainable ways based on the ethics and principles of permaculture.Ego’s Profile: Musician, singer songwriter and environmental troubadour Ego Lemos is a remarkable man, with a remarkable voice in more ways than one.
While he currently represents Permatil as the Executive Director, in the past he served as the National Adviser on Curriculum Development for Basic Education on Arts & Culture and Permaculture School Gardens for the Ministry of Education of Timor-Leste. He is also a lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture and Public Arts & Culture at the University of Timor-Leste.He co-authored ‘Permaculture Gardens for Kids’ produced by Permatil, along with several guidebooks and training manuals on permaculture.
He received several awards for his environmental work including:
USAID's Tourism for All Award ‘Climate Champion’ in 2021 The Earth Hall of Fame by the Earth Forum Kyoto, Japan, in 2019 Human Rights Award ‘Sergio Viera de Mello’ President Palace of Nicolao Lobato, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in 2018.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32909" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Economically empowering women through developing crafting skills and commercializing their handmade products globally.Maisha’s Profile: Maisha Lubaba has paved the way for more than 300 rural artisans by ensuring their economic empowerment through the social enterprise named Protibha (which means ‘talent’ in Bengali). Her keen sense of social responsibility led her to work in the development sector. As a woman born and brought up in Bangladesh, the crafting talent of rural Bengali women has always amazed Maisha. But it was also heart wrenching at the same time, how these talents never get to be nurtured and supported enough. This feeling provoked her to be part of an enterprise that connects rural talents with urban markets.This enterprise takes a holistic approach by advocating the human rights among the community people, then developing zero skilled rural women to high skilled artisans through quality product development. Their creation is later commercialized globally to ensure their financial security and also the preservation of the heritage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32911" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Solving global plastic waste and social problems in coastal communities by manufacturing seaweed-based biodegradable packaging.Nory’s Profile: Nory was born in Pekalongan in a chemical trading family. She first learnt about chemicals, including alginate flour from seaweed, when she was 8 years old. She got her undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Chemistry (Bandung Institute of Technology) and Food Science (IPB University), respectively. She had worked in quality control and R&D in a food color company before she moved to Atma Jaya Catholic University as lecturer in 2009. She is thankful that some institutions have recognized and supported her bioplastic innovation: L’Oreal (2010), Toray Foundation (2011), Diplomat Success Challenge (2012), Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), Indonesia Ministry for Higher Education (2013-2019), and Indonesia Ministry for Law & Human Rights (2016).She realizes that she was equipped with all the experiences from her childhood, education, and career and achievement to fulfill her mission to alleviate poverty in seaweed farmers by using their seaweed to solve global plastic waste pollution sustainably.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32901" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Collaborating with women led weaving communities and offering market access sustainably via 3Cs Commerce, Community collaboration, and Consultancy - for alleviation of systemic poverty.Aparna’s Profile: Aparna Bhatnagar Saxena identifies herself as an unapologetic feminist, a vegan, an environmentalist, and a student for life. An Indiannow based in Jakarta, she has lived and worked in 4 countries in Asia. In addition to leading TORAJAMELO by ensuring that social, environmental, and cultural sustainability of indigenous communities in Indonesia is preserved and promoted, she is ASEAN lead for She Loves Data that enables women to enter the world of data and pursue careers in the same. She is a core member of Going Green in Jakarta, a community of enthusiasts who aim to make living sustainable and green in Indonesia.She also promotes and walks her values as the co-founder of Vriksh Impact Partners, a boutique investment and advisory firm in India that is focussed on supporting and growing early-stage plant-based businesses in India.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Kicked off support for the Impact Hero 2021 Cohort
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Starting this year Earth Company has launched a new support program for the Impact Hero cohort. This is an exciting journey and challenge for the organization as we have selected and worked with one Impact Hero at a time in the past.This year, we have the opportunity to work with 9 Impact Hero finalists in addition to the Impact Hero winner, thanks to our partnership with the Well-being for Planet Earth Foundation, a recently established Japan-based private foundation supporting research and innovation related to well-being.Here’s our exciting offering to the cohort:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
1. Lead-to-Regenerate (L2R) Empowerment Program
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32231" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Lead-to-Regenerate Empowerment Program is a 6-month hybrid program which aims to equip pioneering changemakers with meaningful knowledge and inspiration to reflect on their current work and leadership, stretch their imagination beyond immediate needs, and revisit their purposes and roles in their lives. The economic growth model of the past centuries has exploited the environment, divided communities, and exacerbated inequality. The world now faces an urgent need for an alternative model that is more regenerative, inclusive, and balanced in order to holistically improve the wellbeing of people and all beings on this planet. The following three concepts will be important in driving this "shift" among changemakers who are tackling a variety of social and environmental issues.- Regenerative
- Well-being
- Long-term Thinking
Photo: The cohort discussing “new leadership in new paradigm” in June
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In addition, as a final output for this program, we are planning to invite all the participants to Bali for an event titled "Regenerative Futures Summit" in the latter half of October (pandemic permitting). The purpose of this event is to provide a forum for participants to share their visions with the outside world and to expand the support network for social entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific region.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]2. Access to the Knowledge Hub and Expert Webinars
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Over the years, Earth Company has developed valuable resources and tools for Impact Heroes to strengthen their organizations, including a list of grant opportunities, practical skill-building materials, etc. We have also delivered online sessions to Impact Heroes by experts in the past on topics ranging from digital marketing to donor relation management. All these resources are updated regularly and will be accessible to Impact Heroes and finalists. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]3. Optional Mentorship Program
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company will provide mentoring services for the Impact Hero 2021 cohort by connecting them with mentors from our network. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]4. Impact Hero Community
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We will invite the 10 change-makers to an online community. The community’s purpose is to share and circulate any information that might be helpful to each other and seek advice/support from the group.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Call for Applications - Impact Hero 2022
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Last but certainly not least, we will start the call for applications for Impact Hero 2022 on August 8th. If you are interested in applying, please see the details and apply from here. We are excited to receive passionate applications from many of you! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][button size="large" target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Call for Applications" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/impact-heroes/2022-applications/"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Aska Hamakawa selected among Newsweek’s 100 Japanese the World Respects
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Alongside Japanese superstars Naomi Osaka and Shohei Ohtani, our Executive Director, Aska Hamakawa, was featured in an August 2021 edition of Newsweek Japan commending Earth Company’s support to changemakers and Mana Earthly Paradise’s innovative model. Aska nor the team was informed of the publication, so you can imagine the shock when a friend found her in print!In response to the delightful news, Aska commented: “To be honest, I’m not comfortable with just my name being highlighted because this has thoroughly been a team effort both for Earth Company and Mana. This recognition is completely the result of the hard work and dedication by our team members. In addition, if it weren’t for all our supporters and believers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. So, I’m receiving this on behalf of the entire Earth Company family” Thank you to all our supporters and partners for being part of our amazing journey and celebrating this milestone with us! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Impact Heroes at the Ashoka Changemaker Forum
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company and its Impact Heroes recently enjoyed a rare opportunity to collaborate at an exciting event co-organized by Ashoka and Singapore Management University’s Lien Centre for Social Innovation. The team hosted an experience workshop titled "Impact Heroes in Action: Integrating All Four Skills towards Social Innovation" with four of our Impact Heroes, Bella Galhos, Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, Wai Wai Nu, and Arief Rabik, at the CHANGEMAKER Forum, which attracted over 300 students, parents, and educators in total. The Impact Heroes not only shared their life stories and current challenges but also discussed the four critical qualities for changemakers: Conscious Empathy, Collective Teamwork, New Leadership, and Practicing Changemaking. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
Life-story interview with IMPACT HEROES
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32160" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The event began with life stories by Impact Heroes focused on why they do what they do, what motivates them to do what they do, and how to create change at the national and global levels.In the interview, Bella Galhos, Impact Hero 2015, stated “Leaders should speak on behalf of people without voices” and emphasized the importance of facing challenges head on. Following Bella, Kathy, Wai Wai, and Arief each shared their riveting life stories.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Dialogue session with participants
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]After the life-story interviews, the participants were split into small groups for Q&A and dialogue with Impact Heroes in more intimate settings. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32162" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Below is a short write-up of the key points shared in each breakout session:Bella Galhos’ group:
Having grown up as a girl soldier and defected to Canada, Bella is doing what no one else can. After serving as an advisor to the President, she has gone on to run her environmental school and shelter for LGBT children, providing grassroots support. Many participants were inspired by Bella's one-of-a-kind elements of her work. Without turning a blind eye to the poverty and education problems that Timor Leste is facing, they felt Bella's energy and kindness to listen to the unheard voices of the people involved and help them to make changes.Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner’s group:
Kathy is an exceptional change-maker, balancing her grassroots work supporting local youth through her NGO, Jo-Jikum, and her high-level work planning the country's climate change strategy. A participant from Singapore asked how a country like Singapore, which has been pursuing economic development, can transition to a green economy. She told us that the first step is to make it a national policy to introduce renewable energy in areas with high carbon footprints, such as electricity and shipping. It is also necessary to deepen knowledge about the world; a country like the Marshall Islands, which produces only 0.0001% of the world's carbon emissions, will be devastated by climate change. Kathy also spoke about using poetry and art to address the issue of climate change, saying "poetry can help cultivate empathy."Wai Wai Nu’s group :
Concerning the coup in Myanmar, Wai Wai and her team have reported on the damage and activities on the ground both domestically and internationally as well as conducted advocacy activities for international organizations. Wai Wai, who aims to realize an inclusive democracy that includes all minorities, regardless of gender or ethnicity, emphasized the importance of having hope. “No matter how difficult and painful the situation is, we, as changemakers, must not lose hope. We are the hope for the future.” Wai Wai responded to a question about skills needed among young people by offering her advice:, "listen effectively, proactively, and respond accordingly".[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32164" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We hope to continue to actively collaborate with Ashoka, SMU and other organizations that foster social entrepreneurship and changemaking to address the region’s most pressing challenges.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Impactful Completion of the “Cross-Boundary Exchange for Social Innovation” Program
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 25th February, Earth Company successfully concluded the first "Cross-Boundary Exchange for Social Innovation" online edition with eleven students from Osaka University and eight young social innovation practitioners from Indonesia. Organized by Osaka University and delivered by Earth Company, the six-day intensive virtual workshop aimed for the participants to formulate innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The program consisted of lectures from guest speakers engaged in socio-environmental issues in Bali and Japan, practical frameworks of social innovations, personal reflections, group work, and presentations. It was indeed an interdisciplinary learning experience with participants from various backgrounds including engineering, material science, philosophy, and healthcare who were all passionate about tackling challenges in climate change, poverty, waste, gender inequality, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31719" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]After learning the basic theories and frameworks of social innovation and the SDGs, the program focused on real-world challenges and solutions in Bali and Japan. Growing up in Bali and witnessing the good and bad aspects of mass tourism, I Putu Wiraguna shared his experiences in developing the Five Pillar Foundation and later the Ubud Bali Farm to uplift rural communities in Bali. Based in Akita, Japan, Yoshitaka Ohara from Habataku shared his work in regional revitalization. Habataku has been trying to transform the prefecture, whose population is decreasing and aging rapidly, into a more sustainable community by connecting people and re-designing learning and living environments for people of various ages.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31721" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31739" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]From day 3 to 5, the participants dove deeply into social and environmental initiatives, including urban and rural development, waste management, community and women empowerment, and healthcare in both places. Each speaker shared his/her personal stories that propelled them to devote themselves to their respective causes and how they overcame numerous obstacles. Despite everything online, all the participants were super engaged, asking questions about practical solutions and bringing ideas to their own projects and research.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31723" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31725" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]On the last day of the program, all the participants presented their social innovation projects or research themes, integrating the knowledge and tools from the past five days. We were amazed by the projects' maturity and creativity, from supporting a climate tech start-up ecosystem, empowering women in rural Indonesia, to making the shipping industry green, for example. We were also honored to have our speakers attend the presentations and listen to many innovative ideas from the next-gen changemakers.At the end of the program, the Indonesian participants received program certificates from Professor Hirata from Osaka University. To infuse a sense of reality to the online program, we invited onene Indonesian participant based in Bali to come to Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud and receive the certificate directly from Tomo, Managing Director of Earth Company.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31727" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Overall the program was a huge success. We are grateful to have this opportunity to nurture the next generation changemakers, just like Tomo shared, "I'm relieved and energized that we were able to make a strong impact on many, if not all, the nineteen participants. This sensation of impact-achievement is so special" . [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1616933045819{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="30416" img_size="medium" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]
Tomo Hamakawa
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Earth Company [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]Thank you to all the organizers, speakers, and participants of Cross-boundary Exchange for Social Innovation (CBX). Despite the virtual nature, the learning, the emotions, and the inspiration were all real. Im relieved and energized that we were able to make strong impact on many, if not all, the 19 participants. This sensation of impact-achievement is so special... And perhaps, quite simply, that’s what we want to feel at the end of our lives?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]A few words from the participants
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31835" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31837" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31839" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31841" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Osaka University and Earth Company had the privilege of hosting the following CBX speakers and their organizations:- I Putu Wiraguna , Ubad Farm Bali / Five Pillar Experiences
- Yoshitaka Ohara, Habataku Inc.
- Piter Panjaitan, Bali Life Foundation
- Aniek Puspawardani, Kelecung Project
- M. Abid Kamalsyah, STOP Project
- Chie Bannai & Ei Nozaki, Recotech
- Ibu Sari, PKP Community Center
- Robin Lim, Bumi Sehat Foundation
Partnering for Talent Development in Social Innovation with Amani Institute
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]At Earth Company, our mission is to empower and inspire change-makers who realize social change for our future generations. This includes nurturing the next generation change-makers through our Impact Bali program, and at times we partner with value-aligned organizations like Amani Institute to support their work in developing professionals who create social impact. In this context, we had the pleasure and honor to serve as the apprenticeship host organization for Amani’s first ever online Social Innovation Management Fellowship Program. During this 3-month apprenticeship, four fellows joined Earth Company and took on two important projects: Marketing Strategy for Mana Earthly Paradise and Market Research for Operation Green.We were impressed with the quality of the fellows’ work as well as their positive attitude. Despite having little experience in tourism and sustainability consulting, they were able to pick up the tasks rapidly and provided constructive and actionable recommendations for both projects. In short, it was a pleasant and successful collaboration! We are confident that this would serve as the beginning of a long-term partnership and look forward to hosting another batch of fellows. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1612764409637{background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1612762388911{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;border-right-width: 15px !important;border-left-width: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"]
A few words from Amani Institute and the Fellows
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31526" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Stephanie Haase
Global Program Manager, Amani Institute As we at Amani Institute started to come to terms with the world drastically changing overnight due to the pandemic, we had to make tough decisions affecting our programs. We wanted to ensure that we could continue our work of supporting changemakers safely, without losing quality and the potential for impact. We were able to do this, also thanks to the support from organisations like Earth Company, who were immediately willing to test and innovate with us. As we embarked on the journey of this remote apprenticeship/consultancy, I was continuously impressed by the ease of communication with the team from Earth Company. It was clear that the team truly cared about giving our Fellows a relevant and interesting challenge to get an introduction to what work can look like in the impact sector. Challenges, like working across time zones ranging from Japan to Peru and the US, were managed and any concerns were proactively approached. Our hope is always that the apprenticeships are useful for both the apprentices as well as the hosts, and it seems this goal was met! It was such a pleasure working with such a dedicated team of people, and I hope we will have the opportunity to continue working together in the future! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31528" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Aroun Dupuis
Amani Fellow I am Aroun from Switzerland. I worked for 10 years in the private banking industry before joining the Amani Social Innovation Program. Amani Institute creates new ways of educating professionals interested in building careers of meaning and impact, with the right blend of knowledge, skills, experience, and networks needed to be successful in their careers.As a part of our Social Innovation Program, I joined the Earth Company Team to learn how the social sector works, what it truly takes to create change and to put into practice all the skills that I learned during the 5 months program.During the apprenticeship, and with the help of my 3 other Amani fellows, we developed and implemented an “intrapreneurship challenge” around developing a marketing and business strategy for Mana Earthly Paradise, an eco-hotel affected during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic like most of the tourism industry. The impact we had was to create a potential alternative strategy for an industry facing unprecedented challenges using social media.I am very grateful to the Earth Company Team, who welcomed us in their community and shared with us their knowledge in sustainable tourism. I gained an insight into how it can be difficult to run a sustainable business during a global health crisis and how to create innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31531" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Andrea Tan
Amani Fellow I am Andrea Tan from California, but have spent the last 8 years working abroad in China in various Advertising Agencies for brands from Auto to Consumer Goods. One year I took some surf lessons in Bali, which led me to swim in an ocean of plastic. This moment triggered in me the desire to find meaning in my career and look for companies that prioritized social and environment impact before profit. When I joined Amani Institute, one of the enticing parts of the program is the emphasis on hands on experience. So when Earth Company was offered as one of the partners, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn about how to run a business venture while prioritizing social impact and keeping true to a company’s value. Due to Covid-19, the travel industry was heavily impacted and we were tasked with how to market Mana, a next generation eco-resort, to an audience that didn’t have a strong affinity to sustainability. Ideas were generated to create experiences that target the eco-conscious, but also tempted other types of travelers including those who wanted to travel, but couldn’t - all while ensuring that Mana aligned to its core values.Working in Earth Company, I learned that this model should serve not only as inspiration for those in the social entrepreneurship space, but should be a standard across all sectors - private and public. A business model where sustainable growth is important, but only when it coincides with the core values of People and Planet. Navigating this experience with the whole team working remotely from seven different countries made scheduling challenging, but it allowed for a multitude of different ideas and perspectives, which was a great learning opportunity and an invaluable experience with learnings I will take into my next opportunity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31533" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Mafe Zamora
Amani Fellow My name is Mafe Zamora, and I am a Peruvian social-driven woman that has been working for gender equality and Latin American workforce inclusion for a few years now. I decided to strengthen and enhance my innovation and change-making skills while learning from experience; that is why I decided to do the Social Innovation Management program online with the Amani Institute. The opportunity to do an apprenticeship presented, and I wanted to orient it towards sustainability and development. I decided to choose Earth Company because of their mission, their lines of action and their purpose, which I deeply share. Collaborating with the Mana team first and then with Operation Green was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn while doing and meet amazing people doing excellent work on the other side of the world. The challenge was inspiring. We learned a lot about responsible tourism while doing an intense research process and then ideating what we learned and the opportunities we envisioned for the future. The feedback given was always precious, and we got to have powerful conversations and connect as a team. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with two real projects and problems that the organization was facing. I am sure great things are yet to come for Earth Company, and I am very excited to watch it happen. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Invitation to Full-Scholarship Program: Diversity Voyage ONLINE in Bali
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Diversity Voyage in Bali
An Intensive Online Program on Sustainable Tourism, Circular Economy, and Global Citizenship
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Application deadline: 21 February 2021 by 10PM (GMT+8)
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Program Overview
The Diversity Voyage program is an experiential learning and participatory educational program designed for the promotion of global citizenship awareness. Launched in 2014, Diversity Voyage is organized by a Japanese organization called Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT) in collaboration with numerous partners in Southeast Asia. The program creates unique cross-cultural experiences for students at Toyo University, a private university in Japan founded in 1887, and university students and youth in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc. with over 1,500 individuals having participated in the program to date. The main purpose of the program is to train global citizens and mobilize them towards contributing to solving social and environmental challenges.The Diversity Voyage program in Bali has been implemented in partnership with Earth Company since 2016. While the first five batches have been held in person in Ubud, the upcoming batch in March 2021 will be delivered online given the current travel restrictions and open to Indonesians across the archipelago.The March 2021 program will focus on the themes of sustainable tourism and circular economy by using Mana Earthly Paradise, a next generation eco hotel in Ubud, as a case study.- How do we promote sustainable tourism and circular business models in Indonesia, Japan, and beyond?
- How will sustainable tourism and circular economy look like in the post-covid world?
WHO - PARTICIPANTS
- 25 students of Toyo University
- 16 Indonesian participants - you will be applying to this batch
WHERE
All sessions will be delivered on zoom (or other online platforms)WHEN
- 4th March – 10th March 2021 (7 days)
- Program orientation will be conducted beforehand. Date will be notified to the successful candidates.
FEE - Full-scholarship
- The scholarship will cover the participation fee
- Certificate of completion will be given by GiFT
REQUIREMENTS
- University/ Polytechnic students in Indonesia
- Able to participate in the whole program (4th – 10th March 2021)
- Have hospitality and motivation to learn from the program
- Have willingness to work as a team and to motivate others
- Have passion and strong interest in sustainable tourism, circular economy, and global citizenship
- Have interests in social awareness and global awareness
- English proficiency: excellent reading, writing, and speaking
- Prepare following items for the sessions: -PC with Wi-Fi access for the internet (tablets, smartphones are not recommended for long hours sessions) -Earphone with microphone -White blank papers (A4/letter size) -Thick Colored Pen (black or any legible color is OK)
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- Complete application form through
- GiFT & Earth Company will select participants based on submitted applications with consideration of participants’ diversity, and call for further interview sessions
- Selection results will be notified to each participant via Email.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]*Program schedule may be changed subject to weather and other unexpected circumstances[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]ORGANIZER
Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT)
Through Global Citizenship Education, GiFT connects people’s ambitions and creates new values. Global Citizenship is the ambition to make the world a better place. GiFT’s training structure is based on the so-called “Global Citizenship Process” with four key elements to foster global citizenship such as grounding, connecting, co-creating, and participation.Earth Company
Based in Indonesia and Japan, Earth Company is an impact-driven social enterprise that offers transformational support to change-makers, delivers inspiring educational programs, provides professional consulting services, and manages a next generation eco hotel in Ubud, Bali called Mana Earthly Paradise.CONTACT DETAILS
All questions could be addressed to [email protected] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Announcing Impact Hero 2021 and the Runner-up!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]After taking a year to consolidate the learning from the first five years, Earth Company called for applications to Impact Hero 2021 in July 2020. We received a record number of applications from 65 changemakers representing 17 countries, from Afghanistan in the west to Fiji in the east. The selection committee was impressed by the very high quality of candidates, especially the 10 finalists, this year. All of them demonstrate unshakeable commitment to tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our times. The committee members were even moved to tears by the life stories of some candidates. With much anticipation and excitement, we are thrilled to share with you the Grand Winner and Runner-up of Impact Hero 2021! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
IMPACT HERO 2021 : Arief Rabik
Country: Indonesia Organization: Environmental Bamboo Foundation
About Arief Rabik:
Arief is the President Director of Environmental Bamboo Foundation (EBF) and the founder of the 1000 Bamboo Villages project. He is a second-generation bamboo specialist, entrepreneur and scientist who is as capable and comfortable getting his hands dirty helping local producers on the ground as he is working with corporate leaders in the boardroom and politicians in national capitals to bargain for scalable policy and financial support to turn his vision into reality. EBF was originally founded in 1993 by his legendary interior designer mother, Linda Garland, who saw bamboo’s many positive qualities – flexibility, environmental friendliness, rapid and relatively easy propagation – as a solution to many problems in the world such as land degradation and climate change, and found her true calling in establishing bamboo as a viable replacement building material internationally.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31296" img_size="300×300" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]About Environmental Bamboo Foundation (EBF):
The Environmental Bamboo Foundation (EBF) is a non-profit organization with 30 years of experience working in the field of bamboo with a breakthrough strategy to solve two of the world’s most pressing issues - climate change and land degradation. Simultaneously, its solution creates economic opportunities for rural areas and promoting gender & social inclusion by creating large markets for bamboo to be used in building material, clothing, furniture, and more. EBF aims to restore degraded lands around the world with bamboo agroforestry by first establishing 1,000 Bamboo Villages in Indonesia and then scaling the model to 9 other tropical countries within Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.The goal is to set up 1,000 bamboo villages in Indonesia by 2029 and scale it to 9 other countries to build 10,000 bamboo villages in total by 2036. This will absorb 3% of the current global annual CO2 emissions and restore 20 million ha (1%) of the degraded lands throughout the world. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1545792029520{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_column_text]Reasons for selecting Arief Rabik as Impact Hero 2021
IMPACT HERO 2021 Message from Arief
A video message from Arief, shortly after informing him of the decision
"I'm speechless, I don't know what to say, but thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to work together to empower the farmers of Indonesia and around the world to restore their degraded lands and build this beautiful village-based industrial systems, this amazing forests that will supply us fibers, fuels and food of the future. So here is to our success!"
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="80px"][vc_column_text] RUNNER-UP : Randi Julian Miranda
RUNNER-UP : Randi Julian MirandaCountry: Indonesia Organization: Handep
About Randi and his work:
Randi is a prominent young Dayak figure in the field of sustainability, social entrepreneurship and indigenous rights advocacy. He is the Founder & CEO of Handep, a social enterprise that empowers Indigenous Dayak women and smallholder farmers through sustainable livelihoods and regaining their basic rights to lands and forests. Randi is also an avid environmentalist and community development practitioner, with extensive experience in project management, conservation, sustainable business, research and communication. He obtained his Master’s degree in Environmental Study (specialising in Sustainable Development) at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2018.After years of equipping himself with the knowledge and skill sets he needed, Randi decided to dedicate his life to support his community in Borneo Island whose life spaces are under threat. Through Handep, Randi strives to improve the local economy, especially for forest-dependent communities and preserve the rainforests, not only for the biodiversity and conservation value, but for the future of humanity. His current works focus on providing sustainable alternative livelihoods using local resources and regaining the rights of Indigenous Dayaks to their customary forests which are continuously converted for the overdevelopment of extractive industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="80px"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Meet Other Impact Hero 2021 Finalists" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/blog/impact-hero-2021-finalists/"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Earth Company Partners with The Long Run
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31176" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are pleased to announce that Earth Company has joined The Long Run as an Affiliate member to drive positive change for the health of the planet and the well-being of people.The Long Run is one of the world’s largest sustainable development movements led by nature-based businesses. It started out as an initiative of the Zeitz Foundation, founded by celebrated philanthropist Jochen Zeitz. Today, it is an independent UK-based charity that collectively with its members helps conserve over 20-million-acres of biodiversity and improves the lives of 750,000 people. As an Affiliate Member, we share the same drive to support sustainable, ecologically and socially responsible projects through the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]
Earth Company partners with The Long Run to create a world in which Business, Nature and People are working together for a sustainable future.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31178" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]CONSERVATION
Biodiversity is life. Conservation is safeguarding this biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem services it provides which support global needs. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]As a Long Runner, we support the sustainable use of natural resources by adapting circular design and eco-practices at Mana Earthly Paradise, our next generation eco-hotel in Ubud, Bali. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31321" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31323" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31184" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]COMMUNITY
People matter; it is the right of every person to have their basic needs met and enhancing the well-being of communities is a fundamental obligation of all. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company actively partners with local community projects, such as FoodComa, Plastic Exchange Bali, and The Togetherness Project Bali to host markets and events to support local vendors and communities whose livelihood was hit by the Covid pandemic. We also host fundraising events for local NGOs, including Bumi Sehat that offers free healthcare services to disadvantaged communities in Bali and Ranu Welum that empowers indigenous Dayak youth to act on social justice, indigenous rights, and the protection of Kalimantan forests.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31325" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31327" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our latest community initiative is “Mana School”, an educational program aiming to engage local children around Mana Earthly Paradise to raise awareness around sustainable living and to nurture the next generation eco-citizens. Every Sunday, we offer English and sustainability lessons to local primary school students taking Mana's various eco-practices as examples.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31329" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31331" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31194" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]CULTURE
Our world is culturally diverse. Celebrating commonality is what nurtures understanding. Respecting difference is crucial to our future. Our ability to innovate and evolve is what makes us uniquely human. Drawing on our uniqueness we enrich each other and contribute to a greater common good. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company honors the cultural heritage of Bali through the ethos of Mana Earthly Paradise. Its design responds to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—harmony between people, gods and nature. and has manifested into five guiding principles: Be organic, Be eco, Be ethical, Be social, and Be local. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image="31335" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We also strengthen intercultural relationships and understanding through our Impact Bali Program, which offers transformative, experiential opportunities to professionals and students from around the world to learn sustainability and social innovation projects in Bali.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31339" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31337" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31204" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]COMMERCE
This dimension addresses the sustainability of commercial operations recognising the intricate link between profit, natural and social assets. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We recognize that business can be a force for good and profit can and should go hand in hand with productive ecosystems, and prosperous communities. We set foot to achieve this through Mana Earthly Paradise, which not only creates an ecologically and socially regenerative model but also economically. It sets to exemplify a truly circular economy where “the more profits businesses make, the better the world would become". Moreover, the profits of Mana are channeled to support Earth Company’s Impact Heroes Program which brings critical resources and services to inspiring change-makers in the Asia Pasific. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31284" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are excited to continue our journey of creating a world that can be passed onto future generations with the Long Run community. By joining the movement, we have committed to a continuous improvement towards excellence in sustainability by achieving a balance in the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]IMPACT HERO 2021 – THE FINALISTS!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company’s call for Impact Hero 2021 received applications from 65 changemakers from all across the Asia Pacific. The selection committee was surprised and inspired by the exceptional quality of the applications on the whole that demonstrates the evolution of the regional ecosystem. From the initial batch, the committee members had the opportunity to speak directly with more than a dozen of candidates. While this process is undoubtedly time- and energy-consuming, it is a deeply rewarding and energizing experience for the Earth Company team to realize that so many individuals literally dedicate their lives to tackle enormous, complex challenges facing humanity and the earth. We will be announcing the winner in December, but for now, you can read a little about them – each with riveting stories, innovative solutions, and tremendous impact potential – below!(Listed in alphabetical order)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="75px"][vc_column_text]
1. Somsak Boonkam
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31043" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: ThailandOrganization: Local AlikeMission: Promoting sustainable community-based tourism business for rural villages in Thailand to support them become economically self-sufficient and improve their livelihood. About Pai and his work:Somsak “Pai” Boonkam is an Ashoka Fellow and the founder and CEO of Local Alike, a social enterprise building an online platform to connect travelers and locals through meaningful and authentic experiences. As a social enterprise, Local Alike uses community-based tourism as a form of development tool to solve local issues, preserve local culture, and generate additional income to local communities. Prior to founding Local Alike, Pai worked at the Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage. He was tasked with business development at Northern Thai communities under the Doi Tung Development Project.Pai was born and raised in rural Thailand where he developed a deep appreciation for the ingenuity of indigenous culture and the role of sustainable development. He graduated with an MBA in Sustainability Management from Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco, California. Pai has worked in a variety of cross-cultural settings. His goal is to bring the wisdom of indigenous people to the mass market in order to develop sustainable products that have a positive impact on the society.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]2. Sagufta Salma Janif
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31041" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: FijiOrganization: The Fusion HubMission: Eradicating the global waste crisis through their zero-waste lifestyle brand and economically empowering women. About Sagufta and her work:Sagufta is an award winning social impact entrepreneur who is trying to solve the global waste crisis and at the same time economically empower women and youth living in disadvantaged economic situations. Sagufta is a zero-waste lifestyle enthusiast and advocate. She is also 2020’s Commonwealth Youth Award Winner for the Pacific Region. She also won the aspiring entrepreneur of the year 2019 at the Women in Business Awards and has been named as one of the 30 faces of Fiji’s future - a mai life 30 under 30 honoree. She is also the Vice-Chairperson for the Young Entrepreneurs Council and has been an inspirational young leader as she motivates and encourages the youth of Fiji and the Pacific Islands to become change makers and solution providers. She empowers them to become job creators rather than job seekers. She not only motivates young entrepreneurs but other young people who are working towards achieving the sustainable development goals. She empowers women and young girls to go beyond the “stereotypical” jobs and provides training and capacity building opportunities so they can realize their true potential. Sagufta has become an icon for young people as an entrepreneur and a trailblazing change-maker.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]3. Kristin Kagetsu
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31033" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: IndiaOrganization: Saathi Eco Innovations India Pvt LtdMission: Creating and marketing hygiene products that are good for the body, community and environment. About Kristin and her work:Kristin is one of the co-founders and CEO of Saathi, a social enterprise dedicated to providing a sustainable and accessible solution for feminine hygiene. Saathi has been recognized globally by Time Magazine, Fast Company, UN Environment Program, and others, for its social impact, innovation and sustainability. Kristin is passionate about sustainable manufacturing, alternative materials, and women in STEM. She believes in a circular future where companies are also socially responsible. As an undergrad, she worked on multiple projects with MIT Design Lab in Brazil, Nicaragua, and India. Her first product was a set of natural dye crayons from locally sourced materials for an NGO in Uttarakhand where she realized she wanted to continue to work in India to make a positive impact.Prior to moving to India, she volunteered with the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, to structure and expand the national collegiate team and develop SASE leadership in the Northeast. After winning the HBS NVC, she moved to India to start Saathi with her co-founder Tarun. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and is an MIT DLab ScaleUps Fellow, Asia Society Young Leader, Cartier Women’s Initiative Finalist, and recognized by the Indian Department of MSME. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]4. Randi Julian Miranda
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31096" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: IndonesiaOrganization: HandepMission: Creating a sustainable village economy that aligns with local cultures and traditions.About Randi and his work:Randi is a prominent young Dayak figure in the field of sustainability, social entrepreneurship and indigenous rights advocacy. He is the Founder & CEO of Handep, a social enterprise that empowers Indigenous Dayak women and smallholder farmers through sustainable livelihoods and regaining their basic rights to lands and forests. Randi is also an avid environmentalist and community development practitioner, with extensive experience in project management, conservation, sustainable business, research and communication. He obtained his Master’s degree in Environmental Study (specialising in Sustainable Development) at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2018. After years of equipping himself with the knowledge and skill sets he needed, Randi decided to dedicate his life to support his community in Borneo Island whose life spaces are under threat. Through Handep, Randi strives to improve the local economy, especially for forest-dependent communities and preserve the rainforests, not only for the biodiversity and conservation value, but for the future of humanity. His current works focus on providing sustainable alternative livelihoods using local resources and regaining the rights of Indigenous Dayaks to their customary forests which are continuously converted for the overdevelopment of extractive industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]5. Muhammad Noor
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31035" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: Malaysia, BangladeshOrganization: Rohingya ProjectMission: Developing and implementing a grassroots initiative for financial inclusion of stateless people through a digital social and financial inclusion platform.About Noor and his work:A Rohingya himself, Noor is the Founder and Managing Director of the Rohingya Project, a Blockchain-based organization to bring financial and social inclusion to stateless people. Noor is also founder and director for several institutions and organizations such as the world first Rohingya TV broadcast station called Rohingya Vision watch by millions from all over the world. He is the Founder and Chairman of Rohingya Football Club a national team to play CONIFA World Cup. Noor digitized the Rohingya Alphabet and developed the first Computer Typeface and one of the main contributors on Rohingya Unicode which was accepted and released in 2018. Noor is also the author of “Born to Struggle: The Child of Rohingya Refugees and His Inspiring Journey” which was published in March 2019, based on his personal life experience. He holds an Honors Degree in Computing from Greenwich University, UK. He has more than 15 years of experience as a business owner, journalist, TV anchor, corporate negotiator and project manager. He is also actively involved in software development, cryptography, security and data privacy. Noor trains and motivates people from all walks of life such as self-development, management and information technology. His ambitions are to implement technology to serve humanity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]6. Aravinth Panch
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31029" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: Sri LankaOrganization: DreamSpace AcademyMission: Tackling authentic local socio-economic and environmental challenges by empowering the underprivileged communities and protecting the environmental ecosystem in Sri Lanka, using project & challenge based learning.About Ara and his work:Aravinth is a devoted social entrepreneur empowering underprivileged communities in war-affected regions of Sri Lanka by creating an intellectual livelihood to solve local socio-economic and environmental challenges.He was born in a beautiful coastal town called Batticaloa at a difficult time when his family lost several members - innocent civilians slaughtered as collateral damages in the civil war.At the age of 14, he escaped the country in fear of becoming a child soldier, for ten years exiled as a refugee and returned to his motherland when the war ended almost after three decades.In the meantime, he gained extraordinary interdisciplinary experiences in science, engineering, sustainability and art while solving very complex problems, and co-founded several successful organisations in Asia & Europe.His craving to uphold those who went through the same life experiences propelled him to co-found DreamSpace Academy - a community innovation centre to empower underprivileged youth with challenge-based learning.He co-created a personalised empowerment model consisting of 5 stages spanning 18 months. It starts with the identification of motivated youngsters from vulnerable societies, training them with multidisciplinary workshops in topics from storytelling to biotechnology, and ultimately leading them to become social entrepreneurs solving local challenges.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]7. Arief Rabik
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31058" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: IndonesiaOrganization: Environmental Bamboo FoundationMission: Building an international restoration economy through village-level bamboo agroforestry. About Arief and his work:Arief Rabik is the President Director of Indonesia Environmental Bamboo Foundation and the founder of the 1000 Bamboo Villages project, which aims to create economic viability for the use of Bamboo Agroforestry to sequester CO2 and restore degraded tropical forest lands in dozens of countries. Arief is an expert in Bamboo Cultivation, Value added processing and Brokering public and private support and investment in village-level bamboo production.Bamboo has exceptional climate benefits and in Indonesia alone the creation of nationwide "Bamboo Villages" would result in more than 100 millions tons of CO2 emission reduction annually. This provides governments seeking a pathway to meet their emissions targets with an efficient model that has significant co-benefits, including economic development for rural communities and improved soil and forest health. Arief's breakthrough strategy is to restore degraded lands around the world with bamboo agroforestry while creating large markets for bamboo to be used in building material (which would also help displace carbon-intensive concrete), clothing, furniture, and more.Arief is a second-generation bamboo specialist who is as capable and comfortable getting his hands dirty helping local producers on the ground as he is working with corporate leaders in the boardroom and politicians in national capitals to bargain for scalable policy and financial support to turn his vision into reality. Arief has already piloted his model and the first group of villages in Indonesia are already producing bamboo with purchasing agreements in place to sell value-added products to large global brands.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]8. Rhea Mazumdar Singhal
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31039" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: India, and other countriesOrganization: ECOWAREMission: Converting common agricultural waste into 100% biodegradable, compostable and natural food packaging solutions which are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics tableware.About Rhea and her work:Rhea Mazumdar Singhal is the Founder and CEO of Ecoware, India’s first and largest sustainable packaging company. Rhea was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian honour for women by the President of India. Rhea is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2018) and an Asia 21 Young Leader (2019). Rhea is an invited member of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) National Committee on Women Empowerment and CII India CEO Forum on Air Pollution, she is also the Chairperson for the Indian Women Network for North India.Rhea has attended the University of Bristol, Oxford and Harvard University. Rhea is a vocal spokesperson for sustainability and climate change and urges the private sector to shoulder more responsibility. Rhea is a purpose driven entrepreneur taking her impact to greater heights Rhea founded Ecoware with the sole aim of solving India’s plastic menace. Ecoware disrupted the food packaging industry by introducing a fully compostable alternative to plastic. Ecoware is made from the waste of agricultural crops that would otherwise be burnt, thus contributing to debilitating air pollution. The efforts of Rhea and the business model of Ecoware have now been validated by the global movement against single-use plastic and regulations to better consumer behavior.Rhea has been featured in major national and international publications and has appeared as a speaker at events such as Dreamforce (annual product event of Salesforce), the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Good Day (sustainability summit of Engie) and Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship (by National Commission for Women in India).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]9. Patima Tungpuchayakul
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31037" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: Thailand and its neighboring countriesOrganization: Labour Protection Network (LPN)Mission: Working together with migrant communities mainly in the fishing industry and seafood processing industry to fight human trafficking and to eliminate slavery. About Patima and her workWith her co-founder Mr. Sompong Srakaew, Patima established the Labour Protection Network (LPN) in 2004 to promote the labour’s quality of life and fight against child labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation. Her interest in human rights began in 1996 after graduation from Mahasarakham University, when she realized that the owners of factories near her hometown were abusing migrant workers, especially women and children. In more than two decades as an activist, Patima with support from the team has helped to create awareness of chronic rights breaches and worked with reformers to build understanding and improve the lives of migrant workers and the laws governing their employment. LPN has assisted over 5,000 Thai and migrant workers to date. Respecting her courage and determination, Patima led LPN’s efforts to rescue nearly 2,000 captive and stranded fishermen from isolated Indonesian islands in 2014. Her rescue work was the subject of a 2019 award-winning documentary film Ghost Fleet, and earned her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. Patima remains a dedicated innovator focused on the reform work that still needs to be done on both land and sea.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]10. Nguyen Thi Van
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31066" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: VietnamOrganization: Will to Live Capacity Building Center for People with Disabilities (WLC)Mission: Supporting and assisting people with disabilities to integrate completely into society through employment and social initiatives.About Van and her work:Van is co-founder of the nonprofit organisation, “Nghi Luc Song” which means “The will to live”; as well as Chairwoman of the successful digital real estate company, Imagtor.Van was born in the poor rural area of Nghe An in north-central Vietnam, bordering Laos. Along with her brother Nguyen Cong Hung, who sadly passed away in 2012, she has shattered expectations of what was once deemed ‘possible’ from a disabled person in Vietnam.Van and Hung created the organisation The Will to Live in 2003 with the aim of creating opportunities for an equitable working environment. The organisation provides free IT, English language and vocational training to disadvantaged students in Vietnam. More than 1000 people with disabilities have benefited from this crucial educational and career support.Van’s private company, Imagtor, employs 82 employees, more than 50% of who have disabilities, working on digital real estate photography. The Board of shareholders has committed to provide 40% of profits from Imagtor to support people with disabilities in Vietnam, as well as contributing to other social causes in the country.In 2015, Van created the first ever fashion catwalk show for women with disabilities in Vietnam. “I am beautiful. You too!” aims to promote a perception of beauty stemming from diversity and difference. In 2019, Forbes Vietnam honoured Van as one of the 50 most influential Vietnamese women.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="75px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Heroes Talk｜A series of online events featuring our Impact Heroes
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]As part of the call for applications of Impact Hero 2021, Earth Company has organized a series of online events to hear directly from current and former Impact Heroes about their experiences. All the online events will be broadcasted on Facebook Live. Please follow Earth Company Facebook Page to receive notifications of these events!There will be ample time for Q&A at the end of each session so please join us and ask your questions![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
Heroes Talk #1,30th July
Bella's Journey with Earth Company to Transform the Future of Timor-Leste
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29872" img_size="1024×576" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Having lived through the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste, Bella Galhos survived human trafficking, brutal massacre, and sexual and physical abuse while fighting for her country’s liberation until she defected in Canada.After Timor-Leste's independence in 2002, Bella returned and later became an Advisor to the President. She plans to run for the country’s 2023 presidential election. If elected, she will become the first female head of state in Timor and LGBT president in Asia!Earth Company fundraised a total of 135,200 USD for Bella and contributed to building the Leublora Green School, a school specializing in environmental education to train the next generation leaders.Date/Time: 30th July, 2020, 15:00-16:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk #1
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1597218076800{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2015 Bella Galhos
Timor-Leste, Environmental Education/LGBTDecades of conflict have left half of the population of Timor-Leste in extreme poverty. Bella founded Leublora Green School to transform Timor-Leste’s underprivileged children into green leaders who will lead this young oil-dependent country to a sustainable future. Today, the Leublora Green Village has now grown to become a model for eco-tourism. She plans to run for the country’s 2023 presidential election. If elected, she will become the first LGBT president in Asia. She stands as a beacon of change for a wide variety of social issues.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you miss the event, you can watch this from here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]Heroes Talk #2,12th August
Wai Wai's Approach to Peace Building as a Human Rights Activist
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29901" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]After spending seven years as a political prisoner in Myanmar, Wai Wai now works tirelessly uniting divided ethnic and religious groups as a global leader.So far, Earth Company has fundraised 51,500 USD for Wai Wai and the Women Peace Network and contributed to bringing educational opportunities to ethnic minorities in Yangon.Date/Time: 12th August 2020, 10:00-11:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk #2
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1597218032402{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2019 Wai Wai Nu
Myanmar, Peace-buildingAfter spending seven years as a political prisoner, Wai Wai now works tirelessly uniting divided ethnic and religious groups in the country. Her organization, Women Peace Network, runs a youth center with classes ranging from English language, social science, advocacy, to leadership training. Her mission is to build peace, justice and social equality through empowerment, education and advocacy. Wai Wai is a WEF Young Global Leader and has been recognized by the BBC and TIME Magazine for her important work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you miss the event, you can watch this from here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]Heroes Talk #3, 19th August
A Midwife’s Life-work to Save the World, One Baby at a Time
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29921" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Robin Lim qualified as a midwife in the United States and Indonesia and founded the Bumi Sehat Foundation International in Bali, Indonesia. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies all over the world.Earth Company fundraised a total of 351,300 USD for Robin and Bumi Sehat Foundation to build new clinics in Bali, Papua, Palawan, Lombok and contributed to secure operational funding of these clinics.Date/Time: 19th August 2020, 10:00-11:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk #3
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1597217923704{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2016 Robin Lim
Indonesia, HealthcareRobin is a Filipino–American midwife, mother, grandmother, and founder of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a nonprofit organization that provides free maternity care for pregnant women, mothers and their babies, plus healthcare for all those in need. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies and is known by locals and international fans alike as “Ibu Robin” (Mother Robin). Bumi Sehat (which translates to “healthy mother earth”) operates clinics in Bali, Aceh, Papua and the Philippines.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]Heroes Talk #4, 29th August
A Marshallese Poet’s Journey in the Climate Crisis Era
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29923" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner is a poet of Marshallese ancestry, born in the Marshall Islands and raised in Hawaii. She received international acclaim through her poetry performance at the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in 2014. Kathy is a changemaker who has been tackling climate change through both high-level activities, such as representing her country at COP25, and the grassroots work of running an NGO that empowers the youth of the Marshall Islands.Earth Company fundraised a total of 144,100 USD for Kathy and Jo-Jikum to build a youth center in Majuro to help Marshall Islands youth become future change-makers and tackle the climate crisis.Date/Time: 29th August 2020, 10:00-11:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk ♯4
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1597217923704{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2017 Kathy Jetnil Kijiner
Marshall Islands, Climate ChangeWhilst fighting to get the voices of climate change victims heard on the world stage, Kathy set up Jo-Jikum to empower Marshallese youth – at the front line of climate change – to tell their stories, take action in their own communities and ensure that even if they are forced to leave their ancestral land in future, their national identity and culture is preserved and passed onto future generations. Kathy dedicates herself to empowering future generations of Pacific Islanders to not only survive but also thrive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]25th August
A Fireside Chat on “Leadership Qualities for Social Change”
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="30026" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are delighted to announce that we will have a bonus session inviting Mr. Mason Tan from Garden Impact Investments and Transformational Business Network Asia (TBN Asia) to talk about leadership qualities for social change with Earth Company's co-founders, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa.
As a pioneer in impact investment and social innovation in the region, Mason has worked extensively with a wide spectrum of social entrepreneurs. Tapping into his experiences and wisdom, we are excited to discuss the key qualities of social change, including how they may be different from qualities required in the traditional private sector or nonprofit sector, how we might develop such qualities, etc.
Date/Time: 25h August 2020, 20:00-21:00, UTC+8
Event Page: A Fireside Chat
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1597217923704{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Speaker ProfileMason Tan
Founder/CEO of Garden Impact Investments Chairman of Transformational Business Network Asia (TBN Asia)Mason Tan is the founder/CEO of Garden Impact Investments Pte Ltd., that focuses on poverty alleviation through investing in enterprises connecting marginalized communities to value chains and the wider market, enabling an exchange of fair compensation for quality goods and services.
He also serves as the Chairman of Transformational Business Network Asia (“TBN Asia”), a non-profit association headquartered in Singapore that promotes fighting poverty through business enterprises solutions in Southeast Asia.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
IMPACT HEROES DAY~Earth Company 5th anniversary
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1533799267895{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]
ABOUT
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/6"][vc_column_text]IMPACT HEROES
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]MESSAGE
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]PROGRAMS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]SPONSORS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company will be hosting an event to celebrate its 5th anniversary on October 6th, 2019. All five of our Impact Heroes will be coming to Japan to share their life stories and life work with the Japanese audience. In addition to their individual presentations, we are organizing panel sessions with Japan-based social entrepreneurs and researchers. We hope you join us for this unique opportunity to engage with our Impact Heroes![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1564313173509{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}" el_id="about"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1564312731084{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]ABOUT
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565077345940{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]IMPACT HEROES DAY
EARTH COMPANY 5th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407280939{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]Date: Sunday October 6th, 2019Time: 13:00-18:00Place: BASE Q Tokyo Hibiya Midtown 6F 1-1-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo (Click for map)Capacity: 300 peopleEntrance fee: Early-bird discount limited to those who register before Friday September 6th. 10,000 yen for general admission, 5,000 yen for students ※Entrace fee for those who register after September 7th. Regular tickets: 12,000 yen for general admission, 6,000 yen for students Last-minute tickets sold at the venue: 15,000 yen for general admission, 7,500 yen for students[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Join the event" link="https://impactheroesday.peatix.com/view"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567513079595{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]DINNER PARTY WITH THE IMPACT HEROES
Limited to our monthly donors (Hero Supporters)!
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In the evening, we are excited to hold a dinner party for our donors with our Impact Heroes. The party will feature food prepared by Chef Yasuhiro Higa, who developed the life-nourishing menu for Mana Kitchen which is part of Earth Company's eco-hotel Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud, Bali. We hope you enjoy the chance to interact with our Impact Heroes and Earth Company team! Date: Sunday October 6th, 2019Time: 18:30-20:30Place: BASE Q Tokyo Hibiya Midtown 6F 1-1-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo (Click for map)Entrance fee: Free admission (RSVP required) Anyone can join the dinner party by signing up to become a Hero Supporter (monthly donor) today. This is a rare chance to speak in-depth with our Impact Heroes in an intimate setting. Please consider becoming a Hero Supporter by clicking the link below.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Become a Hero Supporter" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/ja/monthlysupport/"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1566202557023{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}" el_id="IMPACT HEROES"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1566202667716{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]IMPACT HEROES
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407444108{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]The following Impact Heroes will be speaking on October 6th.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407526329{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2015 Bella Galhos
East Timor, Environmental Education/LGBT
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Decades of conflict have left half of the population of Timor-Leste in extreme poverty. Bella founded Leublora Green School to transform Timor-Leste’s underprivileged children into green leaders who will lead this young oil-dependent country to a sustainable future. The Leublora Green Village has now grown to become a model for eco-tourism. She plans to run for the country's 2022 presidential election. If elected, she will become the first LGBT president in Asia. She stands as a beacon of change for a wide variety of social issues.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407562657{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2016 Robin Lim
Indonesia, Healthcare
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Robin is a Filipino–American midwife, mother, grandmother, and founder of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a nonprofit organization that provides free maternity care for pregnant women, mothers and their babies, plus healthcare for all those in need. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies and is known by locals and international fans alike as “Ibu Robin” (Mother Robin). Bumi Sehat (which translates to “healthy mother earth”) operates clinics in Bali, Aceh, Papua and the Philippines, as well as temporary clinics in disaster areas around the world such as Haiti and Nepal.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407606721{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2017 Kathy Jetnil Kijiner
Marshall Islands, Climate Change
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Whilst fighting to get the voices of climate change victims heard on the world stage, Kathy set up Jo-Jikum to empower Marshallese youth - at the front line of climate change - to tell their stories, take action in their own communities and ensure that even if they are forced to leave their ancestral land in future, their national identity and culture is preserved and passed onto future generations. Kathy dedicates herself to empowering future generations of Pacific Islanders to not only survive but also thrive.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407654264{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2018 Johnpierre Montilia
Philippines, Youth Empowerment
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Johnpierre was a street child in the Philippines, forced into a dangerous world of drug-related crime and even child prostitution. However, he was fortunate enough to escape this dark world and has dedicated his life to using his own pain and experiences to help street children like him to do the same. Set up in 1998, Johnpierre’s organization has spread across the country to 16 locations, and has so far helped approx 8,000 young people in its fight to give street children a brighter future.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407697074{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2019 WaiWai Nu
Myanmar, Peace-building
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]After spending seven years as a political prisoner, Wai Wai now works tirelessly uniting divided ethnic and religious groups in the country. Her organization, Women Peace Network, runs a youth center with classes ranging from English language, social science, advocacy, to leadership training. Her mission is to build peace, justice and social equality through empowerment, education and advocacy. Wai Wai is a WEF Young Global Leader and has been recognized by the BBC and TIME Magazine for her important work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image="27621" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1565013278538{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;}" el_id="message"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565013324181{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]MESSAGE
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567058657178{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]What a journey this has been!
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567408865838{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]The past five years feel like 10 years or even more. When we founded Earth Company in 2014, Tomo was only able to contribute in the evenings and weekends, while Aska had her hands full raising a monster 1-year old (who calmed down over the years thankfully). All we had was our passion, vision, and conviction, and we poured everything to support our first Impact Hero, Bella Galhos from Timor-Leste. Five years on, we are blessed with an amazing team of 17 professionals spread across three countries - all committed and united beyond borders and languages. To date, we have received over US$1million in donation for our Impact Heroes and Earth Company. We want to convey our deepest gratitude to all those who believed in us and our work along the way. We really can't thank you enough... Key achievements we - our supporters and the Earth Company team - have accomplished together:+ Raising US$700,000 for our Impact Heroes' work
+ Building 8 new facilities in 4 countries
+ Positively contributing to the lives of 460,000 people through our Impact Heroes
The 5 year anniversary event on October 6th means for us - the Earth Company team and all five Impact Heroes - an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate all our achievements and challenges in the past half a decade. We hope to see as many of you as possible and express our appreciation for your support!! with our deepest gratitude, Aska & Tomo Hamakawa[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Join the event" link="https://impactheroesday.peatix.com/view"][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1564317137273{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}" el_id="programs"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1564316981069{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]PROGRAMS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567515089401{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]13:00-13:20
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078340045{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407868930{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]Welcome RemarksOur co-founders, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa, will open the event with a few words of welcome and gratitude.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27674" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897363005{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]13:20-15:00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078340045{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407916013{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]HEROES TALK "My Life, My Impact"Our five Impact Heroes will share their life stories and why they devote their lives to their respective causes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27642" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897384991{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]15:20-16:05
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078324031{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567513420651{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]Breakout Session 1"The Rohingya Refugee Crisis": Wai Wai Nu (Myanmar)"Gentle Birth": Robin Lim (Indonesia)"Child Poverty": Johnpierre Montilia (Philippines)*These topics are subject to change. Details to be finalized soon![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27848" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897403262{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]16:15-17:00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078309143{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567513432380{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"] Breakout Session 2"Climate Change": Kathy Jetnil Kijiner (Marshall Islands)"LGBTI": Bella Galhos (East Timor)*These topics are subject to change. Details to be finalized soon![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27850" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897414656{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]17:20-18：00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078294134{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text] Convesation with Asuka and Tomohiro Hamakawa Group PhotoEarth Company's co-founders Aska and Tomo will reflect on the past five years and share plans for the next five. A group photo taken at the end.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27646" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565237120484{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]18:00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078207393{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]ClosingThank you for coming, and we hope for your continued support![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565184286510{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]18:30-20:30
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078133968{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]Dinner party with our Impact Heroes limited to Hero SupportersWe will be hosting a buffet-style dinner party for our Impact Heroes and Hero Supporters. The party will feature food prepared by Chef Yasuhiro Higa, who developed the life-nourishing menu for Mana Kitchen which is part of Earth Company's eco-hotel Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud, Bali. *This is an event limited to Hero Supporters, who are invited for free (RSVP required) *For those interested in becoming a Hero Supporter, please click on the Japanese instructions here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="26950" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Join the event" link="https://impactheroesday.peatix.com/view"][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1564314852910{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="45px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565240626748{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]HOSTED BY
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1494417794429{margin-right: 10% !important;margin-left: 10% !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image="17771" img_size="448x67" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="sponsors"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height="45px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1495256163988{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]SPONSORS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="24739" img_size="400x77.333" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5" link="https://www.plandosee.co.jp/" css=".vc_custom_1569652339858{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="17050" img_size="400x400" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5" link="http://www.hi-no-ki.co.jp/" css=".vc_custom_1495256330543{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_single_image image="27686" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://jfac.jp/"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="27833" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://www.baseq.jp/"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="45px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569565460557{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]NETWORK PARTNER
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="28160" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5" link="https://www.socialinnovationjapan.com/" css=".vc_custom_1569652196822{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Earth Company Runs Mentorship Sessions For Indian Impact Hero Finalist
As part of its efforts to provide greater support to exceptional Asia-Pacific leaders who have been shortlisted as Impact Hero finalists, Earth Company ran a two day mentorship session for 2018 Finalist Ramnath (Ram) Chandrasekhar in Ubud, Bali on 25-26 April 2019. Ram is a celebrated Indian conservation educator & filmmaker who is committed to preserving and protecting India’s natural heritage by pursuing projects that inspire and empower India’s youth to become environmental stewards. In addition, he and his partner Rachita have created the Earth Ambassadors program under the organization Trust for Environmental Education (TREE). Earth Ambassadors are Indian youth who receive training and support to work with their local communities on issues related to conservation and environmental responsibility. Bolstered by the success of their efforts so far, Ram and Rachita were looking to scale up and expand their work with a series of ambitious programs. These included a 3000 kilometer nature and conservation awareness raising Walk Project, building a nature center, creating an Earth Mentors program for Earth Ambassador alumni and expanding their school-based photo-storytelling and filmmaking workshops. In order to get a bit of guidance on their next steps, Ram and his partner Rachita travelled from Chennai, India to Bali, Indonesia to meet with the Earth Company team. Over the course of several days, the Earth Company team worked with Ram and Rachita to better understand their work and their plans for the road ahead. Reflecting on the workshop Ram notes that:“The Bali meeting came at just the right time for us. We were feeling a bit down because our Walk Project was being delayed because of some health issues. The discussions with Earth Company helped us transcend our sadness over this and realize how much we still could do right now to set ourselves up for success. 
In addition, our meetings helped Rachita and I prioritize our work. We have put many of our expansion ideas on the backburner and will now focus our energy and time in the next 2-3 years on solidifying the Earth Ambassadors Programme, developing the Nature Center and on organization developmental steps like improving our administrative and compliance procedures, creating a website, developing a fundraising strategy and forming a Board of Directors. Thank you so much again. We left Bali with smiles on our faces.” Earth Company is pleased to offer this same opportunity for all Impact Hero Finalists. While we do not yet have the financial capacity to cover travel and accommodation expenses, if you are able to travel to Ubud, Bali, we will make the time to work with you on key priorities, areas of concern or need. We are also considering offering online mentorship opportunities for Impact Hero Finalists. If you would like to find out more about Ram and Rachita’s work, please contact Ram: [email protected]
Announcing our Impact Hero 2019!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]In autumn 2019, Earth Company’s call for Impact Hero 2019 received applications from 56 changemakers from all across the Asia Pacific.In what is probably the most humbling and difficult decision we make each year, we pored over all 56 applications, whittling them down to a shortlist of 5 exceptional candidates, and then, finally, selecting the candidate to become our next Impact Hero.It is not an exaggeration to say we were blown away by the incredible work being done by all five finalists, but it is with the thrill of great expectations for the years to come that we announce to you our...[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
IMPACT HERO 2019
Wai Wai Nu
Full Name: Wai Wai Nu (age 32) Country: Myanmar Organization/Position: Founder and Director of Women Peace Network
Why did Earth Company choose Wai Wai as our Impact Hero 2019?
RUNNER-UP : Ego Lemos
Full Name: Ego Lemos (age 46) Country: Timor-Leste Organization/Position: Founder of Permaculture Timor-Leste (PERMATIL)[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="25530" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Ego's StoryEgo was inspired to transform Timor-Leste’s agriculture and leverage its rich natural resources after seeing environmental degradation and over dependence on food imports. His mission is to create a sustainable economy, strong society, ecology and culture to guarantee the sustainable use of our natural resources, and he has already successfully convinced the government to include permaculture and agroecology in primary school curriculums, thus establishing permaculture gardens in schools nationwide.
JURY'S AWARD : Sasiranga De Silva
Full Name: Sasiranga De Silva (age 32) Country: Sri Lanka Organization/Position: Director/ Chief Engineer at ThermalR Industries Pvt Ltd, Collaboration with University of Moratuwa[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="25523" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Sasiranga's StoryBorn and raised in a tropical country, over the years Sasiranga noticed rapid variations in temperature with unusually warm seasons in Sri Lanka, with authorities noting that the rice cultivating seasons have shifted and diseases caused by air pollution have increased. These observations motivated Sasiranga to study climate change and do his part as an engineer to ensure a healthier and sustainable future is left for generations to come.
YOUNG HERO AWARD : Garvita Gulhati
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="25528" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Garvita's StoryGarvita has been an environmentalist since she was 13 years old. She has led initiatives in schools and colleges across India to inspire and equip youth to become changemakers. The most prominent of her initiatives being Why Waste? that engages primarily with restaurants to optimise their water usage systems with a goal to change the mindsets and habits of people towards natural resources. Why Waste? has successfully reached over 500 restaurants across India, Oman, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Through her work with Changemakers Society and Ashoka’s LeadYoung program, Garvita was able to engage with over 40,000 youth internationally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="80px"][vc_column_text]
INCLUSIVE BUSINESS AWARD : Lisa Karene
Full Name: Mona Lisa Karene (age 56) Country: Samoa Organization/Position: Co-founder/ Executive Director of Marketing and Production Development of Nora’s Plantation Foods Limited
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Impact Hero 2019 – The Finalists!
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Earth Company’s call for Impact Hero 2019 received applications from 56 changemakers from all across the Asia Pacific. From the 56 applicants, five were selected as finalists. We will be announcing the winner early next year, but for now, you can read a little about our finalists - each with inspiring stories, innovative ideas and great potential - below.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="17303" img_size="80x60" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1512019611757{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Who applied?
We received applications from changemakers active across 15 different countries in the Asia Pacific, with the greatest concentration in India and Indonesia, and 20% of applicants taking a global approach. This year, the ratio between men and women applicants was more or less balanced (59-41). Most applicants are in their 30s, comprising 39% of the entire batch, while 23% are in their 40s and 20% in their 50s. We were excited to receive passionate applications from both ends of the spectrum too: 7 young changemakers in their 20s or younger and 3 in their 60s!Tackling SDGs
While all 17 SDGs are represented through applicants’ work, the majority focus on alleviating poverty, improving education, and nurturing good health and well-being. There is also a strong focus on decent work and economic growth, as well as sustainable cities and communities.The majority of candidates run their organizations on an annual budget of more than 100,000 USD.
At the bottom of this page is an INFOGRAPHIC that provides some insight into our applicants. But first, here is a little more on our five finalists, their life stories, and how they are devoting their lives to fighting social issues in their respective geographies (listed in alphabetical order).Our Impact Hero 2019 will be chosen from these five finalists and announced in January 2019. Watch this space! 
Full Name: Ego Lemos Country: Timor-Leste Age: 46 Field of work: Food Sovereignty Organization/Position: Founder of Permaculture Timor-Leste (PERMATIL) Mission: To realise a sustainable economy, strong society, ecology and culture to guarantee the sustainable use of our natural resources.Ego's Story:Seeing environmental degradation and over dependence on food import, Ego was inspired to transform Timor-Leste’s agriculture and leverage its rich natural resources. Ego led a campaign from 1996 to 1999 to promote organic agriculture in Timor-Leste. A year after his campaign, he started a permaculture organization called PERMATIL that works to teach permaculture gardening and reviving traditional knowledge and systems in community and youth groups, ultimately leading to self-sustainability, food sovereignty, rehabilitation efforts, and the conservation and protection of natural resources. The organization successfully convinced the government to include permaculture and agroecology in primary school curriculums, thus establishing permaculture gardens in schools nationwide. Since then, 149 school gardens have been grown and over 20 natural springs have been rehabilitated. Ego’s biggest challenge however, is the ability to provide sufficient funds for all schools, as the government is unable to do so.In addition to building his organization, Ego worked as a lecturer at the Timor-Leste National University, an advisor for the Ministry of Education in Timor-Leste on curriculum development and permaculture school gardens, and co-authored the Tropical Permaculture Guidebook, an influential publication on the subject matter. 
Full Name: Garvita Gulhati Country: India Age: 19 Field of work: Water Scarcity Organization/Position: Founder of Why Waste? Mission: To change people’s mindset towards natural resources, specifically water. Optimise usage, prevent wastage.Garvita's Story:Garvita has been an environmentalist since she was 13 years old. She has led initiatives in schools and colleges across India to inspire and equip youth to become changemakers. The most prominent of her initiatives being Why Waste? That engages primarily with restaurants to optimise their water usage systems. Their goal is to change the mindsets and habits of people towards natural resources. Garvita hopes to make restaurants more empathetic, leading them to de-trivialize water waste. Why Waste? has successfully reached over 500 restaurants across India, Oman, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Through her work with Changemakers Society and Ashoka’s LeadYoung program, Garvita was able to engage with over 40,000 youth internationally. 
Full Name: Mona Lisa Karene Country: Samoa Age: 56 Field of work: Agriculture, lack of access to market Organization/Position: Co-founder/ Executive Director of Marketing and Production Development of Nora’s Plantation Foods Limited Mission: To operate a sustainable income-generating export business to benefit the economy and people of rural Samoa.Lisa's Story:Lisa left Samoa at the age of 12 to study overseas. Recognizing that many Samoans do not have the same opportunity she was presented as a kid, she wanted to help the underprivileged in her community. Remote Samoan villages rely mainly on farming but can’t reach markets to sell what they grow, leading them to a vicious cycle of poverty, hopelessness, and despair. To help these villages, Lisa brought the market to the farmers, driven to give locals their self-worth back. “Inner confidence builds better, sustainable futures.” Lisa’s organization's impact model gives farmers access to the market by buying their crops and offering employment through its value-add manufacturing process for export products. 
Full Name: Sasiranga De Silva Country: Sri Lanka Age: 32 Field of work: Environment Organization/Position: Director/ Chief Engineer at ThermalR Industries Pvt Ltd, Collaboration with University of Moratuwa Mission: To realise a sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Asia's transportation sector.Sasiranga's Story:Born and raised in a tropical country, over the years Sasiranga noticed rapid variations in temperature with unusually warm seasons in Sri Lanka. The authorities have noted that the rice cultivating seasons have shifted and diseases caused by air pollution have increased, particularly inland, where emissions concentrate. These observations drove Sasiranga to study climate change in depth whilst studying at university, and motivated him to do his part as an engineer to ensure a healthier and sustainable future is left for generations to come.It was during his work with General Motors that Sasiranga was doing research on electric batteries. That’s when he came up with the idea of electrifying tuk-tuks, three-wheelers found in many Asian countries. Sasiranga now manufactures electrical conversion kits to transform gasoline-powered vehicles into electrically powered tuk-tuks. He estimates that converting tuk-tuks to run on electricity will reduce each unit’s CO2 emissions by 65%. This is a huge number especially considering there are one million tuk-tuks in operation in Sri Lanka alone! Estimations also demonstrate that tuk-tuk drivers would save $1200 annually by switching to electric tuk-tuks, thus improving their lives. 
Full Name: Wai Wai Nu Country: Myanmar Age: 32 Field of work: Education, Women Empowerment, Human Rights Advocacy Organization/Position: Founder and Director of Women Peace Network Mission: Building peace, justice and social equality through empower, education and advocacy.Wai Wai's Story:Being sentenced to jail for opposing one of the world’s most brutal military regimes in Myanmar, Wai Wai met many women in prison that were victims of poverty, coercion, or both. This motivated Wai Wai to start her own organization, once freed. Wai Wai works on uniting divided ethnic and religious groups in the country through her organization. Women Peace Network runs a youth center with classes ranging from English language, social science, advocacy, to leadership training. A typical class consists of 14-20 students, mostly in their twenties. Classes range in duration; some run for a weekend, ten days, or even for a full month. Women Peace Network has been able to produce young leaders who dedicate their time to social activities and building trust and peace among their communities, thus building solidarity among the minority segments in Myanmar.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="infographic"][vc_column][vc_separator type="transparent" up="25px"][vc_single_image image="25532" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2019-applicants-infographic-en"][vc_column_text]※ Please click on image for a higher resolution PDF file (272 KB).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][button target="_self" hover_type="default" text="Read more about Impact Heroes" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/impact-heroes/" margin="25px 25px 25px 25px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
A call for help, from one island to another
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Where better to build an 'innovative city' than on the frontline of climate change?
This was one of the key messages Earth Company’s Impact Hero, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, had for her audience at the recent Innovative City Forum in Tokyo.The Marshall Islands is a chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls in the central Pacific Ocean. At just 2 meters above sea level, they have little protecting them from the ever rising tides. Homes and cemeteries on its low-lying islands are already being destroyed by king tides at a rate previously unheard of. [caption id="attachment_18990" align="aligncenter" width="400"]
A cemetery in the Marshall Islands is washed away by rising seas.[/caption]A Marshallese poet and climate change activist, Kathy has been fighting for the rights of the small island nations on the frontline of climate change. She has used her voice and talent as an artist to draw international attention, and founded a nonprofit organisation, Jo-Jikum, with a mission to train other Marshallese youths to tell their stories to the world.Earth Company has been supporting Kathy's work - particularly in establishing and running Jo-Jikum - as our Impact Hero 2017.Invited to the annual Innovative City Forum to give a keynote speech by Mori Art Museum Curator Fumio Nanjo, Kathy shared the huge challenge her country, the Marshall Islands, faces as a result of climate change; from already serious flooding and droughts, to an uncertain future. 
But this wasn’t just a chance to educate.Kathy was there with a very specific call for action for the room full of innovative minds, creators, architects, designers, scientists and technologists from Japan - a country with great expertise and resource. 0.5°C is the difference between life and death
Representatives from low-lying island nations, like Kathy, and organisations such as 350.org have long campaigned to keep climate change to within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.Why 1.5°C?"For a while, climate advocates were pushing for 2 degrees, but at 2 degrees our country would be under water. 0.5 degrees might not seem like much of a difference, but for our islands it’s the difference between life and death.”
"None of us expected it to be this bad, so soon"
However, although a recent report by the IPCC suggests that 1.5°C might still possible if the international community takes unprecedented action, for some of the lowest lying nations, it may still be too great an increase in temperature.On stage in Tokyo, Kathy shared a conversation she had had this summer with Hawaii-based climate scientist, Chip Fletcher.“He shared projections of what different areas of our islands would look like with one foot of sea-level rise, two feet, three feet, and so on. When he showed our airport underwater after only one foot of sea level rise, I heard a mostly Marshallese audience collectively gasp out loud."A temperature rise trajectory of 1.5°C by 2100 is estimated to raise sea levels by approximately 1.7ft (0.52m) [source], well above levels that will render key infrastructure unusable for the Marshalls.
The IPCC report also lays out just how big a challenge it will be to limit global warming to just 1.5°C by 2100, and the simulations go on to predict the effect of even greater temperature and sea level rise.In the worst case, we could be looking at a median sea-level rise of 5.9ft (1.8m).
Confronting a harsh reality
What does this mean for countries like the Marshall Islands? "He [Chip] then moved forward with his assessment that the Marshall Islands can no longer only fight globally for mitigation, for the world to remain at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Instead, we must begin planning for adaptation – specifically building new islands. If we wanted to remain in our islands, he said, then we needed to seriously consider elevation."
It is too late to focus only on fighting to keep temperature rise to within 1.5°C. If the Marshallese are to protect their ancestral homes and the land that is so core to their history and culture, they need to look for new solutions.
"I am still grieving, and angry, over this path we are being forced to take"
But Kathy’s anger and resentment towards this reality is clear. The Marshalls faces a huge challenge, not least because, "as a society impacted by colonialism and nuclearization, we are also a struggling nation lacking infrastructure and the technological expertise to create the solutions we need to survive.”The Marshalls contributes only 0.00001 percent of the global total of emissions.
And yet, "we are now being forced to consider possibilities we would never have considered before, with money we don’t have."
This anger led to a powerful collaboration between Kathy and a Greenlandic poet, Aka Niviâna. The poem and accompanying video they created with 350.org draws upon the unexpected link between their parallel realities of melting glaciers and rising sea levels (click the image below to watch the video).[caption id="attachment_25354" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
(clicking on the image above will open the 350.org video page)[/caption] Moving from grief to action
But Kathy also knows that grief will only get you so far. She closed her keynote speech with an invitation and call for action.One of the possibilities the Marshall Islands is exploring is reclaiming land - an area that Japan has a long history and deep expertise in. Yet with a GDP of just $199million USD, it seems unlikely the Marshall Islands will be able to follow in the footsteps of the Maldives, at least without substantial support.
"Those artificial islands created by Maldives and Saudi Arabia are billion dollar projects for a handful of islands – we are a nation of 29 coral atolls and 1,156 individual islands and islets that stretches across 800,000 square kilometers, 500,000 square miles, of Pacific Ocean."
The Opportunity
With this challenge, however, comes the opportunity for today’s innovators, scientists, architects, businesses, city planners and designers to come together and design a city. A city that can withstand the rising sea levels that the Marshalls face.So Kathy has extended an invite to those working to build more resilient and innovative cities to visit the Marshalls. This is their chance to seize the opportunity to develop solutions in a country that is already facing the effects of climate change.
It is a time of great uncertainty for her country, and the threat of displacement gets more serious with every day of inaction. And yet I get the sense that she, and others, still carry hope that our human determination in the face of challenge will prevail.“And in the face of climate changes, which inevitably impact us all, I end by asking, from one island to another, that rather than standing back and watching our sea level rise, that we all instead rise to meet the challenge of climate change, together. Thank you, komoltata, im arigato.”[Report by Mariko McTier with quotes from Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner]
LINKS:- Click here to find out more about Earth Company's support for Kathy and Jo-Jikum
- Kathy's Official Website: www.kathyjetnilkijiner.com
- Updates on Jo-Jikum's activities: www.facebook.com/jojikum
Impact Hero 2019 applications are open!!
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We are excited to announce that we have opened applications for our Impact Hero 2019!
Last year we received 24 applications from all over the Asia Pacific region, and we hope that this year - with your help - we can reach an even greater number of change-makers.
IMPACT HERO 2019 APPLICATIONS
Earth Company selects one exceptional change-maker a year (whom we call an Impact Hero) from the Asia Pacific region and delivers customized support over three years.
Just like their predecessors - Bella Galhos, Robin Lim, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner and John-Pierre Montilla - our next Impact Hero is expected to not only serve as an agent of hope for their own communities, but also inspire those who come to understand their life work.We are looking for those individuals who currently don’t have sufficient access to opportunities and resources, but could significantly deepen and expand their impact if provided with the right mix of support from Earth Company.OUR IMPACT HEROES ARE:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible, a nominee must be:
- actively involved in tackling major social and/or environmental challenges in the developing countries of the Asia Pacific*;
- serving on the leadership team of a social-purpose organization;
- committed to the cause long-term;
- able to communicate with the Earth Company team in English (or Japanese) regularly by email and phone;
- aligned with the vision and values of Earth Company;
Earth Company is agnostic about number of years in operation, organizational maturity, sectoral focus, nationality, age, gender and academic credentials. For-profit companies and nonprofit organizations – and everything in between – are eligible.*For details of eligible countries download our guidelines (PDF).
WHAT SUPPORT DOES EARTH COMPANY PROVIDE?
Our support package is tailor-made to suit each Impact Heroes needs and includes:① tailor-made fundraising (~US$100k) ② marketing support ③ nonprofit management coachingFind out more about each of these here, and to see the difference this support can make, take a look at the impact of 3 years' support for our first Impact Hero, Bella Galhos →
SOUNDS AMAZING! WHAT NEXT?
Details of the application process and a link to the application form can be found by clicking FIND OUT MORE! below, or by downloading these guidelines.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][button target="_self" hover_type="default" text="FIND OUT MORE!"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Whether you are a potential candidate yourself, or are connected to the exceptional change-makers we seek, you can help us make sure we support those who need it most. Please share, and we look forward to receiving some great applications!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email, also at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Impact Hero 2015 Bella Galhos: 3 Years of dedicated support comes to a close
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Contents
Why did we decide to support Bella?
What did we do for Bella?
What has Bella been able to achieve? [Infographic]
Short Film
Ana's Story
Partners
Empowering those who have the greatest potential for change
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="23672" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Let’s take our very first Impact Hero, Bella Galhos.A true survivor and warrior, Bella had a dream; a dream to transform her war-torn country of Timor-Leste into a prosperous and sustainable country.However, in 2014, this dream, and an empty plot of land in the mountains of Maubisse, Timor-Leste, was all Bella had. Potential government funding had been withdrawn, and she was unable to find anyone who would support a woman-led, grassroots project in Timor-Leste.She is the reason, in fact, that we founded Earth Company - to support inspiring, future-oriented and passionate leaders who have the potential to transform, but are unable to access the resources they need to fulfil that potential.Click here to read more about Bella →
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="02"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1521461654982{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]Accelerating the Impact of our Impact Heroes: what does it take?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Earth Company’s support for Bella commenced at the end of 2014. Our support started, but did not end with fundraising.FUNDRAISING: We raised a total of 135,200 USD* (*calculated at 100 JPY = 1 USD) over three years to fund the building of Leublora Green Village’s (LGV) key facilities (Leublora Green School and the Green Villas).OPPORTUNITY BUILDING: Bella was able to bring on further funding and in-kind support indirectly through Earth Company’s promotion of LGV and introduction of key partners.NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING: Earth Company’s advisory to Bella ensures that LGV as an organisation is in a position to make the best possible use of the funds and support they receive in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="24103" img_size="large" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2015-bella-3-years-infographic"][vc_column_text](Click image to show full infographic)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="03"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1525848932793{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]What has Bella been able to achieve?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="04"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]After three years of intensive support, and thanks to the generous support of Earth Company’s supporters, Leublora Green Village (LGV) stands proud in the mountains of Maubisse.Providing much needed environmental education to local children through its signature project (Leublora Green School) and a model for sustainable development through its organic farming and ecotourism initiatives, it has attracted attention from around the world. The President has even declared that he wants to see LGV’s model replicated in all of Timor-Leste’s 13 regions in order to transform the country; just as Bella had once dreamed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="24104" img_size="large" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2015-bella-3-years-infographic"][vc_column_text](Click image to show full infographic)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]And these numbers show that LGV has already had a great impact on its community.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_single_image image="24107" img_size="large" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2015-bella-3-years-infographic"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]For the full infographic report, click here or on the thumbnail below.
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Short Film
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Words and numbers on a page however are limited in their ability to evoke the true impact of Bella’s work, so here is a beautiful short film that will take you deep into the Timorese mountains to meet Bella and see Leublora Green Village for yourself.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFuuuOo-9sA" el_width="70" align="center"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="05"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1528922399104{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]LGV’s Impact - Ana's Story
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="24098" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Meet Ana. Ana and her family live up the hill from Leublora, in a village called Rai Ligo. When Bella first met Ana, her mother was pregnant with her sixth child, but the family had no regular income and their village had no water supply.Although 4 years old at the time of this photo, Ana was severely malnourished, suffering from asthma and scabies, and could easily be mistaken for a child half her age.The only food her family had access to was the corn they were growing, and so were eating corn for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also had no access to clean water.LGV started to provide Ana’s family with monthly nutritional support packages and introduced her mother to their Women’s Organic Farming Cooperative. Not only did Ana’s mother join the cooperative, but after voicing her dreams of making a garden at home, LGV provided her with the seeds to start. LGV also persuaded local NGOs to provide their village with a water supply, and, thanks to corporate donations, the village soon had two large water tanks.With this support, the entire family’s health improved dramatically, and two of Ana’s siblings have now even started attending school. Although Anna 's asthma is not yet cured entirely, her symptoms have greatly improved. In LGV’s last visit, they were greeted with a huge smile 🙂LGV’s support has given Ana and her family a second chance at life.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="24115" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1528931150305{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}"][vc_column_text]The progress from an empty plot of land and an idea is remarkable, but Bella’s work and Timor-Leste’s story do not finish here.While Earth Company's official support period has come to a close, we have endeavoured to ensure that she is in the best possible position to continue her inspiring work. If you are interested in supporting her and LGV, please do not hesitate to get in touch - either with us at [email protected], or with LGV directly, via their website.And you can help LGV’s cause simply by sharing the video linked above, either on youtube or facebook.You can support Earth Company’s continued work to support our Impact Heroes, and/or their work directly via our donation page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="06"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Partners
who have worked with us to support LGV[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="23662" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Announcing our Impact Hero 2018!
Late last year, 24 changemakers in the Asia Pacific applied for the chance to be Earth Company's Impact Hero of the Year.As our first open call for applications, people asked us how on earth we were going to find someone that could stand alongside our existing Impact Heroes. And we were nervous. What if we couldn't?!We needn't have worried.Each of our six finalists has the qualities of an Impact Hero, and the level was so high that our final decision took much longer that expected. But, after weeks of deliberating - both in our waking hours and in our dreams - we are now clear.And it is with great pride and excitement that we introduce you to our...
IMPACT HERO 2018!
🎊 John-Pierre Montilla 🎊
Founder, Kabataang Gabay sa Positiong Pamumuhay (Peers for Positive Living) Philippines
Born into a world of poverty as an unwanted child, John-Pierre found himself a victim of abuse, and eventually forced out onto the streets at the tender age of 12. Like so many others,John-Pierre's fight to survive led him into a dangerous world of drug-related crime and even child prostitution.Having found a way to escape this dark world, John-Pierre has committed his life to serving other street children to help them do the same; using his own pain, experiences and understanding to help them to not just survive, but to fulfil their dreams and aspirations."I realize now that I experienced so much pain and and struggle for a purpose...I believe that my mission now is to go back to the streets where I once belonged and help street children reach their aspirations and dreams the way I did."
John-Pierre founded a nonprofit group with the goal of doing just this. Twenty years later, there are now 16 branches across the country empowering 8,000 youths in their struggle for survival, dignity, and a brighter future.John-Pierre now works for the government in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, reinvesting the majority of his salary into his own organization in his fight to protect vulnerable youths. Despite his position in the organization and the number of youths he has supported, John-Pierre says that he is still trying to heal the scars from his childhood, and believes that he is no different from the people he is trying to help.We now enter a phase of working closely with John-Pierre to fully grasp his needs and those of his organization.Runner-up : Sharad Chandra Rai
Founder and CEO, YouMe Nepal
NepalBorn and raised in a remote village in Nepal, Rai was fortunate enough to receive a high level of education and to study abroad. However, for most in Nepal, basic educational needs are still unmet. Rai founded YouMe Nepal in order to help turn this situation around. He works in Japan to earn a basic income, before reinvesting that into running his organization. His ultimate goal is to reduce educational inequality and provide educational opportunities to children in rural areas of Nepal, regardless of their caste. Jury's Award : Piter Harry Panjaitan
Director, Bali Life Foundation IndonesiaBali Life Foundation was founded in 2006 with the aim of providing street children with food, clothing, shelter and a basic education. However, Piter believes that saving orphans is just treating the symptoms – not the cause – of a wider problem. Since taking over the organization in 2013, Piter has also started to provide support to families in order to enable them break out of the cycle of poverty and increase their chances of staying together.See Rai and Piter's full profiles here →
Impact Hero 2018 – The Candidates!
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Earth Company’s first open call for Impact Hero nominations attracted over 70 nominations from across the Asia Pacific, which resulted in 24 Impact Hero applications. Below, we give you a little insight into the applicants, as well as a close up of our six finalists.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="17303" img_size="80x60" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1512019611757{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Who applied?
All three Impact Heroes so far have been women, but this time 80% of the 24 applicants were men. Although 2/3 of all applicants were aged 30 - 40, there were 3 young candidates in their 20s, and 5 experienced candidates in their 60s and 70s!The candidates address a wide range of SDGs through their activities. There is a strong focus on environmental and educational goals, but also on tackling poverty and promoting better healthcare.The majority of candidates run their organization on an annual budget of less than 100,000 USD.What kind of support are they looking for?
All 24 candidates were keen to gain fundraising support for their activities, but 67% of candidates also seek Earth Company’s support in opportunity building (introducing partners, PR etc) and 50% in nonprofit management coaching. We can see a clear need for the tailored support that Earth Company provides.At the bottom of this page is an INFOGRAPHIC that provides some insight into our 24 candidates. But first, here is a little more on the six finalists, their life stories, and how they are devoting their lives to fighting social issues in their region (listed in alphabetical order).Our Impact Hero 2018 will be chosen from these six finalists and announced in January 2018. Watch this space! ① Ram
Full Name: K. Ramnath Chandrasekhar Country: India Age: 28 Organization/Position: Co-founder and Executive Director, Youth For Conservation (YFC), a nonprofit initiative of Trust for Environmental Education (TREE) Mission: Improving eco-literacy in schools by connecting children to nature using the visual medium and hands-on learning.Ram's Story:Born in a rural village in southern India, Ram grew up surrounded by nature and developed a deep love and respect for it. By his early 20s, Ram was traversing the country on photography and filmmaking assignments, documenting the natural world, but also witnessing the ecological degredation happening around him. He began to notice the huge disconnect between humans and the natural world they depend on, which he hypothesised was behind this destruction. He resolved to bridge this gap, using his skills to give children the the opportunity to connect with and develop a love for the natural world.With his goal to use natural-history documentaries to educate young people about the ecosystem and the need for conservation, Ram has already reached 50,000 local students in the past 2 years through his work, using picture books, documentaries and setting up forest schools (that provide a hands-on approach to learning about environmental issues in schools and opportunity to connect with nature) as teaching materials. This is an impressive feat, and something that Ram is quick to note he’s only been able to achieve thanks to the support he’s received from his community, including the school teachers who have collaborated with him. But he dreams about how much more he could achieve if he had more funding and a team behind him. ② Maheen
Full Name: Abdul Matin Sheikh Maheen Country: Bangladesh Age: 28 Organization/Position: CEO and Founder, BacBon Limited / BacBon Foundation Mission: To be the backbone of society through the power of educationMaheen's Story:Maheen was born into a poor family in one of the poorest regions of Bangladesh. Despite this unfavourable start in life, thanks to support from those around him - his math teacher, his family - and a lot of hard work, Maheen managed to graduate from Dhaka University, the top university in Bangladesh, and go on to Hitotsubashi University in Japan for his masters. Forty percent of Bangladesh’s 160 million population are under the age of 15. Yet the country’s educational infrastructure falls considerably short of providing for this high youth population, complicated further by the country’s economic challenges. Maheen founded his e-Education project in 2013 to address this challenge, with a vision of using technology to bring about a systemic change in the education system in Bangladesh.Maheen has been using online courses to provide educational opportunities to children who would otherwise have very limited access to education and to schools with limited teaching resource. In recent years, his activities have started to garner attention from the government and major companies alike. Maheen believes that education forms the backbone of the society, and he aims to help teachers to make a positive impact on their country through the power of education. ③ John
Full Name: Johnpierre Montilla Country: Philippines Age: 41 Organization/Position: Founder, Kabataang Gabay sa Positiong Pamumuhay (Peers for Positive Living) Mission: To provide care to vulnerable youths who have fallen victim to drugs, violence and crime; supporting social reintegration and implementing prevention measures.John's Story:John was born in Negros Island, Philippines, into a family of 5 brothers. John’s mother was forced to get married at 16, and John was born despite attempted abortions. He grew up as an unwanted child without knowing what it is to be loved, and eventually ran away from home at the age of 12. Though initially sheltered by his aunt, he was forced out onto the streets after being discovered by his mother. 7 years later, having fallen into child prostitution and gotten involved in drug gangs in his fight to survive, he was finally saved by a governmental organization.Saved from an uncertain fate, John was fortunately able to go back to school. In 1998, whilst at university, he founded a nonprofit group with the goal of supporting young people - as young as 7 years old - who were abandoned by their parents and had become victims of drug-related crime and child prostitution, just like he had himself. Twenty years after its founding, there are now 16 branches across the country helping 8,000 youths to recover and preventing others from becoming victims in the first place.John now works for the government in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, reinvesting the majority of his salary into his own organization in his fight to protect vulnerable youths. Despite his position in the organization and the number of youths he has supported, John says that he is still trying to heal the scars from his childhood, and believes that he is no different from the people he is trying to help. ④ Piter
Full Name: Piter Harry Panjaitan Country: Indonesia Age: 35 Organization/Position: Director, Bali Life Foundation Mission: To shelter street children and provide education and a living environment to them, while delivering skills training opportunities to parents.Piter's Story:Brought up in a middle class family, Piter’s mother taught him to share with others, and his father taught him to give back to society. Piter and his older sister have always been active contributors to society; for example his sister in relief efforts after the Indian Ocean off Sumatra earthquake in 2004, and Piter after the Bali attack in 2002.When Piter's sister and her husband started Bali Life Foundation in 2006 with the aim of providing street children with food, clothing, shelter and a basic education, they were overwhelmed by demand. Piter got drawn into using his skills as a musician to entertain and cheer up the children, but he soon began to play a key role, eventually taking charge of the organization in 2013. Currently more than 40 children live at Bali Life Foundation, and some have even gone on to attend university.However, Piter believes that saving orphans is just treating the symptoms – not the cause – of a wider problem, and ultimately it would be better if the children hadn’t left their families in the first place. And so now the foundation has started to provide skills training and support to families in order to help them break out of the cycle of poverty and increase their chances of staying together.The organization is just about getting by financially, but lacks the access to opportunities and resources to expand and deepen Bali Life’s impact on the communities they work with. Piter is dedicating every single day to ensuring his organization can continue to help those most in need. ⑤ Sebastien
Full Name: Sebastien Perret Country: Laos Age: 40 Organization/Position: Founder and Executive Director, Vientiane Rescue 1623 Mission: To provide a free rescue service where there is no access to emergency services for road traffic injuries.Sebastien's Story:Sebastien was born in France, and whilst studying to become an elementary school teacher, he volunteered as a firefighter. Sebastien spent a few years working in Paris, but his life would change dramatically when he travelled to Laos as a volunteer.As Laos had started to develop economically, the number of traffic accidents increased every year, and yet there were no emergency services. Despite becoming a critical issue with a growing number of lives being lost on the roads, neither government nor existing NGOs dealt with it, perhaps due to the complexity of the challenge. While working for the Red Cross in 2010, Sebastien decided to launch Laos’ first free emergency service with local youth volunteers, despite having neither the funds nor the experience of running such an organization.The team of volunteers has faced many challenges. For example, there were times, especially at first, when the injured were turned away by doctors when they realised the patients wouldn’t be able to pay for care. But the team is so dedicated that they find ways to overcome these obstacles. So dedicated, for example, that a team member even showed up after having broken a bone the previous day, wanting to find a way to help the team despite their injury!The doctors that once turned them away now thank them for what they do, and the team is starting to see the positive change brought about by their dedication. They are currently exploring new projects and models in order to be able to save a greater number of lives and raise awareness, but are in urgent need of resources. ⑥ Rai
Full Name: Sharad Chandra Rai Country: Nepal Age: 30 Organization/Position: Founder and CEO, YouMe Nepal Mission: To develop solutions to educational inequality and provide educational opportunities to children in rural areas of Nepal, regardless of their caste.Rai's Story:Rai was born and raised in a remote village near the Himalayas in Nepal; so remote that, to this day, they still don’t have local access to gas, drinking water, or electricity. As a child, Rai had to wake up at 4:30 every morning and spend 2 hours fetching water, and then another 2 hours to commute to and from his school. At age 10, he was fortunate to be selected as one of 99 national scholarship recipients out of 10,000 applicants. After graduating from an inner city school, he moved to Japan to study at Ritsumeikan University and then University of Tokyo graduate school, again on a scholarship.Although Rai was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive a high level of education and study abroad, his own country has basic educational needs that are still unmet. For instance, many schools throughout the country struggle with a shortage of teachers.So, in 2011, Rai founded YouMe Nepal in order to help turn this situation around. He has already built 2 YouMe Schools which now cater for 200 enthusiastic students, but his ultimate goal is to provide high quality education in all 75 districts in Nepal.Rai currently works for Softbank in Japan in order to earn a basic income, and spends a great deal of this on running his organization. As soon as financially possible, he aims to return to Nepal to work full time on YouMe Nepal. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="infographic"][vc_column][vc_separator type="transparent" up="25px"][vc_single_image image="17303" img_size="80x60" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="21831" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://goo.gl/n7FAZk"][vc_column_text]
※ Please click on image for a higher resolution PDF file (0.75 MB).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][button target="_self" hover_type="default" text="Read more about Impact Heroes" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/impact-heroes/" margin="25px 25px 25px 25px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Explore the social impact scene through our Impact Bali Excursions
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BALI AS IT STANDS
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33436" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Bali is undeniably a hotspot for tourism. Well known for its fascinating culture and breathtaking nature, this paradise of an island attracts up to 6 million international visitors every year (pre-pandemic). [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] However, behind all of the lush landscapes, captivating traditions, and its colorful islanders, Bali also faces its myriad of challenges. Decreasing groundwater levels, plastic pollution, limited land for agriculture, and wildlife trafficking are just a few of the problems that are so apparent. These issues became the driving force behind the birth of the many innovative, progressive socio-eco entrepreneurs and NGOs we find in Bali today. More recently, Bali has become increasingly known for something more than just tourism. It has become a hub for social innovation with a continuously growing sense of awareness for the planet and its people. It has become a community of changemakers trying to make this world an equitable place, a more mindful place, and a more regenerative place for all lives.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]INTRODUCING: IMPACT BALI EXCURSION
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In light of this awakening, Earth Company started the Impact Bali Excursion. A fun yet informative, a casual yet transformative experience designed to explore how this world-changing shift in awareness is manifesting itself on the ground. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33438" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Impact Bali Excursion aims to deliver a transformative and purposeful experience in Bali for corporates and conference attendants alike. Our commitments are to provide all participants with:-Personal connections with social innovators -Maximized positive outcome from program activities, and -Minimum negative impact on the environment and society[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]IMMERSION INTO SOCIAL INNOVATION
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Learning directly from the frontline experts working to tackle some of the world's pressing issues; our ever-expanding network of changemakers in Bali ensures an enriching and eye-opening experience for those who attend.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33440" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Get introduced to world-renowned innovators Green School Bali; groundbreaking grassroot activists of Environmental Bamboo Foundation and SungaiWatch; award-winning social enterprises such as Kopernik. Handep and Bumi Sehat; as well as learn the model of sustainable tourism with next-gen eco resort Mana Earthly Paradise. These pioneers are questioning the current system and walking the talk in seeking a better, more regenerative future.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]INSPIRING SOLUTIONS TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Participants will be immersed in these world changing movements to ignite a sense of awareness within. We directly connect them with the inspiring pioneers and changemakers to instill a thirst for change. We explore real-world problems, and engage in thought-provoking discussions to come up with practical and meaningful solutions.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33442" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]By the end of the excursion, participants will come out informed and inspired, equipped with the knowledge to become champions for the people and the planet in either their line of work and personal lives.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]EXPLORE WHILE MAKING BALI A BETTER PLACE
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our commitments to expand participants’ worldview and incite positive change will not be at the expense of society and the environment. In fact, the Impact Bali Excursion follows Earth Company’s values to implement circular and regenerative practices, where we aim to keep our environmental and social footprint as minimal as possible.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33444" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In order to minimize our environmental and social footprint, Impact Bali Excursions includes reusable everyday products that help reduce use of single-use products. Our program is also curated to empower local communities, and places utmost respect for local cultures and customs.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]OUR PAST IMPACT TOUR EXPERIENCES
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]LOJEL
Earth Company ran a one-day corporate Impact Tour for the travel bag company, LOJEL. As part of LOJEL’s gathering of staff and distributors in Bali, Earth Company designed and organized a program to inspire new perspectives on sustainability for the company. The one-day program started off with a visit to Mana Earthly Paradise to showcase how the hotel was designed to become a regenerative model for businesses in the tourism industry. The tour then continued to the IDEP Foundation, an organization that promotes permaculture. Everyone had the opportunity to learn more about how permaculture gardening is an agricultural practice that is local, efficient, and regenerative; leading to organic and healthy products.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33446" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Lastly, the Impact Tour ended with a visit to the world-famous Green School Bali, learning about how a shift in education can nurture a future generation of changemakers. Though just one day in duration, everyone was inspired as light bulbs lit up in the participants’ minds and their eyes opened to new possibilities. Though just one day in duration, everyone was inspired as light bulbs lit up in the participants’ minds and their eyes opened to new possibilities.AVPN Summit Participants
In 2020, Bali hosted the first-ever Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Southeast Asia Summit from the 12th to the 14th of February. The event brought together over 200 participants working in the social impact sector from the region. As part of the summit activities, Earth Company organized a half-day social innovation program for participants from various impact organizations. These included Secondmuse, Moonshot Venture, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, BenihBaik, PLUS and the Asia Philanthropy Circle. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33448" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The program started at Bumi Sehat Clinic where the participants met founder (and Impact Hero 2016) Robin Lim. After a wonderful discussion between Robin and the participants about how gentle, loving, natural birth helps achieve world peace, the day continued at Mana Earthly Paradise. At Mana Earthly Paradise, participants were given a tour of the eco-resort and learned about the eco-technologies and sustainable business practices being used. They were impressed with the low impact design Mana adapted, from earth bad villas, wastewater garden, to solar power lighting, just to name a few.Diplomat Success Challenge Competition
In November 2021, we hosted one leg of Indonesia’s renowned business challenge for young entrepreneurs, Diplomat Success Challenge (DSC). Joining our program were 12 finalists, of which were selected from what started off at 18,000 applicants. The study tour started with a meditation walk to the nearby rice field in order to reconnect with themselves and nature. After the meditation walk, the finalists had the opportunity to listen to the life stories of Tomo and Aska, the history behind Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise, as well as the sustainability principles and practices at the property.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="33450" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]All 12 finalists then joined Mana’s sustainability tour that explored the different eco-technologies implemented that ensure a sustainable and regenerative business model at the entire establishment. They also gained insight on the different products found at Mana Market and Mana Kitchen that promote social, cultural, and environmental sustainability; as well as personal health and well-being. The finalists expressed interest in all the sustainable practices and asked lots of questions about how to commit to walking the talk, and growing to become social innovators as well.MAKE YOUR NEXT CORPORATE OUTING ONE THAT LEAVES A POSITIVE FOOTPRINT, WITH US.
Get in touch with us, and create your customized impact excursion for your team and colleagues!
Contact us: [email protected]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Announcing Impact Hero 2022 and the Finalists
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company called for applications to Impact Hero 2022 in August 2021 and received dozens of applications from a total of 15 countries. The selection committee was once again impressed by the applicants’ great visions and their initiatives tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. After much discussion and careful consideration, the committee selected 7 distinguished changemakers to be part of the Impact Hero 2022 cohort.With much anticipation and excitement, we are thrilled to share with you the Grand Winner and 6 Finalists of Impact Hero 2022![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
IMPACT HERO 2022 : Samir Lakhani
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Samir’s Profile: Samir Lakhani is the Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Soap Bank, a nonprofit organization that employs women to recycle leftover soap from factories which is redistributed to save lives. He is a social entrepreneur dedicated to restoring health and dignity in developing countries. In recognition of his work, Samir has received a number of awards including the CNN Heroes Award, Forbes 30 under 30 award, Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Award, Rotary Presidential Peacebuilding Award, amongst others. He also recently gave a TEDx talk. He is a business development professional with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from University of Pittsburgh.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1642750170818{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #c0d5bc !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_column_text]
Reasons for selecting Samir Lakhani as Impact Hero 2022
Message from Samir
Impact Hero 2022 Finalists
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32905" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Sungai Watch is on a mission to protect and restore Indonesia’s rivers by developing and designing simple technologies to stop the flow of plastic pollution from entering the ocean.Gary’s Profile: Gary is an environmental activist and filmmaker. He co-founded Make A Change World in 2009 with his siblings, a media outlet that uncovers uplifting and inspirational stories. With his younger brother Sam, he has launched a series of expeditions to travel down some of the world's most polluted rivers on upcycled plastic bottle rafts, including the Mississippi River and the Citarum River. Gary now dedicates 100% of his time towards growing Sungai Watch, a non-profit with the mission of protecting waterways starting in Indonesia. Since October 2020, the organization has successfully installed 108 barriers to stop plastic pollution from going into the ocean, removing over 350,000 kgs of plastics from Bali's waterways. In 2022, Sungai Watch is expanding to tackle the most polluted rivers of Indonesia by placing 1,000 barriers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32907" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Mobilizing youth leaders to promote environmental conservation through communication, education, and community organizing.Hong’s Profile: For almost 20 years, Hong has worked on raising public awareness and engaging communities to tackle climate change, pollution, and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam. With 350.org, a global climate change organization, she helped to build the youth-led climate movements in Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. In early 2013, Hong founded CHANGE, an NGO that utilizes new media and creative communication to mobilize, organize, and build the capacity of local youth groups to take action to solve the country’s most urgent environmental issues. In collaboration with CHANGE, young people and other stakeholders, including local celebrities and business-people, work to mitigate climate change, support affected communities, prevent air and plastic pollution, protect endangered wild animals, and promote renewable energy and sustainable living.Hong was inspired to take on environmental work after she joined a UNESCO expedition team of 35 youth from 25 countries to travel to Antarctica in 1997. She was the first Vietnamese citizen ever to set foot on the continent and became a Special Junior Envoy of UNESCO, and received a Certificate of Merits from the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Hong received her bachelor’s degree in foreign trade economics from Hanoi’s Foreign Trade University and her bachelor’s degree in English from Hanoi University of Foreign Studies.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32903" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Empowering community members to improve their lives in healthy and sustainable ways based on the ethics and principles of permaculture.Ego’s Profile: Musician, singer songwriter and environmental troubadour Ego Lemos is a remarkable man, with a remarkable voice in more ways than one.
While he currently represents Permatil as the Executive Director, in the past he served as the National Adviser on Curriculum Development for Basic Education on Arts & Culture and Permaculture School Gardens for the Ministry of Education of Timor-Leste. He is also a lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture and Public Arts & Culture at the University of Timor-Leste.He co-authored ‘Permaculture Gardens for Kids’ produced by Permatil, along with several guidebooks and training manuals on permaculture.
He received several awards for his environmental work including:
USAID's Tourism for All Award ‘Climate Champion’ in 2021 The Earth Hall of Fame by the Earth Forum Kyoto, Japan, in 2019 Human Rights Award ‘Sergio Viera de Mello’ President Palace of Nicolao Lobato, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in 2018.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32909" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Economically empowering women through developing crafting skills and commercializing their handmade products globally.Maisha’s Profile: Maisha Lubaba has paved the way for more than 300 rural artisans by ensuring their economic empowerment through the social enterprise named Protibha (which means ‘talent’ in Bengali). Her keen sense of social responsibility led her to work in the development sector. As a woman born and brought up in Bangladesh, the crafting talent of rural Bengali women has always amazed Maisha. But it was also heart wrenching at the same time, how these talents never get to be nurtured and supported enough. This feeling provoked her to be part of an enterprise that connects rural talents with urban markets.This enterprise takes a holistic approach by advocating the human rights among the community people, then developing zero skilled rural women to high skilled artisans through quality product development. Their creation is later commercialized globally to ensure their financial security and also the preservation of the heritage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32911" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Solving global plastic waste and social problems in coastal communities by manufacturing seaweed-based biodegradable packaging.Nory’s Profile: Nory was born in Pekalongan in a chemical trading family. She first learnt about chemicals, including alginate flour from seaweed, when she was 8 years old. She got her undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Chemistry (Bandung Institute of Technology) and Food Science (IPB University), respectively. She had worked in quality control and R&D in a food color company before she moved to Atma Jaya Catholic University as lecturer in 2009. She is thankful that some institutions have recognized and supported her bioplastic innovation: L’Oreal (2010), Toray Foundation (2011), Diplomat Success Challenge (2012), Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), Indonesia Ministry for Higher Education (2013-2019), and Indonesia Ministry for Law & Human Rights (2016).She realizes that she was equipped with all the experiences from her childhood, education, and career and achievement to fulfill her mission to alleviate poverty in seaweed farmers by using their seaweed to solve global plastic waste pollution sustainably.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="32901" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Mission: Collaborating with women led weaving communities and offering market access sustainably via 3Cs Commerce, Community collaboration, and Consultancy - for alleviation of systemic poverty.Aparna’s Profile: Aparna Bhatnagar Saxena identifies herself as an unapologetic feminist, a vegan, an environmentalist, and a student for life. An Indiannow based in Jakarta, she has lived and worked in 4 countries in Asia. In addition to leading TORAJAMELO by ensuring that social, environmental, and cultural sustainability of indigenous communities in Indonesia is preserved and promoted, she is ASEAN lead for She Loves Data that enables women to enter the world of data and pursue careers in the same. She is a core member of Going Green in Jakarta, a community of enthusiasts who aim to make living sustainable and green in Indonesia.She also promotes and walks her values as the co-founder of Vriksh Impact Partners, a boutique investment and advisory firm in India that is focussed on supporting and growing early-stage plant-based businesses in India.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Kicked off support for the Impact Hero 2021 Cohort
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Starting this year Earth Company has launched a new support program for the Impact Hero cohort. This is an exciting journey and challenge for the organization as we have selected and worked with one Impact Hero at a time in the past.This year, we have the opportunity to work with 9 Impact Hero finalists in addition to the Impact Hero winner, thanks to our partnership with the Well-being for Planet Earth Foundation, a recently established Japan-based private foundation supporting research and innovation related to well-being.Here’s our exciting offering to the cohort:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
1. Lead-to-Regenerate (L2R) Empowerment Program
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32231" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Lead-to-Regenerate Empowerment Program is a 6-month hybrid program which aims to equip pioneering changemakers with meaningful knowledge and inspiration to reflect on their current work and leadership, stretch their imagination beyond immediate needs, and revisit their purposes and roles in their lives. The economic growth model of the past centuries has exploited the environment, divided communities, and exacerbated inequality. The world now faces an urgent need for an alternative model that is more regenerative, inclusive, and balanced in order to holistically improve the wellbeing of people and all beings on this planet. The following three concepts will be important in driving this "shift" among changemakers who are tackling a variety of social and environmental issues.- Regenerative
- Well-being
- Long-term Thinking
Photo: The cohort discussing “new leadership in new paradigm” in June
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In addition, as a final output for this program, we are planning to invite all the participants to Bali for an event titled "Regenerative Futures Summit" in the latter half of October (pandemic permitting). The purpose of this event is to provide a forum for participants to share their visions with the outside world and to expand the support network for social entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific region.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]2. Access to the Knowledge Hub and Expert Webinars
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Over the years, Earth Company has developed valuable resources and tools for Impact Heroes to strengthen their organizations, including a list of grant opportunities, practical skill-building materials, etc. We have also delivered online sessions to Impact Heroes by experts in the past on topics ranging from digital marketing to donor relation management. All these resources are updated regularly and will be accessible to Impact Heroes and finalists. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]3. Optional Mentorship Program
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company will provide mentoring services for the Impact Hero 2021 cohort by connecting them with mentors from our network. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]4. Impact Hero Community
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We will invite the 10 change-makers to an online community. The community’s purpose is to share and circulate any information that might be helpful to each other and seek advice/support from the group.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Call for Applications - Impact Hero 2022
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Last but certainly not least, we will start the call for applications for Impact Hero 2022 on August 8th. If you are interested in applying, please see the details and apply from here. We are excited to receive passionate applications from many of you! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][button size="large" target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Call for Applications" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/impact-heroes/2022-applications/"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Aska Hamakawa selected among Newsweek’s 100 Japanese the World Respects
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Alongside Japanese superstars Naomi Osaka and Shohei Ohtani, our Executive Director, Aska Hamakawa, was featured in an August 2021 edition of Newsweek Japan commending Earth Company’s support to changemakers and Mana Earthly Paradise’s innovative model. Aska nor the team was informed of the publication, so you can imagine the shock when a friend found her in print!In response to the delightful news, Aska commented: “To be honest, I’m not comfortable with just my name being highlighted because this has thoroughly been a team effort both for Earth Company and Mana. This recognition is completely the result of the hard work and dedication by our team members. In addition, if it weren’t for all our supporters and believers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. So, I’m receiving this on behalf of the entire Earth Company family” Thank you to all our supporters and partners for being part of our amazing journey and celebrating this milestone with us! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Impact Heroes at the Ashoka Changemaker Forum
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company and its Impact Heroes recently enjoyed a rare opportunity to collaborate at an exciting event co-organized by Ashoka and Singapore Management University’s Lien Centre for Social Innovation. The team hosted an experience workshop titled "Impact Heroes in Action: Integrating All Four Skills towards Social Innovation" with four of our Impact Heroes, Bella Galhos, Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, Wai Wai Nu, and Arief Rabik, at the CHANGEMAKER Forum, which attracted over 300 students, parents, and educators in total. The Impact Heroes not only shared their life stories and current challenges but also discussed the four critical qualities for changemakers: Conscious Empathy, Collective Teamwork, New Leadership, and Practicing Changemaking. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
Life-story interview with IMPACT HEROES
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32160" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The event began with life stories by Impact Heroes focused on why they do what they do, what motivates them to do what they do, and how to create change at the national and global levels.In the interview, Bella Galhos, Impact Hero 2015, stated “Leaders should speak on behalf of people without voices” and emphasized the importance of facing challenges head on. Following Bella, Kathy, Wai Wai, and Arief each shared their riveting life stories.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Dialogue session with participants
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]After the life-story interviews, the participants were split into small groups for Q&A and dialogue with Impact Heroes in more intimate settings. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32162" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Below is a short write-up of the key points shared in each breakout session:Bella Galhos’ group:
Having grown up as a girl soldier and defected to Canada, Bella is doing what no one else can. After serving as an advisor to the President, she has gone on to run her environmental school and shelter for LGBT children, providing grassroots support. Many participants were inspired by Bella's one-of-a-kind elements of her work. Without turning a blind eye to the poverty and education problems that Timor Leste is facing, they felt Bella's energy and kindness to listen to the unheard voices of the people involved and help them to make changes.Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner’s group:
Kathy is an exceptional change-maker, balancing her grassroots work supporting local youth through her NGO, Jo-Jikum, and her high-level work planning the country's climate change strategy. A participant from Singapore asked how a country like Singapore, which has been pursuing economic development, can transition to a green economy. She told us that the first step is to make it a national policy to introduce renewable energy in areas with high carbon footprints, such as electricity and shipping. It is also necessary to deepen knowledge about the world; a country like the Marshall Islands, which produces only 0.0001% of the world's carbon emissions, will be devastated by climate change. Kathy also spoke about using poetry and art to address the issue of climate change, saying "poetry can help cultivate empathy."Wai Wai Nu’s group :
Concerning the coup in Myanmar, Wai Wai and her team have reported on the damage and activities on the ground both domestically and internationally as well as conducted advocacy activities for international organizations. Wai Wai, who aims to realize an inclusive democracy that includes all minorities, regardless of gender or ethnicity, emphasized the importance of having hope. “No matter how difficult and painful the situation is, we, as changemakers, must not lose hope. We are the hope for the future.” Wai Wai responded to a question about skills needed among young people by offering her advice:, "listen effectively, proactively, and respond accordingly".[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="32164" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We hope to continue to actively collaborate with Ashoka, SMU and other organizations that foster social entrepreneurship and changemaking to address the region’s most pressing challenges.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Impactful Completion of the “Cross-Boundary Exchange for Social Innovation” Program
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 25th February, Earth Company successfully concluded the first "Cross-Boundary Exchange for Social Innovation" online edition with eleven students from Osaka University and eight young social innovation practitioners from Indonesia. Organized by Osaka University and delivered by Earth Company, the six-day intensive virtual workshop aimed for the participants to formulate innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The program consisted of lectures from guest speakers engaged in socio-environmental issues in Bali and Japan, practical frameworks of social innovations, personal reflections, group work, and presentations. It was indeed an interdisciplinary learning experience with participants from various backgrounds including engineering, material science, philosophy, and healthcare who were all passionate about tackling challenges in climate change, poverty, waste, gender inequality, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31719" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]After learning the basic theories and frameworks of social innovation and the SDGs, the program focused on real-world challenges and solutions in Bali and Japan. Growing up in Bali and witnessing the good and bad aspects of mass tourism, I Putu Wiraguna shared his experiences in developing the Five Pillar Foundation and later the Ubud Bali Farm to uplift rural communities in Bali. Based in Akita, Japan, Yoshitaka Ohara from Habataku shared his work in regional revitalization. Habataku has been trying to transform the prefecture, whose population is decreasing and aging rapidly, into a more sustainable community by connecting people and re-designing learning and living environments for people of various ages.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31721" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31739" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]From day 3 to 5, the participants dove deeply into social and environmental initiatives, including urban and rural development, waste management, community and women empowerment, and healthcare in both places. Each speaker shared his/her personal stories that propelled them to devote themselves to their respective causes and how they overcame numerous obstacles. Despite everything online, all the participants were super engaged, asking questions about practical solutions and bringing ideas to their own projects and research.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31723" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31725" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]On the last day of the program, all the participants presented their social innovation projects or research themes, integrating the knowledge and tools from the past five days. We were amazed by the projects' maturity and creativity, from supporting a climate tech start-up ecosystem, empowering women in rural Indonesia, to making the shipping industry green, for example. We were also honored to have our speakers attend the presentations and listen to many innovative ideas from the next-gen changemakers.At the end of the program, the Indonesian participants received program certificates from Professor Hirata from Osaka University. To infuse a sense of reality to the online program, we invited onene Indonesian participant based in Bali to come to Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud and receive the certificate directly from Tomo, Managing Director of Earth Company.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31727" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Overall the program was a huge success. We are grateful to have this opportunity to nurture the next generation changemakers, just like Tomo shared, "I'm relieved and energized that we were able to make a strong impact on many, if not all, the nineteen participants. This sensation of impact-achievement is so special" . [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1616933045819{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="30416" img_size="medium" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]
Tomo Hamakawa
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Earth Company [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]Thank you to all the organizers, speakers, and participants of Cross-boundary Exchange for Social Innovation (CBX). Despite the virtual nature, the learning, the emotions, and the inspiration were all real. Im relieved and energized that we were able to make strong impact on many, if not all, the 19 participants. This sensation of impact-achievement is so special... And perhaps, quite simply, that’s what we want to feel at the end of our lives?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]A few words from the participants
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31835" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31837" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31839" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31841" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Osaka University and Earth Company had the privilege of hosting the following CBX speakers and their organizations:- I Putu Wiraguna , Ubad Farm Bali / Five Pillar Experiences
- Yoshitaka Ohara, Habataku Inc.
- Piter Panjaitan, Bali Life Foundation
- Aniek Puspawardani, Kelecung Project
- M. Abid Kamalsyah, STOP Project
- Chie Bannai & Ei Nozaki, Recotech
- Ibu Sari, PKP Community Center
- Robin Lim, Bumi Sehat Foundation
Partnering for Talent Development in Social Innovation with Amani Institute
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]At Earth Company, our mission is to empower and inspire change-makers who realize social change for our future generations. This includes nurturing the next generation change-makers through our Impact Bali program, and at times we partner with value-aligned organizations like Amani Institute to support their work in developing professionals who create social impact. In this context, we had the pleasure and honor to serve as the apprenticeship host organization for Amani’s first ever online Social Innovation Management Fellowship Program. During this 3-month apprenticeship, four fellows joined Earth Company and took on two important projects: Marketing Strategy for Mana Earthly Paradise and Market Research for Operation Green.We were impressed with the quality of the fellows’ work as well as their positive attitude. Despite having little experience in tourism and sustainability consulting, they were able to pick up the tasks rapidly and provided constructive and actionable recommendations for both projects. In short, it was a pleasant and successful collaboration! We are confident that this would serve as the beginning of a long-term partnership and look forward to hosting another batch of fellows. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1612764409637{background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1612762388911{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;border-right-width: 15px !important;border-left-width: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"]
A few words from Amani Institute and the Fellows
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31526" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Stephanie Haase
Global Program Manager, Amani Institute As we at Amani Institute started to come to terms with the world drastically changing overnight due to the pandemic, we had to make tough decisions affecting our programs. We wanted to ensure that we could continue our work of supporting changemakers safely, without losing quality and the potential for impact. We were able to do this, also thanks to the support from organisations like Earth Company, who were immediately willing to test and innovate with us. As we embarked on the journey of this remote apprenticeship/consultancy, I was continuously impressed by the ease of communication with the team from Earth Company. It was clear that the team truly cared about giving our Fellows a relevant and interesting challenge to get an introduction to what work can look like in the impact sector. Challenges, like working across time zones ranging from Japan to Peru and the US, were managed and any concerns were proactively approached. Our hope is always that the apprenticeships are useful for both the apprentices as well as the hosts, and it seems this goal was met! It was such a pleasure working with such a dedicated team of people, and I hope we will have the opportunity to continue working together in the future! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31528" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Aroun Dupuis
Amani Fellow I am Aroun from Switzerland. I worked for 10 years in the private banking industry before joining the Amani Social Innovation Program. Amani Institute creates new ways of educating professionals interested in building careers of meaning and impact, with the right blend of knowledge, skills, experience, and networks needed to be successful in their careers.As a part of our Social Innovation Program, I joined the Earth Company Team to learn how the social sector works, what it truly takes to create change and to put into practice all the skills that I learned during the 5 months program.During the apprenticeship, and with the help of my 3 other Amani fellows, we developed and implemented an “intrapreneurship challenge” around developing a marketing and business strategy for Mana Earthly Paradise, an eco-hotel affected during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic like most of the tourism industry. The impact we had was to create a potential alternative strategy for an industry facing unprecedented challenges using social media.I am very grateful to the Earth Company Team, who welcomed us in their community and shared with us their knowledge in sustainable tourism. I gained an insight into how it can be difficult to run a sustainable business during a global health crisis and how to create innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31531" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Andrea Tan
Amani Fellow I am Andrea Tan from California, but have spent the last 8 years working abroad in China in various Advertising Agencies for brands from Auto to Consumer Goods. One year I took some surf lessons in Bali, which led me to swim in an ocean of plastic. This moment triggered in me the desire to find meaning in my career and look for companies that prioritized social and environment impact before profit. When I joined Amani Institute, one of the enticing parts of the program is the emphasis on hands on experience. So when Earth Company was offered as one of the partners, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn about how to run a business venture while prioritizing social impact and keeping true to a company’s value. Due to Covid-19, the travel industry was heavily impacted and we were tasked with how to market Mana, a next generation eco-resort, to an audience that didn’t have a strong affinity to sustainability. Ideas were generated to create experiences that target the eco-conscious, but also tempted other types of travelers including those who wanted to travel, but couldn’t - all while ensuring that Mana aligned to its core values.Working in Earth Company, I learned that this model should serve not only as inspiration for those in the social entrepreneurship space, but should be a standard across all sectors - private and public. A business model where sustainable growth is important, but only when it coincides with the core values of People and Planet. Navigating this experience with the whole team working remotely from seven different countries made scheduling challenging, but it allowed for a multitude of different ideas and perspectives, which was a great learning opportunity and an invaluable experience with learnings I will take into my next opportunity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31533" img_size="200×200" alignment="center" style="vc_box_circle" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Mafe Zamora
Amani Fellow My name is Mafe Zamora, and I am a Peruvian social-driven woman that has been working for gender equality and Latin American workforce inclusion for a few years now. I decided to strengthen and enhance my innovation and change-making skills while learning from experience; that is why I decided to do the Social Innovation Management program online with the Amani Institute. The opportunity to do an apprenticeship presented, and I wanted to orient it towards sustainability and development. I decided to choose Earth Company because of their mission, their lines of action and their purpose, which I deeply share. Collaborating with the Mana team first and then with Operation Green was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn while doing and meet amazing people doing excellent work on the other side of the world. The challenge was inspiring. We learned a lot about responsible tourism while doing an intense research process and then ideating what we learned and the opportunities we envisioned for the future. The feedback given was always precious, and we got to have powerful conversations and connect as a team. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with two real projects and problems that the organization was facing. I am sure great things are yet to come for Earth Company, and I am very excited to watch it happen. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]Invitation to Full-Scholarship Program: Diversity Voyage ONLINE in Bali
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Diversity Voyage in Bali
An Intensive Online Program on Sustainable Tourism, Circular Economy, and Global Citizenship
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Application deadline: 21 February 2021 by 10PM (GMT+8)
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Program Overview
The Diversity Voyage program is an experiential learning and participatory educational program designed for the promotion of global citizenship awareness. Launched in 2014, Diversity Voyage is organized by a Japanese organization called Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT) in collaboration with numerous partners in Southeast Asia. The program creates unique cross-cultural experiences for students at Toyo University, a private university in Japan founded in 1887, and university students and youth in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc. with over 1,500 individuals having participated in the program to date. The main purpose of the program is to train global citizens and mobilize them towards contributing to solving social and environmental challenges.The Diversity Voyage program in Bali has been implemented in partnership with Earth Company since 2016. While the first five batches have been held in person in Ubud, the upcoming batch in March 2021 will be delivered online given the current travel restrictions and open to Indonesians across the archipelago.The March 2021 program will focus on the themes of sustainable tourism and circular economy by using Mana Earthly Paradise, a next generation eco hotel in Ubud, as a case study.- How do we promote sustainable tourism and circular business models in Indonesia, Japan, and beyond?
- How will sustainable tourism and circular economy look like in the post-covid world?
WHO - PARTICIPANTS
- 25 students of Toyo University
- 16 Indonesian participants - you will be applying to this batch
WHERE
All sessions will be delivered on zoom (or other online platforms)WHEN
- 4th March – 10th March 2021 (7 days)
- Program orientation will be conducted beforehand. Date will be notified to the successful candidates.
FEE - Full-scholarship
- The scholarship will cover the participation fee
- Certificate of completion will be given by GiFT
REQUIREMENTS
- University/ Polytechnic students in Indonesia
- Able to participate in the whole program (4th – 10th March 2021)
- Have hospitality and motivation to learn from the program
- Have willingness to work as a team and to motivate others
- Have passion and strong interest in sustainable tourism, circular economy, and global citizenship
- Have interests in social awareness and global awareness
- English proficiency: excellent reading, writing, and speaking
- Prepare following items for the sessions: -PC with Wi-Fi access for the internet (tablets, smartphones are not recommended for long hours sessions) -Earphone with microphone -White blank papers (A4/letter size) -Thick Colored Pen (black or any legible color is OK)
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- Complete application form through
- GiFT & Earth Company will select participants based on submitted applications with consideration of participants’ diversity, and call for further interview sessions
- Selection results will be notified to each participant via Email.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
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Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT)
Through Global Citizenship Education, GiFT connects people’s ambitions and creates new values. Global Citizenship is the ambition to make the world a better place. GiFT’s training structure is based on the so-called “Global Citizenship Process” with four key elements to foster global citizenship such as grounding, connecting, co-creating, and participation.Earth Company
Based in Indonesia and Japan, Earth Company is an impact-driven social enterprise that offers transformational support to change-makers, delivers inspiring educational programs, provides professional consulting services, and manages a next generation eco hotel in Ubud, Bali called Mana Earthly Paradise.CONTACT DETAILS
All questions could be addressed to [email protected] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]Announcing Impact Hero 2021 and the Runner-up!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]After taking a year to consolidate the learning from the first five years, Earth Company called for applications to Impact Hero 2021 in July 2020. We received a record number of applications from 65 changemakers representing 17 countries, from Afghanistan in the west to Fiji in the east. The selection committee was impressed by the very high quality of candidates, especially the 10 finalists, this year. All of them demonstrate unshakeable commitment to tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our times. The committee members were even moved to tears by the life stories of some candidates. With much anticipation and excitement, we are thrilled to share with you the Grand Winner and Runner-up of Impact Hero 2021! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
IMPACT HERO 2021 : Arief Rabik
Country: Indonesia Organization: Environmental Bamboo Foundation
About Arief Rabik:
Arief is the President Director of Environmental Bamboo Foundation (EBF) and the founder of the 1000 Bamboo Villages project. He is a second-generation bamboo specialist, entrepreneur and scientist who is as capable and comfortable getting his hands dirty helping local producers on the ground as he is working with corporate leaders in the boardroom and politicians in national capitals to bargain for scalable policy and financial support to turn his vision into reality. EBF was originally founded in 1993 by his legendary interior designer mother, Linda Garland, who saw bamboo’s many positive qualities – flexibility, environmental friendliness, rapid and relatively easy propagation – as a solution to many problems in the world such as land degradation and climate change, and found her true calling in establishing bamboo as a viable replacement building material internationally.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31296" img_size="300×300" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]About Environmental Bamboo Foundation (EBF):
The Environmental Bamboo Foundation (EBF) is a non-profit organization with 30 years of experience working in the field of bamboo with a breakthrough strategy to solve two of the world’s most pressing issues - climate change and land degradation. Simultaneously, its solution creates economic opportunities for rural areas and promoting gender & social inclusion by creating large markets for bamboo to be used in building material, clothing, furniture, and more. EBF aims to restore degraded lands around the world with bamboo agroforestry by first establishing 1,000 Bamboo Villages in Indonesia and then scaling the model to 9 other tropical countries within Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.The goal is to set up 1,000 bamboo villages in Indonesia by 2029 and scale it to 9 other countries to build 10,000 bamboo villages in total by 2036. This will absorb 3% of the current global annual CO2 emissions and restore 20 million ha (1%) of the degraded lands throughout the world. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1545792029520{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_column_text]Reasons for selecting Arief Rabik as Impact Hero 2021
IMPACT HERO 2021 Message from Arief
A video message from Arief, shortly after informing him of the decision
"I'm speechless, I don't know what to say, but thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to work together to empower the farmers of Indonesia and around the world to restore their degraded lands and build this beautiful village-based industrial systems, this amazing forests that will supply us fibers, fuels and food of the future. So here is to our success!"
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="80px"][vc_column_text] RUNNER-UP : Randi Julian Miranda
Country: Indonesia Organization: Handep
About Randi and his work:
Randi is a prominent young Dayak figure in the field of sustainability, social entrepreneurship and indigenous rights advocacy. He is the Founder & CEO of Handep, a social enterprise that empowers Indigenous Dayak women and smallholder farmers through sustainable livelihoods and regaining their basic rights to lands and forests. Randi is also an avid environmentalist and community development practitioner, with extensive experience in project management, conservation, sustainable business, research and communication. He obtained his Master’s degree in Environmental Study (specialising in Sustainable Development) at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2018.After years of equipping himself with the knowledge and skill sets he needed, Randi decided to dedicate his life to support his community in Borneo Island whose life spaces are under threat. Through Handep, Randi strives to improve the local economy, especially for forest-dependent communities and preserve the rainforests, not only for the biodiversity and conservation value, but for the future of humanity. His current works focus on providing sustainable alternative livelihoods using local resources and regaining the rights of Indigenous Dayaks to their customary forests which are continuously converted for the overdevelopment of extractive industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="80px"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Meet Other Impact Hero 2021 Finalists" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/blog/impact-hero-2021-finalists/"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]Earth Company Partners with The Long Run
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31176" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are pleased to announce that Earth Company has joined The Long Run as an Affiliate member to drive positive change for the health of the planet and the well-being of people.The Long Run is one of the world’s largest sustainable development movements led by nature-based businesses. It started out as an initiative of the Zeitz Foundation, founded by celebrated philanthropist Jochen Zeitz. Today, it is an independent UK-based charity that collectively with its members helps conserve over 20-million-acres of biodiversity and improves the lives of 750,000 people. As an Affiliate Member, we share the same drive to support sustainable, ecologically and socially responsible projects through the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]
Earth Company partners with The Long Run to create a world in which Business, Nature and People are working together for a sustainable future.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31178" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]CONSERVATION
Biodiversity is life. Conservation is safeguarding this biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem services it provides which support global needs. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]As a Long Runner, we support the sustainable use of natural resources by adapting circular design and eco-practices at Mana Earthly Paradise, our next generation eco-hotel in Ubud, Bali. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31321" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31323" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31184" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]COMMUNITY
People matter; it is the right of every person to have their basic needs met and enhancing the well-being of communities is a fundamental obligation of all. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company actively partners with local community projects, such as FoodComa, Plastic Exchange Bali, and The Togetherness Project Bali to host markets and events to support local vendors and communities whose livelihood was hit by the Covid pandemic. We also host fundraising events for local NGOs, including Bumi Sehat that offers free healthcare services to disadvantaged communities in Bali and Ranu Welum that empowers indigenous Dayak youth to act on social justice, indigenous rights, and the protection of Kalimantan forests.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31325" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31327" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our latest community initiative is “Mana School”, an educational program aiming to engage local children around Mana Earthly Paradise to raise awareness around sustainable living and to nurture the next generation eco-citizens. Every Sunday, we offer English and sustainability lessons to local primary school students taking Mana's various eco-practices as examples.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31329" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31331" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31194" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]CULTURE
Our world is culturally diverse. Celebrating commonality is what nurtures understanding. Respecting difference is crucial to our future. Our ability to innovate and evolve is what makes us uniquely human. Drawing on our uniqueness we enrich each other and contribute to a greater common good. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company honors the cultural heritage of Bali through the ethos of Mana Earthly Paradise. Its design responds to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—harmony between people, gods and nature. and has manifested into five guiding principles: Be organic, Be eco, Be ethical, Be social, and Be local. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image="31335" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We also strengthen intercultural relationships and understanding through our Impact Bali Program, which offers transformative, experiential opportunities to professionals and students from around the world to learn sustainability and social innovation projects in Bali.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31339" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="31337" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="31204" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]COMMERCE
This dimension addresses the sustainability of commercial operations recognising the intricate link between profit, natural and social assets. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We recognize that business can be a force for good and profit can and should go hand in hand with productive ecosystems, and prosperous communities. We set foot to achieve this through Mana Earthly Paradise, which not only creates an ecologically and socially regenerative model but also economically. It sets to exemplify a truly circular economy where “the more profits businesses make, the better the world would become". Moreover, the profits of Mana are channeled to support Earth Company’s Impact Heroes Program which brings critical resources and services to inspiring change-makers in the Asia Pasific. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="31284" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are excited to continue our journey of creating a world that can be passed onto future generations with the Long Run community. By joining the movement, we have committed to a continuous improvement towards excellence in sustainability by achieving a balance in the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]IMPACT HERO 2021 – THE FINALISTS!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company’s call for Impact Hero 2021 received applications from 65 changemakers from all across the Asia Pacific. The selection committee was surprised and inspired by the exceptional quality of the applications on the whole that demonstrates the evolution of the regional ecosystem. From the initial batch, the committee members had the opportunity to speak directly with more than a dozen of candidates. While this process is undoubtedly time- and energy-consuming, it is a deeply rewarding and energizing experience for the Earth Company team to realize that so many individuals literally dedicate their lives to tackle enormous, complex challenges facing humanity and the earth. We will be announcing the winner in December, but for now, you can read a little about them – each with riveting stories, innovative solutions, and tremendous impact potential – below!(Listed in alphabetical order)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="75px"][vc_column_text]
1. Somsak Boonkam
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31043" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: ThailandOrganization: Local AlikeMission: Promoting sustainable community-based tourism business for rural villages in Thailand to support them become economically self-sufficient and improve their livelihood. About Pai and his work:Somsak “Pai” Boonkam is an Ashoka Fellow and the founder and CEO of Local Alike, a social enterprise building an online platform to connect travelers and locals through meaningful and authentic experiences. As a social enterprise, Local Alike uses community-based tourism as a form of development tool to solve local issues, preserve local culture, and generate additional income to local communities. Prior to founding Local Alike, Pai worked at the Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage. He was tasked with business development at Northern Thai communities under the Doi Tung Development Project.Pai was born and raised in rural Thailand where he developed a deep appreciation for the ingenuity of indigenous culture and the role of sustainable development. He graduated with an MBA in Sustainability Management from Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco, California. Pai has worked in a variety of cross-cultural settings. His goal is to bring the wisdom of indigenous people to the mass market in order to develop sustainable products that have a positive impact on the society.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]2. Sagufta Salma Janif
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31041" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: FijiOrganization: The Fusion HubMission: Eradicating the global waste crisis through their zero-waste lifestyle brand and economically empowering women. About Sagufta and her work:Sagufta is an award winning social impact entrepreneur who is trying to solve the global waste crisis and at the same time economically empower women and youth living in disadvantaged economic situations. Sagufta is a zero-waste lifestyle enthusiast and advocate. She is also 2020’s Commonwealth Youth Award Winner for the Pacific Region. She also won the aspiring entrepreneur of the year 2019 at the Women in Business Awards and has been named as one of the 30 faces of Fiji’s future - a mai life 30 under 30 honoree. She is also the Vice-Chairperson for the Young Entrepreneurs Council and has been an inspirational young leader as she motivates and encourages the youth of Fiji and the Pacific Islands to become change makers and solution providers. She empowers them to become job creators rather than job seekers. She not only motivates young entrepreneurs but other young people who are working towards achieving the sustainable development goals. She empowers women and young girls to go beyond the “stereotypical” jobs and provides training and capacity building opportunities so they can realize their true potential. Sagufta has become an icon for young people as an entrepreneur and a trailblazing change-maker.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]3. Kristin Kagetsu
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31033" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: IndiaOrganization: Saathi Eco Innovations India Pvt LtdMission: Creating and marketing hygiene products that are good for the body, community and environment. About Kristin and her work:Kristin is one of the co-founders and CEO of Saathi, a social enterprise dedicated to providing a sustainable and accessible solution for feminine hygiene. Saathi has been recognized globally by Time Magazine, Fast Company, UN Environment Program, and others, for its social impact, innovation and sustainability. Kristin is passionate about sustainable manufacturing, alternative materials, and women in STEM. She believes in a circular future where companies are also socially responsible. As an undergrad, she worked on multiple projects with MIT Design Lab in Brazil, Nicaragua, and India. Her first product was a set of natural dye crayons from locally sourced materials for an NGO in Uttarakhand where she realized she wanted to continue to work in India to make a positive impact.Prior to moving to India, she volunteered with the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, to structure and expand the national collegiate team and develop SASE leadership in the Northeast. After winning the HBS NVC, she moved to India to start Saathi with her co-founder Tarun. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and is an MIT DLab ScaleUps Fellow, Asia Society Young Leader, Cartier Women’s Initiative Finalist, and recognized by the Indian Department of MSME. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]4. Randi Julian Miranda
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31096" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: IndonesiaOrganization: HandepMission: Creating a sustainable village economy that aligns with local cultures and traditions.About Randi and his work:Randi is a prominent young Dayak figure in the field of sustainability, social entrepreneurship and indigenous rights advocacy. He is the Founder & CEO of Handep, a social enterprise that empowers Indigenous Dayak women and smallholder farmers through sustainable livelihoods and regaining their basic rights to lands and forests. Randi is also an avid environmentalist and community development practitioner, with extensive experience in project management, conservation, sustainable business, research and communication. He obtained his Master’s degree in Environmental Study (specialising in Sustainable Development) at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2018. After years of equipping himself with the knowledge and skill sets he needed, Randi decided to dedicate his life to support his community in Borneo Island whose life spaces are under threat. Through Handep, Randi strives to improve the local economy, especially for forest-dependent communities and preserve the rainforests, not only for the biodiversity and conservation value, but for the future of humanity. His current works focus on providing sustainable alternative livelihoods using local resources and regaining the rights of Indigenous Dayaks to their customary forests which are continuously converted for the overdevelopment of extractive industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]5. Muhammad Noor
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31035" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: Malaysia, BangladeshOrganization: Rohingya ProjectMission: Developing and implementing a grassroots initiative for financial inclusion of stateless people through a digital social and financial inclusion platform.About Noor and his work:A Rohingya himself, Noor is the Founder and Managing Director of the Rohingya Project, a Blockchain-based organization to bring financial and social inclusion to stateless people. Noor is also founder and director for several institutions and organizations such as the world first Rohingya TV broadcast station called Rohingya Vision watch by millions from all over the world. He is the Founder and Chairman of Rohingya Football Club a national team to play CONIFA World Cup. Noor digitized the Rohingya Alphabet and developed the first Computer Typeface and one of the main contributors on Rohingya Unicode which was accepted and released in 2018. Noor is also the author of “Born to Struggle: The Child of Rohingya Refugees and His Inspiring Journey” which was published in March 2019, based on his personal life experience. He holds an Honors Degree in Computing from Greenwich University, UK. He has more than 15 years of experience as a business owner, journalist, TV anchor, corporate negotiator and project manager. He is also actively involved in software development, cryptography, security and data privacy. Noor trains and motivates people from all walks of life such as self-development, management and information technology. His ambitions are to implement technology to serve humanity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]6. Aravinth Panch
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31029" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: Sri LankaOrganization: DreamSpace AcademyMission: Tackling authentic local socio-economic and environmental challenges by empowering the underprivileged communities and protecting the environmental ecosystem in Sri Lanka, using project & challenge based learning.About Ara and his work:Aravinth is a devoted social entrepreneur empowering underprivileged communities in war-affected regions of Sri Lanka by creating an intellectual livelihood to solve local socio-economic and environmental challenges.He was born in a beautiful coastal town called Batticaloa at a difficult time when his family lost several members - innocent civilians slaughtered as collateral damages in the civil war.At the age of 14, he escaped the country in fear of becoming a child soldier, for ten years exiled as a refugee and returned to his motherland when the war ended almost after three decades.In the meantime, he gained extraordinary interdisciplinary experiences in science, engineering, sustainability and art while solving very complex problems, and co-founded several successful organisations in Asia & Europe.His craving to uphold those who went through the same life experiences propelled him to co-found DreamSpace Academy - a community innovation centre to empower underprivileged youth with challenge-based learning.He co-created a personalised empowerment model consisting of 5 stages spanning 18 months. It starts with the identification of motivated youngsters from vulnerable societies, training them with multidisciplinary workshops in topics from storytelling to biotechnology, and ultimately leading them to become social entrepreneurs solving local challenges.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]7. Arief Rabik
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31058" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: IndonesiaOrganization: Environmental Bamboo FoundationMission: Building an international restoration economy through village-level bamboo agroforestry. About Arief and his work:Arief Rabik is the President Director of Indonesia Environmental Bamboo Foundation and the founder of the 1000 Bamboo Villages project, which aims to create economic viability for the use of Bamboo Agroforestry to sequester CO2 and restore degraded tropical forest lands in dozens of countries. Arief is an expert in Bamboo Cultivation, Value added processing and Brokering public and private support and investment in village-level bamboo production.Bamboo has exceptional climate benefits and in Indonesia alone the creation of nationwide "Bamboo Villages" would result in more than 100 millions tons of CO2 emission reduction annually. This provides governments seeking a pathway to meet their emissions targets with an efficient model that has significant co-benefits, including economic development for rural communities and improved soil and forest health. Arief's breakthrough strategy is to restore degraded lands around the world with bamboo agroforestry while creating large markets for bamboo to be used in building material (which would also help displace carbon-intensive concrete), clothing, furniture, and more.Arief is a second-generation bamboo specialist who is as capable and comfortable getting his hands dirty helping local producers on the ground as he is working with corporate leaders in the boardroom and politicians in national capitals to bargain for scalable policy and financial support to turn his vision into reality. Arief has already piloted his model and the first group of villages in Indonesia are already producing bamboo with purchasing agreements in place to sell value-added products to large global brands.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]8. Rhea Mazumdar Singhal
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31039" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: India, and other countriesOrganization: ECOWAREMission: Converting common agricultural waste into 100% biodegradable, compostable and natural food packaging solutions which are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics tableware.About Rhea and her work:Rhea Mazumdar Singhal is the Founder and CEO of Ecoware, India’s first and largest sustainable packaging company. Rhea was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian honour for women by the President of India. Rhea is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2018) and an Asia 21 Young Leader (2019). Rhea is an invited member of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) National Committee on Women Empowerment and CII India CEO Forum on Air Pollution, she is also the Chairperson for the Indian Women Network for North India.Rhea has attended the University of Bristol, Oxford and Harvard University. Rhea is a vocal spokesperson for sustainability and climate change and urges the private sector to shoulder more responsibility. Rhea is a purpose driven entrepreneur taking her impact to greater heights Rhea founded Ecoware with the sole aim of solving India’s plastic menace. Ecoware disrupted the food packaging industry by introducing a fully compostable alternative to plastic. Ecoware is made from the waste of agricultural crops that would otherwise be burnt, thus contributing to debilitating air pollution. The efforts of Rhea and the business model of Ecoware have now been validated by the global movement against single-use plastic and regulations to better consumer behavior.Rhea has been featured in major national and international publications and has appeared as a speaker at events such as Dreamforce (annual product event of Salesforce), the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Good Day (sustainability summit of Engie) and Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship (by National Commission for Women in India).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]9. Patima Tungpuchayakul
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31037" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: Thailand and its neighboring countriesOrganization: Labour Protection Network (LPN)Mission: Working together with migrant communities mainly in the fishing industry and seafood processing industry to fight human trafficking and to eliminate slavery. About Patima and her workWith her co-founder Mr. Sompong Srakaew, Patima established the Labour Protection Network (LPN) in 2004 to promote the labour’s quality of life and fight against child labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation. Her interest in human rights began in 1996 after graduation from Mahasarakham University, when she realized that the owners of factories near her hometown were abusing migrant workers, especially women and children. In more than two decades as an activist, Patima with support from the team has helped to create awareness of chronic rights breaches and worked with reformers to build understanding and improve the lives of migrant workers and the laws governing their employment. LPN has assisted over 5,000 Thai and migrant workers to date. Respecting her courage and determination, Patima led LPN’s efforts to rescue nearly 2,000 captive and stranded fishermen from isolated Indonesian islands in 2014. Her rescue work was the subject of a 2019 award-winning documentary film Ghost Fleet, and earned her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. Patima remains a dedicated innovator focused on the reform work that still needs to be done on both land and sea.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]10. Nguyen Thi Van
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="31066" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Focus geography: VietnamOrganization: Will to Live Capacity Building Center for People with Disabilities (WLC)Mission: Supporting and assisting people with disabilities to integrate completely into society through employment and social initiatives.About Van and her work:Van is co-founder of the nonprofit organisation, “Nghi Luc Song” which means “The will to live”; as well as Chairwoman of the successful digital real estate company, Imagtor.Van was born in the poor rural area of Nghe An in north-central Vietnam, bordering Laos. Along with her brother Nguyen Cong Hung, who sadly passed away in 2012, she has shattered expectations of what was once deemed ‘possible’ from a disabled person in Vietnam.Van and Hung created the organisation The Will to Live in 2003 with the aim of creating opportunities for an equitable working environment. The organisation provides free IT, English language and vocational training to disadvantaged students in Vietnam. More than 1000 people with disabilities have benefited from this crucial educational and career support.Van’s private company, Imagtor, employs 82 employees, more than 50% of who have disabilities, working on digital real estate photography. The Board of shareholders has committed to provide 40% of profits from Imagtor to support people with disabilities in Vietnam, as well as contributing to other social causes in the country.In 2015, Van created the first ever fashion catwalk show for women with disabilities in Vietnam. “I am beautiful. You too!” aims to promote a perception of beauty stemming from diversity and difference. In 2019, Forbes Vietnam honoured Van as one of the 50 most influential Vietnamese women.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="75px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Heroes Talk｜A series of online events featuring our Impact Heroes
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]As part of the call for applications of Impact Hero 2021, Earth Company has organized a series of online events to hear directly from current and former Impact Heroes about their experiences. All the online events will be broadcasted on Facebook Live. Please follow Earth Company Facebook Page to receive notifications of these events!There will be ample time for Q&A at the end of each session so please join us and ask your questions![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
Heroes Talk #1,30th July
Bella's Journey with Earth Company to Transform the Future of Timor-Leste
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29872" img_size="1024×576" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Having lived through the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste, Bella Galhos survived human trafficking, brutal massacre, and sexual and physical abuse while fighting for her country’s liberation until she defected in Canada.After Timor-Leste's independence in 2002, Bella returned and later became an Advisor to the President. She plans to run for the country’s 2023 presidential election. If elected, she will become the first female head of state in Timor and LGBT president in Asia!Earth Company fundraised a total of 135,200 USD for Bella and contributed to building the Leublora Green School, a school specializing in environmental education to train the next generation leaders.Date/Time: 30th July, 2020, 15:00-16:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk #1
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1597218076800{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2015 Bella Galhos
Timor-Leste, Environmental Education/LGBTDecades of conflict have left half of the population of Timor-Leste in extreme poverty. Bella founded Leublora Green School to transform Timor-Leste’s underprivileged children into green leaders who will lead this young oil-dependent country to a sustainable future. Today, the Leublora Green Village has now grown to become a model for eco-tourism. She plans to run for the country’s 2023 presidential election. If elected, she will become the first LGBT president in Asia. She stands as a beacon of change for a wide variety of social issues.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you miss the event, you can watch this from here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]Heroes Talk #2,12th August
Wai Wai's Approach to Peace Building as a Human Rights Activist
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29901" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]After spending seven years as a political prisoner in Myanmar, Wai Wai now works tirelessly uniting divided ethnic and religious groups as a global leader.So far, Earth Company has fundraised 51,500 USD for Wai Wai and the Women Peace Network and contributed to bringing educational opportunities to ethnic minorities in Yangon.Date/Time: 12th August 2020, 10:00-11:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk #2
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1597218032402{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2019 Wai Wai Nu
Myanmar, Peace-buildingAfter spending seven years as a political prisoner, Wai Wai now works tirelessly uniting divided ethnic and religious groups in the country. Her organization, Women Peace Network, runs a youth center with classes ranging from English language, social science, advocacy, to leadership training. Her mission is to build peace, justice and social equality through empowerment, education and advocacy. Wai Wai is a WEF Young Global Leader and has been recognized by the BBC and TIME Magazine for her important work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you miss the event, you can watch this from here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]Heroes Talk #3, 19th August
A Midwife’s Life-work to Save the World, One Baby at a Time
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29921" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Robin Lim qualified as a midwife in the United States and Indonesia and founded the Bumi Sehat Foundation International in Bali, Indonesia. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies all over the world.Earth Company fundraised a total of 351,300 USD for Robin and Bumi Sehat Foundation to build new clinics in Bali, Papua, Palawan, Lombok and contributed to secure operational funding of these clinics.Date/Time: 19th August 2020, 10:00-11:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk #3
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1597217923704{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2016 Robin Lim
Indonesia, HealthcareRobin is a Filipino–American midwife, mother, grandmother, and founder of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a nonprofit organization that provides free maternity care for pregnant women, mothers and their babies, plus healthcare for all those in need. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies and is known by locals and international fans alike as “Ibu Robin” (Mother Robin). Bumi Sehat (which translates to “healthy mother earth”) operates clinics in Bali, Aceh, Papua and the Philippines.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]Heroes Talk #4, 29th August
A Marshallese Poet’s Journey in the Climate Crisis Era
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="29923" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner is a poet of Marshallese ancestry, born in the Marshall Islands and raised in Hawaii. She received international acclaim through her poetry performance at the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in 2014. Kathy is a changemaker who has been tackling climate change through both high-level activities, such as representing her country at COP25, and the grassroots work of running an NGO that empowers the youth of the Marshall Islands.Earth Company fundraised a total of 144,100 USD for Kathy and Jo-Jikum to build a youth center in Majuro to help Marshall Islands youth become future change-makers and tackle the climate crisis.Date/Time: 29th August 2020, 10:00-11:00, UTC+8
Event Page: Heroes Talk ♯4
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1597217923704{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Speaker ProfileImpact Hero 2017 Kathy Jetnil Kijiner
Marshall Islands, Climate ChangeWhilst fighting to get the voices of climate change victims heard on the world stage, Kathy set up Jo-Jikum to empower Marshallese youth – at the front line of climate change – to tell their stories, take action in their own communities and ensure that even if they are forced to leave their ancestral land in future, their national identity and culture is preserved and passed onto future generations. Kathy dedicates herself to empowering future generations of Pacific Islanders to not only survive but also thrive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]25th August
A Fireside Chat on “Leadership Qualities for Social Change”
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="30026" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are delighted to announce that we will have a bonus session inviting Mr. Mason Tan from Garden Impact Investments and Transformational Business Network Asia (TBN Asia) to talk about leadership qualities for social change with Earth Company's co-founders, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa.
As a pioneer in impact investment and social innovation in the region, Mason has worked extensively with a wide spectrum of social entrepreneurs. Tapping into his experiences and wisdom, we are excited to discuss the key qualities of social change, including how they may be different from qualities required in the traditional private sector or nonprofit sector, how we might develop such qualities, etc.
Date/Time: 25h August 2020, 20:00-21:00, UTC+8
Event Page: A Fireside Chat
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1597216573268{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-right-width: 20px !important;border-left-width: 20px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1597217923704{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Speaker ProfileMason Tan
Founder/CEO of Garden Impact Investments Chairman of Transformational Business Network Asia (TBN Asia)Mason Tan is the founder/CEO of Garden Impact Investments Pte Ltd., that focuses on poverty alleviation through investing in enterprises connecting marginalized communities to value chains and the wider market, enabling an exchange of fair compensation for quality goods and services.
He also serves as the Chairman of Transformational Business Network Asia (“TBN Asia”), a non-profit association headquartered in Singapore that promotes fighting poverty through business enterprises solutions in Southeast Asia.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]IMPACT HEROES DAY~Earth Company 5th anniversary
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1533799267895{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]
ABOUT
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/6"][vc_column_text]IMPACT HEROES
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]MESSAGE
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]PROGRAMS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][vc_column_text]SPONSORS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Company will be hosting an event to celebrate its 5th anniversary on October 6th, 2019. All five of our Impact Heroes will be coming to Japan to share their life stories and life work with the Japanese audience. In addition to their individual presentations, we are organizing panel sessions with Japan-based social entrepreneurs and researchers. We hope you join us for this unique opportunity to engage with our Impact Heroes![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1564313173509{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}" el_id="about"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1564312731084{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]ABOUT
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565077345940{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]IMPACT HEROES DAY
EARTH COMPANY 5th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407280939{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]Date: Sunday October 6th, 2019Time: 13:00-18:00Place: BASE Q Tokyo Hibiya Midtown 6F 1-1-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo (Click for map)Capacity: 300 peopleEntrance fee: Early-bird discount limited to those who register before Friday September 6th. 10,000 yen for general admission, 5,000 yen for students ※Entrace fee for those who register after September 7th. Regular tickets: 12,000 yen for general admission, 6,000 yen for students Last-minute tickets sold at the venue: 15,000 yen for general admission, 7,500 yen for students[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Join the event" link="https://impactheroesday.peatix.com/view"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567513079595{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]DINNER PARTY WITH THE IMPACT HEROES
Limited to our monthly donors (Hero Supporters)!
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In the evening, we are excited to hold a dinner party for our donors with our Impact Heroes. The party will feature food prepared by Chef Yasuhiro Higa, who developed the life-nourishing menu for Mana Kitchen which is part of Earth Company's eco-hotel Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud, Bali. We hope you enjoy the chance to interact with our Impact Heroes and Earth Company team! Date: Sunday October 6th, 2019Time: 18:30-20:30Place: BASE Q Tokyo Hibiya Midtown 6F 1-1-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo (Click for map)Entrance fee: Free admission (RSVP required) Anyone can join the dinner party by signing up to become a Hero Supporter (monthly donor) today. This is a rare chance to speak in-depth with our Impact Heroes in an intimate setting. Please consider becoming a Hero Supporter by clicking the link below.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Become a Hero Supporter" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/ja/monthlysupport/"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1566202557023{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}" el_id="IMPACT HEROES"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1566202667716{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]IMPACT HEROES
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407444108{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]The following Impact Heroes will be speaking on October 6th.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407526329{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2015 Bella Galhos
East Timor, Environmental Education/LGBT
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Decades of conflict have left half of the population of Timor-Leste in extreme poverty. Bella founded Leublora Green School to transform Timor-Leste’s underprivileged children into green leaders who will lead this young oil-dependent country to a sustainable future. The Leublora Green Village has now grown to become a model for eco-tourism. She plans to run for the country's 2022 presidential election. If elected, she will become the first LGBT president in Asia. She stands as a beacon of change for a wide variety of social issues.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407562657{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2016 Robin Lim
Indonesia, Healthcare
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Robin is a Filipino–American midwife, mother, grandmother, and founder of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a nonprofit organization that provides free maternity care for pregnant women, mothers and their babies, plus healthcare for all those in need. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies and is known by locals and international fans alike as “Ibu Robin” (Mother Robin). Bumi Sehat (which translates to “healthy mother earth”) operates clinics in Bali, Aceh, Papua and the Philippines, as well as temporary clinics in disaster areas around the world such as Haiti and Nepal.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407606721{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2017 Kathy Jetnil Kijiner
Marshall Islands, Climate Change
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Whilst fighting to get the voices of climate change victims heard on the world stage, Kathy set up Jo-Jikum to empower Marshallese youth - at the front line of climate change - to tell their stories, take action in their own communities and ensure that even if they are forced to leave their ancestral land in future, their national identity and culture is preserved and passed onto future generations. Kathy dedicates herself to empowering future generations of Pacific Islanders to not only survive but also thrive.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407654264{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2018 Johnpierre Montilia
Philippines, Youth Empowerment
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Johnpierre was a street child in the Philippines, forced into a dangerous world of drug-related crime and even child prostitution. However, he was fortunate enough to escape this dark world and has dedicated his life to using his own pain and experiences to help street children like him to do the same. Set up in 1998, Johnpierre’s organization has spread across the country to 16 locations, and has so far helped approx 8,000 young people in its fight to give street children a brighter future.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407697074{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]IMPACT HERO 2019 WaiWai Nu
Myanmar, Peace-building
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]After spending seven years as a political prisoner, Wai Wai now works tirelessly uniting divided ethnic and religious groups in the country. Her organization, Women Peace Network, runs a youth center with classes ranging from English language, social science, advocacy, to leadership training. Her mission is to build peace, justice and social equality through empowerment, education and advocacy. Wai Wai is a WEF Young Global Leader and has been recognized by the BBC and TIME Magazine for her important work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image="27621" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1565013278538{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;}" el_id="message"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565013324181{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]MESSAGE
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567058657178{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]What a journey this has been!
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567408865838{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]The past five years feel like 10 years or even more. When we founded Earth Company in 2014, Tomo was only able to contribute in the evenings and weekends, while Aska had her hands full raising a monster 1-year old (who calmed down over the years thankfully). All we had was our passion, vision, and conviction, and we poured everything to support our first Impact Hero, Bella Galhos from Timor-Leste. Five years on, we are blessed with an amazing team of 17 professionals spread across three countries - all committed and united beyond borders and languages. To date, we have received over US$1million in donation for our Impact Heroes and Earth Company. We want to convey our deepest gratitude to all those who believed in us and our work along the way. We really can't thank you enough... Key achievements we - our supporters and the Earth Company team - have accomplished together:+ Raising US$700,000 for our Impact Heroes' work
+ Building 8 new facilities in 4 countries
+ Positively contributing to the lives of 460,000 people through our Impact Heroes
The 5 year anniversary event on October 6th means for us - the Earth Company team and all five Impact Heroes - an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate all our achievements and challenges in the past half a decade. We hope to see as many of you as possible and express our appreciation for your support!! with our deepest gratitude, Aska & Tomo Hamakawa[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Join the event" link="https://impactheroesday.peatix.com/view"][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1564317137273{margin-top: 25px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;}" el_id="programs"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1564316981069{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]PROGRAMS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567515089401{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]13:00-13:20
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078340045{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407868930{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]Welcome RemarksOur co-founders, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa, will open the event with a few words of welcome and gratitude.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27674" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897363005{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]13:20-15:00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078340045{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567407916013{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]HEROES TALK "My Life, My Impact"Our five Impact Heroes will share their life stories and why they devote their lives to their respective causes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27642" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897384991{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]15:20-16:05
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078324031{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567513420651{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]Breakout Session 1"The Rohingya Refugee Crisis": Wai Wai Nu (Myanmar)"Gentle Birth": Robin Lim (Indonesia)"Child Poverty": Johnpierre Montilia (Philippines)*These topics are subject to change. Details to be finalized soon![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27848" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897403262{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]16:15-17:00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078309143{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1567513432380{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"] Breakout Session 2"Climate Change": Kathy Jetnil Kijiner (Marshall Islands)"LGBTI": Bella Galhos (East Timor)*These topics are subject to change. Details to be finalized soon![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27850" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569897414656{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]17:20-18：00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078294134{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text] Convesation with Asuka and Tomohiro Hamakawa Group PhotoEarth Company's co-founders Aska and Tomo will reflect on the past five years and share plans for the next five. A group photo taken at the end.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="27646" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565237120484{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]18:00
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078207393{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]ClosingThank you for coming, and we hope for your continued support![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565184286510{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"]18:30-20:30
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1565078133968{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]Dinner party with our Impact Heroes limited to Hero SupportersWe will be hosting a buffet-style dinner party for our Impact Heroes and Hero Supporters. The party will feature food prepared by Chef Yasuhiro Higa, who developed the life-nourishing menu for Mana Kitchen which is part of Earth Company's eco-hotel Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud, Bali. *This is an event limited to Hero Supporters, who are invited for free (RSVP required) *For those interested in becoming a Hero Supporter, please click on the Japanese instructions here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="26950" img_size="medium" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Join the event" link="https://impactheroesday.peatix.com/view"][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1564314852910{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="45px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1565240626748{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]HOSTED BY
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1494417794429{margin-right: 10% !important;margin-left: 10% !important;}"][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image="17771" img_size="448x67" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="sponsors"][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height="45px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1495256163988{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]SPONSORS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_single_image image="24739" img_size="400x77.333" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5" link="https://www.plandosee.co.jp/" css=".vc_custom_1569652339858{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="17050" img_size="400x400" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5" link="http://www.hi-no-ki.co.jp/" css=".vc_custom_1495256330543{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_single_image image="27686" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://jfac.jp/"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="27833" img_size="medium" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://www.baseq.jp/"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="45px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1569565460557{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}"]NETWORK PARTNER
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="28160" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" transition_delay=".5" link="https://www.socialinnovationjapan.com/" css=".vc_custom_1569652196822{margin-top: 50px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Earth Company Runs Mentorship Sessions For Indian Impact Hero Finalist
As part of its efforts to provide greater support to exceptional Asia-Pacific leaders who have been shortlisted as Impact Hero finalists, Earth Company ran a two day mentorship session for 2018 Finalist Ramnath (Ram) Chandrasekhar in Ubud, Bali on 25-26 April 2019. Ram is a celebrated Indian conservation educator & filmmaker who is committed to preserving and protecting India’s natural heritage by pursuing projects that inspire and empower India’s youth to become environmental stewards. In addition, he and his partner Rachita have created the Earth Ambassadors program under the organization Trust for Environmental Education (TREE). Earth Ambassadors are Indian youth who receive training and support to work with their local communities on issues related to conservation and environmental responsibility. Bolstered by the success of their efforts so far, Ram and Rachita were looking to scale up and expand their work with a series of ambitious programs. These included a 3000 kilometer nature and conservation awareness raising Walk Project, building a nature center, creating an Earth Mentors program for Earth Ambassador alumni and expanding their school-based photo-storytelling and filmmaking workshops. In order to get a bit of guidance on their next steps, Ram and his partner Rachita travelled from Chennai, India to Bali, Indonesia to meet with the Earth Company team. Over the course of several days, the Earth Company team worked with Ram and Rachita to better understand their work and their plans for the road ahead. Reflecting on the workshop Ram notes that:“The Bali meeting came at just the right time for us. We were feeling a bit down because our Walk Project was being delayed because of some health issues. The discussions with Earth Company helped us transcend our sadness over this and realize how much we still could do right now to set ourselves up for success. In addition, our meetings helped Rachita and I prioritize our work. We have put many of our expansion ideas on the backburner and will now focus our energy and time in the next 2-3 years on solidifying the Earth Ambassadors Programme, developing the Nature Center and on organization developmental steps like improving our administrative and compliance procedures, creating a website, developing a fundraising strategy and forming a Board of Directors. Thank you so much again. We left Bali with smiles on our faces.” Earth Company is pleased to offer this same opportunity for all Impact Hero Finalists. While we do not yet have the financial capacity to cover travel and accommodation expenses, if you are able to travel to Ubud, Bali, we will make the time to work with you on key priorities, areas of concern or need. We are also considering offering online mentorship opportunities for Impact Hero Finalists. If you would like to find out more about Ram and Rachita’s work, please contact Ram: [email protected]
Announcing our Impact Hero 2019!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]In autumn 2019, Earth Company’s call for Impact Hero 2019 received applications from 56 changemakers from all across the Asia Pacific.In what is probably the most humbling and difficult decision we make each year, we pored over all 56 applications, whittling them down to a shortlist of 5 exceptional candidates, and then, finally, selecting the candidate to become our next Impact Hero.It is not an exaggeration to say we were blown away by the incredible work being done by all five finalists, but it is with the thrill of great expectations for the years to come that we announce to you our...[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
IMPACT HERO 2019
Wai Wai Nu
Full Name: Wai Wai Nu (age 32) Country: Myanmar Organization/Position: Founder and Director of Women Peace Network
Why did Earth Company choose Wai Wai as our Impact Hero 2019?
RUNNER-UP : Ego Lemos
Full Name: Ego Lemos (age 46) Country: Timor-Leste Organization/Position: Founder of Permaculture Timor-Leste (PERMATIL)[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="25530" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Ego's StoryEgo was inspired to transform Timor-Leste’s agriculture and leverage its rich natural resources after seeing environmental degradation and over dependence on food imports. His mission is to create a sustainable economy, strong society, ecology and culture to guarantee the sustainable use of our natural resources, and he has already successfully convinced the government to include permaculture and agroecology in primary school curriculums, thus establishing permaculture gardens in schools nationwide.
JURY'S AWARD : Sasiranga De Silva
Full Name: Sasiranga De Silva (age 32) Country: Sri Lanka Organization/Position: Director/ Chief Engineer at ThermalR Industries Pvt Ltd, Collaboration with University of Moratuwa[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="25523" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Sasiranga's StoryBorn and raised in a tropical country, over the years Sasiranga noticed rapid variations in temperature with unusually warm seasons in Sri Lanka, with authorities noting that the rice cultivating seasons have shifted and diseases caused by air pollution have increased. These observations motivated Sasiranga to study climate change and do his part as an engineer to ensure a healthier and sustainable future is left for generations to come.
YOUNG HERO AWARD : Garvita Gulhati
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="25528" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Garvita's StoryGarvita has been an environmentalist since she was 13 years old. She has led initiatives in schools and colleges across India to inspire and equip youth to become changemakers. The most prominent of her initiatives being Why Waste? that engages primarily with restaurants to optimise their water usage systems with a goal to change the mindsets and habits of people towards natural resources. Why Waste? has successfully reached over 500 restaurants across India, Oman, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Through her work with Changemakers Society and Ashoka’s LeadYoung program, Garvita was able to engage with over 40,000 youth internationally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="80px"][vc_column_text]
INCLUSIVE BUSINESS AWARD : Lisa Karene
Full Name: Mona Lisa Karene (age 56) Country: Samoa Organization/Position: Co-founder/ Executive Director of Marketing and Production Development of Nora’s Plantation Foods Limited
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]Impact Hero 2019 – The Finalists!
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1512018298526{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"]
Earth Company’s call for Impact Hero 2019 received applications from 56 changemakers from all across the Asia Pacific. From the 56 applicants, five were selected as finalists. We will be announcing the winner early next year, but for now, you can read a little about our finalists - each with inspiring stories, innovative ideas and great potential - below.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="17303" img_size="80x60" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1512019611757{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Who applied?
We received applications from changemakers active across 15 different countries in the Asia Pacific, with the greatest concentration in India and Indonesia, and 20% of applicants taking a global approach. This year, the ratio between men and women applicants was more or less balanced (59-41). Most applicants are in their 30s, comprising 39% of the entire batch, while 23% are in their 40s and 20% in their 50s. We were excited to receive passionate applications from both ends of the spectrum too: 7 young changemakers in their 20s or younger and 3 in their 60s!Tackling SDGs
While all 17 SDGs are represented through applicants’ work, the majority focus on alleviating poverty, improving education, and nurturing good health and well-being. There is also a strong focus on decent work and economic growth, as well as sustainable cities and communities.The majority of candidates run their organizations on an annual budget of more than 100,000 USD.At the bottom of this page is an INFOGRAPHIC that provides some insight into our applicants. But first, here is a little more on our five finalists, their life stories, and how they are devoting their lives to fighting social issues in their respective geographies (listed in alphabetical order).Our Impact Hero 2019 will be chosen from these five finalists and announced in January 2019. Watch this space! Full Name: Ego Lemos Country: Timor-Leste Age: 46 Field of work: Food Sovereignty Organization/Position: Founder of Permaculture Timor-Leste (PERMATIL) Mission: To realise a sustainable economy, strong society, ecology and culture to guarantee the sustainable use of our natural resources.Ego's Story:Seeing environmental degradation and over dependence on food import, Ego was inspired to transform Timor-Leste’s agriculture and leverage its rich natural resources. Ego led a campaign from 1996 to 1999 to promote organic agriculture in Timor-Leste. A year after his campaign, he started a permaculture organization called PERMATIL that works to teach permaculture gardening and reviving traditional knowledge and systems in community and youth groups, ultimately leading to self-sustainability, food sovereignty, rehabilitation efforts, and the conservation and protection of natural resources. The organization successfully convinced the government to include permaculture and agroecology in primary school curriculums, thus establishing permaculture gardens in schools nationwide. Since then, 149 school gardens have been grown and over 20 natural springs have been rehabilitated. Ego’s biggest challenge however, is the ability to provide sufficient funds for all schools, as the government is unable to do so.In addition to building his organization, Ego worked as a lecturer at the Timor-Leste National University, an advisor for the Ministry of Education in Timor-Leste on curriculum development and permaculture school gardens, and co-authored the Tropical Permaculture Guidebook, an influential publication on the subject matter. Full Name: Garvita Gulhati Country: India Age: 19 Field of work: Water Scarcity Organization/Position: Founder of Why Waste? Mission: To change people’s mindset towards natural resources, specifically water. Optimise usage, prevent wastage.Garvita's Story:Garvita has been an environmentalist since she was 13 years old. She has led initiatives in schools and colleges across India to inspire and equip youth to become changemakers. The most prominent of her initiatives being Why Waste? That engages primarily with restaurants to optimise their water usage systems. Their goal is to change the mindsets and habits of people towards natural resources. Garvita hopes to make restaurants more empathetic, leading them to de-trivialize water waste. Why Waste? has successfully reached over 500 restaurants across India, Oman, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Through her work with Changemakers Society and Ashoka’s LeadYoung program, Garvita was able to engage with over 40,000 youth internationally. Full Name: Mona Lisa Karene Country: Samoa Age: 56 Field of work: Agriculture, lack of access to market Organization/Position: Co-founder/ Executive Director of Marketing and Production Development of Nora’s Plantation Foods Limited Mission: To operate a sustainable income-generating export business to benefit the economy and people of rural Samoa.Lisa's Story:Lisa left Samoa at the age of 12 to study overseas. Recognizing that many Samoans do not have the same opportunity she was presented as a kid, she wanted to help the underprivileged in her community. Remote Samoan villages rely mainly on farming but can’t reach markets to sell what they grow, leading them to a vicious cycle of poverty, hopelessness, and despair. To help these villages, Lisa brought the market to the farmers, driven to give locals their self-worth back. “Inner confidence builds better, sustainable futures.” Lisa’s organization's impact model gives farmers access to the market by buying their crops and offering employment through its value-add manufacturing process for export products. Full Name: Sasiranga De Silva Country: Sri Lanka Age: 32 Field of work: Environment Organization/Position: Director/ Chief Engineer at ThermalR Industries Pvt Ltd, Collaboration with University of Moratuwa Mission: To realise a sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Asia's transportation sector.Sasiranga's Story:Born and raised in a tropical country, over the years Sasiranga noticed rapid variations in temperature with unusually warm seasons in Sri Lanka. The authorities have noted that the rice cultivating seasons have shifted and diseases caused by air pollution have increased, particularly inland, where emissions concentrate. These observations drove Sasiranga to study climate change in depth whilst studying at university, and motivated him to do his part as an engineer to ensure a healthier and sustainable future is left for generations to come.It was during his work with General Motors that Sasiranga was doing research on electric batteries. That’s when he came up with the idea of electrifying tuk-tuks, three-wheelers found in many Asian countries. Sasiranga now manufactures electrical conversion kits to transform gasoline-powered vehicles into electrically powered tuk-tuks. He estimates that converting tuk-tuks to run on electricity will reduce each unit’s CO2 emissions by 65%. This is a huge number especially considering there are one million tuk-tuks in operation in Sri Lanka alone! Estimations also demonstrate that tuk-tuk drivers would save $1200 annually by switching to electric tuk-tuks, thus improving their lives. Full Name: Wai Wai Nu Country: Myanmar Age: 32 Field of work: Education, Women Empowerment, Human Rights Advocacy Organization/Position: Founder and Director of Women Peace Network Mission: Building peace, justice and social equality through empower, education and advocacy.Wai Wai's Story:Being sentenced to jail for opposing one of the world’s most brutal military regimes in Myanmar, Wai Wai met many women in prison that were victims of poverty, coercion, or both. This motivated Wai Wai to start her own organization, once freed. Wai Wai works on uniting divided ethnic and religious groups in the country through her organization. Women Peace Network runs a youth center with classes ranging from English language, social science, advocacy, to leadership training. A typical class consists of 14-20 students, mostly in their twenties. Classes range in duration; some run for a weekend, ten days, or even for a full month. Women Peace Network has been able to produce young leaders who dedicate their time to social activities and building trust and peace among their communities, thus building solidarity among the minority segments in Myanmar.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="infographic"][vc_column][vc_separator type="transparent" up="25px"][vc_single_image image="25532" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2019-applicants-infographic-en"][vc_column_text]※ Please click on image for a higher resolution PDF file (272 KB).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][button target="_self" hover_type="default" text="Read more about Impact Heroes" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/impact-heroes/" margin="25px 25px 25px 25px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]A call for help, from one island to another
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Where better to build an 'innovative city' than on the frontline of climate change?
This was one of the key messages Earth Company’s Impact Hero, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, had for her audience at the recent Innovative City Forum in Tokyo.The Marshall Islands is a chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls in the central Pacific Ocean. At just 2 meters above sea level, they have little protecting them from the ever rising tides. Homes and cemeteries on its low-lying islands are already being destroyed by king tides at a rate previously unheard of. [caption id="attachment_18990" align="aligncenter" width="400"] A cemetery in the Marshall Islands is washed away by rising seas.[/caption]A Marshallese poet and climate change activist, Kathy has been fighting for the rights of the small island nations on the frontline of climate change. She has used her voice and talent as an artist to draw international attention, and founded a nonprofit organisation, Jo-Jikum, with a mission to train other Marshallese youths to tell their stories to the world.Earth Company has been supporting Kathy's work - particularly in establishing and running Jo-Jikum - as our Impact Hero 2017.Invited to the annual Innovative City Forum to give a keynote speech by Mori Art Museum Curator Fumio Nanjo, Kathy shared the huge challenge her country, the Marshall Islands, faces as a result of climate change; from already serious flooding and droughts, to an uncertain future. But this wasn’t just a chance to educate.Kathy was there with a very specific call for action for the room full of innovative minds, creators, architects, designers, scientists and technologists from Japan - a country with great expertise and resource. 0.5°C is the difference between life and death
Representatives from low-lying island nations, like Kathy, and organisations such as 350.org have long campaigned to keep climate change to within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.Why 1.5°C?"For a while, climate advocates were pushing for 2 degrees, but at 2 degrees our country would be under water. 0.5 degrees might not seem like much of a difference, but for our islands it’s the difference between life and death.”
"None of us expected it to be this bad, so soon"
However, although a recent report by the IPCC suggests that 1.5°C might still possible if the international community takes unprecedented action, for some of the lowest lying nations, it may still be too great an increase in temperature.On stage in Tokyo, Kathy shared a conversation she had had this summer with Hawaii-based climate scientist, Chip Fletcher.“He shared projections of what different areas of our islands would look like with one foot of sea-level rise, two feet, three feet, and so on. When he showed our airport underwater after only one foot of sea level rise, I heard a mostly Marshallese audience collectively gasp out loud."A temperature rise trajectory of 1.5°C by 2100 is estimated to raise sea levels by approximately 1.7ft (0.52m) [source], well above levels that will render key infrastructure unusable for the Marshalls.
The IPCC report also lays out just how big a challenge it will be to limit global warming to just 1.5°C by 2100, and the simulations go on to predict the effect of even greater temperature and sea level rise.In the worst case, we could be looking at a median sea-level rise of 5.9ft (1.8m).
Confronting a harsh reality
What does this mean for countries like the Marshall Islands? "He [Chip] then moved forward with his assessment that the Marshall Islands can no longer only fight globally for mitigation, for the world to remain at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Instead, we must begin planning for adaptation – specifically building new islands. If we wanted to remain in our islands, he said, then we needed to seriously consider elevation." It is too late to focus only on fighting to keep temperature rise to within 1.5°C. If the Marshallese are to protect their ancestral homes and the land that is so core to their history and culture, they need to look for new solutions.
"I am still grieving, and angry, over this path we are being forced to take"
But Kathy’s anger and resentment towards this reality is clear. The Marshalls faces a huge challenge, not least because, "as a society impacted by colonialism and nuclearization, we are also a struggling nation lacking infrastructure and the technological expertise to create the solutions we need to survive.”The Marshalls contributes only 0.00001 percent of the global total of emissions.
And yet, "we are now being forced to consider possibilities we would never have considered before, with money we don’t have."
This anger led to a powerful collaboration between Kathy and a Greenlandic poet, Aka Niviâna. The poem and accompanying video they created with 350.org draws upon the unexpected link between their parallel realities of melting glaciers and rising sea levels (click the image below to watch the video).[caption id="attachment_25354" align="aligncenter" width="300"] (clicking on the image above will open the 350.org video page)[/caption] Moving from grief to action
But Kathy also knows that grief will only get you so far. She closed her keynote speech with an invitation and call for action.One of the possibilities the Marshall Islands is exploring is reclaiming land - an area that Japan has a long history and deep expertise in. Yet with a GDP of just $199million USD, it seems unlikely the Marshall Islands will be able to follow in the footsteps of the Maldives, at least without substantial support. "Those artificial islands created by Maldives and Saudi Arabia are billion dollar projects for a handful of islands – we are a nation of 29 coral atolls and 1,156 individual islands and islets that stretches across 800,000 square kilometers, 500,000 square miles, of Pacific Ocean."
The Opportunity
With this challenge, however, comes the opportunity for today’s innovators, scientists, architects, businesses, city planners and designers to come together and design a city. A city that can withstand the rising sea levels that the Marshalls face.So Kathy has extended an invite to those working to build more resilient and innovative cities to visit the Marshalls. This is their chance to seize the opportunity to develop solutions in a country that is already facing the effects of climate change.
It is a time of great uncertainty for her country, and the threat of displacement gets more serious with every day of inaction. And yet I get the sense that she, and others, still carry hope that our human determination in the face of challenge will prevail.“And in the face of climate changes, which inevitably impact us all, I end by asking, from one island to another, that rather than standing back and watching our sea level rise, that we all instead rise to meet the challenge of climate change, together. Thank you, komoltata, im arigato.”[Report by Mariko McTier with quotes from Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner]
LINKS:- Click here to find out more about Earth Company's support for Kathy and Jo-Jikum
- Kathy's Official Website: www.kathyjetnilkijiner.com
- Updates on Jo-Jikum's activities: www.facebook.com/jojikum
Impact Hero 2019 applications are open!!
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We are excited to announce that we have opened applications for our Impact Hero 2019!
Last year we received 24 applications from all over the Asia Pacific region, and we hope that this year - with your help - we can reach an even greater number of change-makers.
IMPACT HERO 2019 APPLICATIONS
Earth Company selects one exceptional change-maker a year (whom we call an Impact Hero) from the Asia Pacific region and delivers customized support over three years.Just like their predecessors - Bella Galhos, Robin Lim, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner and John-Pierre Montilla - our next Impact Hero is expected to not only serve as an agent of hope for their own communities, but also inspire those who come to understand their life work.We are looking for those individuals who currently don’t have sufficient access to opportunities and resources, but could significantly deepen and expand their impact if provided with the right mix of support from Earth Company.OUR IMPACT HEROES ARE:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible, a nominee must be:
- actively involved in tackling major social and/or environmental challenges in the developing countries of the Asia Pacific*;
- serving on the leadership team of a social-purpose organization;
- committed to the cause long-term;
- able to communicate with the Earth Company team in English (or Japanese) regularly by email and phone;
- aligned with the vision and values of Earth Company;
Earth Company is agnostic about number of years in operation, organizational maturity, sectoral focus, nationality, age, gender and academic credentials. For-profit companies and nonprofit organizations – and everything in between – are eligible.*For details of eligible countries download our guidelines (PDF).
WHAT SUPPORT DOES EARTH COMPANY PROVIDE?
Our support package is tailor-made to suit each Impact Heroes needs and includes:① tailor-made fundraising (~US$100k) ② marketing support ③ nonprofit management coachingFind out more about each of these here, and to see the difference this support can make, take a look at the impact of 3 years' support for our first Impact Hero, Bella Galhos →SOUNDS AMAZING! WHAT NEXT?
Details of the application process and a link to the application form can be found by clicking FIND OUT MORE! below, or by downloading these guidelines.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][button target="_self" hover_type="default" text="FIND OUT MORE!"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Whether you are a potential candidate yourself, or are connected to the exceptional change-makers we seek, you can help us make sure we support those who need it most. Please share, and we look forward to receiving some great applications!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email, also at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]Impact Hero 2015 Bella Galhos: 3 Years of dedicated support comes to a close
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/6"][social_share_list][/vc_column][vc_column width="5/6" css=".vc_custom_1528931283685{padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #e5f2e4 !important;}"][ordered_list]
Contents
Why did we decide to support Bella?
What did we do for Bella?
What has Bella been able to achieve? [Infographic]
Short Film
Ana's Story
Partners
Empowering those who have the greatest potential for change
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="23672" img_size="large" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Let’s take our very first Impact Hero, Bella Galhos.A true survivor and warrior, Bella had a dream; a dream to transform her war-torn country of Timor-Leste into a prosperous and sustainable country.However, in 2014, this dream, and an empty plot of land in the mountains of Maubisse, Timor-Leste, was all Bella had. Potential government funding had been withdrawn, and she was unable to find anyone who would support a woman-led, grassroots project in Timor-Leste.She is the reason, in fact, that we founded Earth Company - to support inspiring, future-oriented and passionate leaders who have the potential to transform, but are unable to access the resources they need to fulfil that potential.Click here to read more about Bella →
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="02"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1521461654982{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]Accelerating the Impact of our Impact Heroes: what does it take?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Earth Company’s support for Bella commenced at the end of 2014. Our support started, but did not end with fundraising.FUNDRAISING: We raised a total of 135,200 USD* (*calculated at 100 JPY = 1 USD) over three years to fund the building of Leublora Green Village’s (LGV) key facilities (Leublora Green School and the Green Villas).OPPORTUNITY BUILDING: Bella was able to bring on further funding and in-kind support indirectly through Earth Company’s promotion of LGV and introduction of key partners.NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING: Earth Company’s advisory to Bella ensures that LGV as an organisation is in a position to make the best possible use of the funds and support they receive in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="24103" img_size="large" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2015-bella-3-years-infographic"][vc_column_text](Click image to show full infographic)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="03"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1525848932793{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]What has Bella been able to achieve?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="04"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]After three years of intensive support, and thanks to the generous support of Earth Company’s supporters, Leublora Green Village (LGV) stands proud in the mountains of Maubisse.Providing much needed environmental education to local children through its signature project (Leublora Green School) and a model for sustainable development through its organic farming and ecotourism initiatives, it has attracted attention from around the world. The President has even declared that he wants to see LGV’s model replicated in all of Timor-Leste’s 13 regions in order to transform the country; just as Bella had once dreamed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="24104" img_size="large" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2015-bella-3-years-infographic"][vc_column_text](Click image to show full infographic)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]And these numbers show that LGV has already had a great impact on its community.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_single_image image="24107" img_size="large" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" qode_css_animation="" link="https://rebrand.ly/ec-impact-hero-2015-bella-3-years-infographic"][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_column_text]For the full infographic report, click here or on the thumbnail below.
.
Short Film
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Words and numbers on a page however are limited in their ability to evoke the true impact of Bella’s work, so here is a beautiful short film that will take you deep into the Timorese mountains to meet Bella and see Leublora Green Village for yourself.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="25px"][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFuuuOo-9sA" el_width="70" align="center"][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="05"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1528922399104{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]LGV’s Impact - Ana's Story
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="24098" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Meet Ana. Ana and her family live up the hill from Leublora, in a village called Rai Ligo. When Bella first met Ana, her mother was pregnant with her sixth child, but the family had no regular income and their village had no water supply.Although 4 years old at the time of this photo, Ana was severely malnourished, suffering from asthma and scabies, and could easily be mistaken for a child half her age.The only food her family had access to was the corn they were growing, and so were eating corn for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also had no access to clean water.LGV started to provide Ana’s family with monthly nutritional support packages and introduced her mother to their Women’s Organic Farming Cooperative. Not only did Ana’s mother join the cooperative, but after voicing her dreams of making a garden at home, LGV provided her with the seeds to start. LGV also persuaded local NGOs to provide their village with a water supply, and, thanks to corporate donations, the village soon had two large water tanks.With this support, the entire family’s health improved dramatically, and two of Ana’s siblings have now even started attending school. Although Anna 's asthma is not yet cured entirely, her symptoms have greatly improved. In LGV’s last visit, they were greeted with a huge smile 🙂LGV’s support has given Ana and her family a second chance at life.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="24115" img_size="full" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1528931150305{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}"][vc_column_text]The progress from an empty plot of land and an idea is remarkable, but Bella’s work and Timor-Leste’s story do not finish here.While Earth Company's official support period has come to a close, we have endeavoured to ensure that she is in the best possible position to continue her inspiring work. If you are interested in supporting her and LGV, please do not hesitate to get in touch - either with us at [email protected], or with LGV directly, via their website.And you can help LGV’s cause simply by sharing the video linked above, either on youtube or facebook.You can support Earth Company’s continued work to support our Impact Heroes, and/or their work directly via our donation page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="06"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Partners
who have worked with us to support LGV[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="23662" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Announcing our Impact Hero 2018!
Late last year, 24 changemakers in the Asia Pacific applied for the chance to be Earth Company's Impact Hero of the Year.As our first open call for applications, people asked us how on earth we were going to find someone that could stand alongside our existing Impact Heroes. And we were nervous. What if we couldn't?!We needn't have worried.Each of our six finalists has the qualities of an Impact Hero, and the level was so high that our final decision took much longer that expected. But, after weeks of deliberating - both in our waking hours and in our dreams - we are now clear.And it is with great pride and excitement that we introduce you to our...
IMPACT HERO 2018!
🎊 John-Pierre Montilla 🎊
Founder, Kabataang Gabay sa Positiong Pamumuhay (Peers for Positive Living) Philippines
Born into a world of poverty as an unwanted child, John-Pierre found himself a victim of abuse, and eventually forced out onto the streets at the tender age of 12. Like so many others,John-Pierre's fight to survive led him into a dangerous world of drug-related crime and even child prostitution.Having found a way to escape this dark world, John-Pierre has committed his life to serving other street children to help them do the same; using his own pain, experiences and understanding to help them to not just survive, but to fulfil their dreams and aspirations."I realize now that I experienced so much pain and and struggle for a purpose...I believe that my mission now is to go back to the streets where I once belonged and help street children reach their aspirations and dreams the way I did."
John-Pierre founded a nonprofit group with the goal of doing just this. Twenty years later, there are now 16 branches across the country empowering 8,000 youths in their struggle for survival, dignity, and a brighter future.John-Pierre now works for the government in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, reinvesting the majority of his salary into his own organization in his fight to protect vulnerable youths. Despite his position in the organization and the number of youths he has supported, John-Pierre says that he is still trying to heal the scars from his childhood, and believes that he is no different from the people he is trying to help.We now enter a phase of working closely with John-Pierre to fully grasp his needs and those of his organization.Runner-up : Sharad Chandra Rai
Founder and CEO, YouMe Nepal
NepalBorn and raised in a remote village in Nepal, Rai was fortunate enough to receive a high level of education and to study abroad. However, for most in Nepal, basic educational needs are still unmet. Rai founded YouMe Nepal in order to help turn this situation around. He works in Japan to earn a basic income, before reinvesting that into running his organization. His ultimate goal is to reduce educational inequality and provide educational opportunities to children in rural areas of Nepal, regardless of their caste. Jury's Award : Piter Harry Panjaitan
Director, Bali Life Foundation IndonesiaBali Life Foundation was founded in 2006 with the aim of providing street children with food, clothing, shelter and a basic education. However, Piter believes that saving orphans is just treating the symptoms – not the cause – of a wider problem. Since taking over the organization in 2013, Piter has also started to provide support to families in order to enable them break out of the cycle of poverty and increase their chances of staying together.See Rai and Piter's full profiles here →Impact Hero 2018 – The Candidates!
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Earth Company’s first open call for Impact Hero nominations attracted over 70 nominations from across the Asia Pacific, which resulted in 24 Impact Hero applications. Below, we give you a little insight into the applicants, as well as a close up of our six finalists.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="17303" img_size="80x60" alignment="center" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1512019611757{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Who applied?
All three Impact Heroes so far have been women, but this time 80% of the 24 applicants were men. Although 2/3 of all applicants were aged 30 - 40, there were 3 young candidates in their 20s, and 5 experienced candidates in their 60s and 70s!The candidates address a wide range of SDGs through their activities. There is a strong focus on environmental and educational goals, but also on tackling poverty and promoting better healthcare.The majority of candidates run their organization on an annual budget of less than 100,000 USD.What kind of support are they looking for?
All 24 candidates were keen to gain fundraising support for their activities, but 67% of candidates also seek Earth Company’s support in opportunity building (introducing partners, PR etc) and 50% in nonprofit management coaching. We can see a clear need for the tailored support that Earth Company provides.At the bottom of this page is an INFOGRAPHIC that provides some insight into our 24 candidates. But first, here is a little more on the six finalists, their life stories, and how they are devoting their lives to fighting social issues in their region (listed in alphabetical order).Our Impact Hero 2018 will be chosen from these six finalists and announced in January 2018. Watch this space! ① Ram
Full Name: K. Ramnath Chandrasekhar Country: India Age: 28 Organization/Position: Co-founder and Executive Director, Youth For Conservation (YFC), a nonprofit initiative of Trust for Environmental Education (TREE) Mission: Improving eco-literacy in schools by connecting children to nature using the visual medium and hands-on learning.Ram's Story:Born in a rural village in southern India, Ram grew up surrounded by nature and developed a deep love and respect for it. By his early 20s, Ram was traversing the country on photography and filmmaking assignments, documenting the natural world, but also witnessing the ecological degredation happening around him. He began to notice the huge disconnect between humans and the natural world they depend on, which he hypothesised was behind this destruction. He resolved to bridge this gap, using his skills to give children the the opportunity to connect with and develop a love for the natural world.With his goal to use natural-history documentaries to educate young people about the ecosystem and the need for conservation, Ram has already reached 50,000 local students in the past 2 years through his work, using picture books, documentaries and setting up forest schools (that provide a hands-on approach to learning about environmental issues in schools and opportunity to connect with nature) as teaching materials. This is an impressive feat, and something that Ram is quick to note he’s only been able to achieve thanks to the support he’s received from his community, including the school teachers who have collaborated with him. But he dreams about how much more he could achieve if he had more funding and a team behind him. ② Maheen
Full Name: Abdul Matin Sheikh Maheen Country: Bangladesh Age: 28 Organization/Position: CEO and Founder, BacBon Limited / BacBon Foundation Mission: To be the backbone of society through the power of educationMaheen's Story:Maheen was born into a poor family in one of the poorest regions of Bangladesh. Despite this unfavourable start in life, thanks to support from those around him - his math teacher, his family - and a lot of hard work, Maheen managed to graduate from Dhaka University, the top university in Bangladesh, and go on to Hitotsubashi University in Japan for his masters. Forty percent of Bangladesh’s 160 million population are under the age of 15. Yet the country’s educational infrastructure falls considerably short of providing for this high youth population, complicated further by the country’s economic challenges. Maheen founded his e-Education project in 2013 to address this challenge, with a vision of using technology to bring about a systemic change in the education system in Bangladesh.Maheen has been using online courses to provide educational opportunities to children who would otherwise have very limited access to education and to schools with limited teaching resource. In recent years, his activities have started to garner attention from the government and major companies alike. Maheen believes that education forms the backbone of the society, and he aims to help teachers to make a positive impact on their country through the power of education. ③ John
Full Name: Johnpierre Montilla Country: Philippines Age: 41 Organization/Position: Founder, Kabataang Gabay sa Positiong Pamumuhay (Peers for Positive Living) Mission: To provide care to vulnerable youths who have fallen victim to drugs, violence and crime; supporting social reintegration and implementing prevention measures.John's Story:John was born in Negros Island, Philippines, into a family of 5 brothers. John’s mother was forced to get married at 16, and John was born despite attempted abortions. He grew up as an unwanted child without knowing what it is to be loved, and eventually ran away from home at the age of 12. Though initially sheltered by his aunt, he was forced out onto the streets after being discovered by his mother. 7 years later, having fallen into child prostitution and gotten involved in drug gangs in his fight to survive, he was finally saved by a governmental organization.Saved from an uncertain fate, John was fortunately able to go back to school. In 1998, whilst at university, he founded a nonprofit group with the goal of supporting young people - as young as 7 years old - who were abandoned by their parents and had become victims of drug-related crime and child prostitution, just like he had himself. Twenty years after its founding, there are now 16 branches across the country helping 8,000 youths to recover and preventing others from becoming victims in the first place.John now works for the government in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, reinvesting the majority of his salary into his own organization in his fight to protect vulnerable youths. Despite his position in the organization and the number of youths he has supported, John says that he is still trying to heal the scars from his childhood, and believes that he is no different from the people he is trying to help. ④ Piter
Full Name: Piter Harry Panjaitan Country: Indonesia Age: 35 Organization/Position: Director, Bali Life Foundation Mission: To shelter street children and provide education and a living environment to them, while delivering skills training opportunities to parents.Piter's Story:Brought up in a middle class family, Piter’s mother taught him to share with others, and his father taught him to give back to society. Piter and his older sister have always been active contributors to society; for example his sister in relief efforts after the Indian Ocean off Sumatra earthquake in 2004, and Piter after the Bali attack in 2002.When Piter's sister and her husband started Bali Life Foundation in 2006 with the aim of providing street children with food, clothing, shelter and a basic education, they were overwhelmed by demand. Piter got drawn into using his skills as a musician to entertain and cheer up the children, but he soon began to play a key role, eventually taking charge of the organization in 2013. Currently more than 40 children live at Bali Life Foundation, and some have even gone on to attend university.However, Piter believes that saving orphans is just treating the symptoms – not the cause – of a wider problem, and ultimately it would be better if the children hadn’t left their families in the first place. And so now the foundation has started to provide skills training and support to families in order to help them break out of the cycle of poverty and increase their chances of staying together.The organization is just about getting by financially, but lacks the access to opportunities and resources to expand and deepen Bali Life’s impact on the communities they work with. Piter is dedicating every single day to ensuring his organization can continue to help those most in need. ⑤ Sebastien
Full Name: Sebastien Perret Country: Laos Age: 40 Organization/Position: Founder and Executive Director, Vientiane Rescue 1623 Mission: To provide a free rescue service where there is no access to emergency services for road traffic injuries.Sebastien's Story:Sebastien was born in France, and whilst studying to become an elementary school teacher, he volunteered as a firefighter. Sebastien spent a few years working in Paris, but his life would change dramatically when he travelled to Laos as a volunteer.As Laos had started to develop economically, the number of traffic accidents increased every year, and yet there were no emergency services. Despite becoming a critical issue with a growing number of lives being lost on the roads, neither government nor existing NGOs dealt with it, perhaps due to the complexity of the challenge. While working for the Red Cross in 2010, Sebastien decided to launch Laos’ first free emergency service with local youth volunteers, despite having neither the funds nor the experience of running such an organization.The team of volunteers has faced many challenges. For example, there were times, especially at first, when the injured were turned away by doctors when they realised the patients wouldn’t be able to pay for care. But the team is so dedicated that they find ways to overcome these obstacles. So dedicated, for example, that a team member even showed up after having broken a bone the previous day, wanting to find a way to help the team despite their injury!The doctors that once turned them away now thank them for what they do, and the team is starting to see the positive change brought about by their dedication. They are currently exploring new projects and models in order to be able to save a greater number of lives and raise awareness, but are in urgent need of resources. ⑥ Rai
Full Name: Sharad Chandra Rai Country: Nepal Age: 30 Organization/Position: Founder and CEO, YouMe Nepal Mission: To develop solutions to educational inequality and provide educational opportunities to children in rural areas of Nepal, regardless of their caste.Rai's Story:Rai was born and raised in a remote village near the Himalayas in Nepal; so remote that, to this day, they still don’t have local access to gas, drinking water, or electricity. As a child, Rai had to wake up at 4:30 every morning and spend 2 hours fetching water, and then another 2 hours to commute to and from his school. At age 10, he was fortunate to be selected as one of 99 national scholarship recipients out of 10,000 applicants. After graduating from an inner city school, he moved to Japan to study at Ritsumeikan University and then University of Tokyo graduate school, again on a scholarship.Although Rai was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive a high level of education and study abroad, his own country has basic educational needs that are still unmet. For instance, many schools throughout the country struggle with a shortage of teachers.So, in 2011, Rai founded YouMe Nepal in order to help turn this situation around. He has already built 2 YouMe Schools which now cater for 200 enthusiastic students, but his ultimate goal is to provide high quality education in all 75 districts in Nepal.Rai currently works for Softbank in Japan in order to earn a basic income, and spends a great deal of this on running his organization. As soon as financially possible, he aims to return to Nepal to work full time on YouMe Nepal. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" el_id="infographic"][vc_column][vc_separator type="transparent" up="25px"][vc_single_image image="17303" img_size="80x60" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="21831" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="https://goo.gl/n7FAZk"][vc_column_text]
※ Please click on image for a higher resolution PDF file (0.75 MB).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="center" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][button target="_self" hover_type="default" text="Read more about Impact Heroes" link="https://www.earthcompany.info/impact-heroes/" margin="25px 25px 25px 25px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]OUR PROGRAMS
Earth Company realizes social change through the following four pillars:
OUR IMPACT HEROES
Earth Company chooses one Impact Hero a year—an exceptional
change-maker who inspires the world to make a difference.
We stay side by side for 3 years empowering each one of them
to realize social change for our future generations.
Improving health of the poorest people with recycled soap while reducing waste and promoting women’s employment.
Total Funds Raised
80,600 USD
Taking on a massive vision to build 1000 bamboo villages as a breakthrough solution to some of the world’s pressing issues: land degradation, climate change, rural poverty, and gender inequality.
Educating the next generation leaders to build peaceful coexistence transcending ethnic barriers in Myanmar after 7 years of imprisonment.
Total Funds Raised
121,000 USD
Inspiring the future generations to protect their motherland and culture at the forefront of Pacific Island’s climate crisis.
Total Funds Raised
144,100 USD
Providing free compassionate healthcare to all mothers and babies because peace begins at gentle and loving birth.
Total Funds Raised
351,300 USD
Once a victim of human trafficking, child solider, exile, and refugee—now a fearless female leader to create the sustainable future of Timor-Leste.
Total Funds Raised
135,200 USD
OUR SUPPORTERS
