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[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 in May 2024, Earth Company will offer a comprehensive employee training program in Bali designed for all 260 second-year employees of the Suntory Group, a global consumer products company founded in 1899 best known for its whisky. This initiative aligns with the Suntory Group's commitment to its “Giving Back to Society” value, encouraging global engagement and critical thinking among its workforce. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]A group of 112 people from PlowDays, a Japan-based human resource organization focused on developing sustainability-focused career paths, came to Bali for a company outing, while bringing their families along. Employees from across the board of the company joined in to learn more about what we are doing at Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise. Earth Company’s CEO and co-founder, Aska Hamakawa, stopped by to meet with all the participants and shared her story about what it was like to establish a social enterprise (i.e. Mana) that is attempting to shake up the current norms of the tourism industry. Aska shared with them many of Mana’s regenerative activities, as well as some of the challenges it has faced.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35549" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35551" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35553" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35555" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35557" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35559" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]The paradigm-shifting concept of regeneration stood out the most to the participants. So much so that they are very keen to learn more and apply it within their own company. We certainly hope that their visit ignited a fire within each of the participants to become changemakers, in their own right, and pursue regenerative futures! [/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]In September 2023, Earth Company had the pleasure of hosting some of the management team of the Tolaram – a Singapore-based holding company with diversified business interests in consumer goods, fintech, infrastructure, and industrials – to learn about sustainability initiatives in Bali and reconnect with the company’s purpose.The team from Tolaram consisted of 14 executives and managers hailing from Singapore, Nigeria, and the US. This 2-day sustainability-oriented retreat in Bali served as one of the many activities that the company organized to celebrate its 75 years of history. Delving into engaging sessions delivered in collaboration with Earth Company’s partner organizations: Bumi Sehat Clinic, Cinta Bumi Artisans, Five Pillars Experience, and Astungkara Way, the participants had the opportunity to enjoy a retreat that struck the balance of hands-on, physical activities and thought-provoking discussions on social-ecological issues in Bali.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="35616" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]One of the concepts that resonated with the participants was the Balinese philosophy of life, Tri Hita Karana that places importance on humanity’s harmony with the divine and nature, as well as harmony amongst people. This concept inspired them to deepen their sense of purpose and reaffirm their motivation to do what they do. Furthermore, the time they spent together strengthened the bonds amongst themselves, not just as work colleagues but on more personal levels.“We all need such experiences to remind ourselves of why we do what we do and deepen our sense of purpose. I can’t recommend this enough to others who might be looking for a similar experience.” – Divya Patel, Chief Executive Officer at Tolaram Foundation[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]
[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 collaboration with GiFT, the Impact Academy team hosted the 12th batch of an amazing group of students for the Diversity Voyage Summer program. Over the course of one week, 24 university students from Indonesia and Japan bonded together while delving into cross-cultural learning, developing as mindful global citizens and future changemakers. The students felt empowered not only learning about sustainable business practices and cultural diversity, but embarking on their self-discovery journeys and creating life-long friendships.During the 7-day program all of the students participated in several hands-on activities that allowed them to learn more about the landscape of social enterprises, which included:
[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 recently had the honor to be part of TBN ASIA’s annual conference held in Bali, centralized on the theme of building collaborations for a sustainable future.Our engagement in this year’s TBN Asia conference was broken down into three different components.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]The world is facing numerous environmental and humanitarian challenges that threaten the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. From climate change to poverty, inequality to wildlife extinction, the list just seems endless. As things stand, the world simply cannot develop without further sacrificing the marginalized and our natural environment. However, amidst these pressing issues, there is a ray of hope: changemakers. These one-of-a-kind changemakers have the power to shape a better future. They are not only working to solve the world’s most pressing issues, but are achieving paradigm shifts and carving out new, inclusive pathways that truly leave nobody behind and build regenerative futures, beyond sustainability and circularity. Earth Company calls such changemakers – Impact Heroes. Names like Malala Yousafzai, Gretha Thunberg, and Dr. Jane Goodall may come to mind when thinking about Impact Heroes. There are plenty of such exceptional changemakers in the world who are all extraordinarily inspiring, and whose work is essential in shaping a regenerative world. The world needs more changemakers – and they need our support.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="35244" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]
Earth Company team visiting our 2022 Impact Hero of the Year, Samir Lakhani’s, soap factory in Cambodia.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]2016 Impact Hero of the Year, Robin Lim influencing lives of babies, their mothers, and the midwives.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]As Barack Obama once quoted, “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”If there are changemakers out there who are not only solving some of the world’s most pressing issues, but are creating a regenerative world that holistically enhances planetary wellbeing, then Earth Company is there to support them. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="70px"][vc_column_text]2015 Impact Hero of the Year, Bella Galhos speaking to an international crowd at TedX Dili.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="70px"][vc_column_text]Climate envoy for Marshall Islands and 2017 Impact Hero of the Year, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner attending COP 25 in Madrid.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Most importantly, it is their work that truly lives up to the UN’s pledge to ”leave no one behind”. Many of their works are innovative, inclusive, and not to mention regenerative, with the potential to truly make transformative changes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="70px"][vc_column_text]2019 Impact Hero of the Year, Wai Wai Nu with the Earth Company team discussing the scope of support.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Starting from this year, Earth Company will be selecting a cohort of up to ten changemakers that have the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific to join our year-long Lead-to-Regenerate (L2R) Acceleration Program. Whereby, during the program, one hero will emerge as the “Impact Hero of the Year” and will receive an additional set of customized support.We have long aspired to support as many changemakers as possible in scaling their regenerative solutions, and we are confident that this will bring positive results for everyone involved![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 2023 received the highest number of applicants totalling 76 one-of-a-kind changemakers. Starting this year, we evolved the selection process to select a cohort of 7-10 finalists first to participate in a 6-month leadership program to better understand their work and identify their support needs before selecting the Impact Hero winner. The six-month program is a prerequisite to be considered to become the winner, and after careful consideration and numerous discussions among the selection team, we have finally selected our IMPACT HERO 2023 winner and runner-up![/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]
[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 Impact Academy program made a significant impact for students of Stenden University, where 43 future undergraduates from the Netherlands gathered to explore the realm of social entrepreneurship. In an engaging 1.5-hour session, the students were introduced to the foundational concepts of social enterprise and the essential qualities required for success in this field. Our aim is to cultivate a mindset for social entrepreneurship among the students, inspiring them to utilize their business skills for positive social change.The session started by unraveling the core essence of a social enterprise. The Impact Academy team from Earth Company, consisting of Tya and DeAndre, explained how social enterprises differ from traditional businesses, emphasizing their primary objective of addressing social challenges while also generating sustainable financial returns. The students gained new insight into the transformative power of blending business acumen with a deep-rooted commitment to social impact.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34970" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The presentation then delved into the qualities that distinguish social enterprises from traditional businesses, and how one might make that transition or even establish one of their own. Through real-life case studies of existing businesses, the students learned about the drive and mindset required to navigate the unique challenges of the social enterprise landscape. They were encouraged to nurture creativity, adaptability, and patience as they – hopefully – embark on their own socio-entrepreneurial journeys.This program not only provided theoretical knowledge but also invited the students to witness an actual mission-driven business walk the talk, in Mana Earthly Paradise. On the second day of the program, the students were encouraged to reflect on the first session and see how the theory was being applied in real life. The students were well engaged as they questioned several parts of Earth Company and Mana’s business model.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34974" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We at Earth Company are confident that this program left a lasting impression on many of the business students from Stenden University, planting among them the seed of social entrepreneurship where they will bloom to become catalysts for change through their future mission-driven businesses.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]Undergraduate students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) attended a summer program to imagine a future where tourism can be sustainable. During their 7-day international summer program, 25 students from NUS sought to answer one question “what does a meeting of education, sustainability, and tourism look like?” Their quest for an answer brought them to Bali, where they met with several stakeholders to gain more insight.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34894" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Prior to their trip to Bali, our CXO and co-founder, Tomo Hamakawa, delivered a presentation introducing our core mission to create regenerative futures, and how Mana Earthly Paradise sets an example of how tourism can and should be. Tomo also raised the point that “the environment & business cases for sustainability have never been stronger!” based on findings from Booking.com’s latest sustainable travel report. Where it essentially states that, travelers want to and are demanding for sustainable tourism; however, there are not enough options out there.Later on, the students would stay at our eco-villa in Ubud to experience what living regeneration is like. During their stay, they met with our CEO and fellow co-founder, Aska Hamakawa, who shared the inspiration and motivation behind building Mana Earthly Paradise. Through their visit the students were able to witness how sustainability is being put to practice by an stakeholder in the tourism industry.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34896" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]“The stay at Earth Company’s beautiful eco-resort Mana Earthly Paradise… was particularly effective in raising an awareness of the possibilities of sustainable tourism… The trip [overall] illuminated the delicate balance of SDGs and tourism and provided a rare insight of the complexities in sustainability efforts. Grateful to all our stakeholders in Bali for their generous and kind contributions to student learning on this trip…” – Lynette Tan, faculty member of NUSOverall, we are glad that the experiences with Earth Company enabled the students to gain firsthand insight. Hopefully the undergraduates will further grow to hone the knowledge and skills they need to regenerate our one and only planet![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34898" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]We are thrilled to launch our first sustainability-focused program designed for families in which both parents and kids can participate!Our collaboration with the Singapore-based education tech company, Saturday Kids, allows us to offer families a unique opportunity to explore sustainability through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.The co-designed program, “Saturday Kids: Unplugged”, is specially crafted to encourage families with children between the ages of 6 and 12 to unplug from the tech-saturated world and embrace nature. It's a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and educational value.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34757" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In our recent pilot program, we had the pleasure of hosting three parents and three children. During their time with us, the families participated in immersive activities that introduced them to the Balinese culture and helped them reconnect with nature.The families had an opportunity to unleash their creativity through a variety of engaging workshops, all while immersed in the beauty of Bali's natural environment. Additionally, we introduced them to different on-the-ground innovators where they learned about their efforts to preserve Balinese culture and nature.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34759" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are thrilled to offer this program to more families in the future and hope to inspire a love of sustainability and nature in all our participants. Here’s what one of the parents who attended had to say about our program.“I gained a fresh perspective on sustainability, wellness and wholeheartedness after my trip to Bali… …As a family we had many wholehearted moments in new experiences of Balinese culture and cuisine, sustainability and simply having fun.” – Edwin Ting Full Testimony[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34761" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We invite all families who are interested in going on a different kind of vacation that experiences the wonders of nature and learning about sustainability, to join our next program. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to have fun, create unforgettable memories, and develop a deeper sense of belonging to our world.Sign up now to secure your spot in our upcoming program and embark on a regenerative adventure with your loved ones! Kids program:https://www.saturdaykids.com/product/unplugged-kids-programme-ages-6-12-jun-11-jun-13-outdoor-experience-900am-730pm-ubud-bali/Parents program:https://www.saturdaykids.com/product/unplugged-parents-programme-jun-11-jun-13-outdoor-experience-900am-730pm-ubud-bali/
[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]Millions of people travel to Bali every year and enjoy the island’s iconic beachers, landscapes, and landmarks. But very few know of the growing problems that are arising. How might 23 students from Singapore take on this challenge? We partnered with the Singapore Management University (SMU) and Five Pillars Experiences to deliver an 11-day program that examined the sustainable tourism practices in Bali. This program was part of the students’ “Overseas Project Experience” where they needed to question the authenticity of the messages tourists receive, and reflect on their own habits as consumers for the tourism industry. To kick-off the project, Tomo posed the question “How may Mana Earthly Paradise, as a sustainable tourism operator in Bali, better communicate the ethos and impacts of sustainable travel to the next generation of tourists from Asia?”And their challenge was to find the answer to the question above and present their findings based on what they learn through their 11-day stay in Bali. Working in their own groups, the students were assigned to specific SDG as their guiding compass.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34965" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The students from SMU worked closely with our partner organization Five Pillars Experiences, who took them on a journey to learn more about the Balinese culture, and visited other sustainable tourism changemakers on the island. Together with Earth Company’s team members; Tya (Program Manager), Adi (Mana PR), and DeAndre (Communications), the students’ learned more about what Earth Company and Mana are already doing to “walk the talk” surrounding sustainability.On their last day, the 5 groups of students each presented their answers to the question based on the following 6 UN SDGs:
[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]“How does sustainability manifest itself in Bali? – What are individuals and organizations doing to make a difference? – Who is championing real solutions for social and environmental challenges?”These questions were what a group of 10 sustainability professionals from Singapore sought to discover with us.City Development Limited (CDL), a Singapore-based real estate company that has long been committed to sustainable development and environmental protection, took part in our Impact Academy program in Bali.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34604" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our program, designed as an educational experience, offered CDL a unique opportunity to go beyond Bali's mainstream tourist attractions and explored the social innovation scene that is brewing. During the 4-day trip, CDL's representatives were immersed in Balinese cultural activities, and experienced how the social innovators in Bali are addressing the complex issues in holistic, regenerative ways.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34598" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The social innovators they met had identified a need in their community and had taken action to address it – witnessing the power of social and environmental change spearheaded by Balinese youth and their communities. CDL’s representatives were impressed by the creativity and passion of these young leaders, and left with a renewed sense of hope to strive for a regenerative and more interconnected future.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34600" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Impact Academy program also included cultural experiences that deepened the participants' understanding of the local Balinese community. They were able to try traditional foods, learn about Balinese customs and arts, and interact with the locals. These experiences combined provided a broader perspective on the issues they are working on to address, introduced local-to-global solutions that exist, and reinforced their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34602" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Overall, CDL found their participation in Earth Company's Impact Academy program to be a valuable experience. By learning from and engaging with the local social innovators and immersing themselves in the Balinese culture, the group gained new insights and perspectives. They also left with a sense of hope and inspiration for the future of social and environmental change, and a renewed sense of purpose in their work to create regenerative futures.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]
→Do you want to elevate your organization’s social purpose and impact? →Do you want to empower your students or employees to help create a better world? →Do you want to be part of the solution to the earth’s current sustainability crisis?
If so, Earth Company’s Impact Academy could be for you. For more information or to customize your own Impact Academy program, send us an email at [email protected][/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_column_text]This year, our call for Impact Hero 2023 received 76 high-quality applicants from across the Asia-Pacific. This is the highest number in Earth Company history, and it surely did not make it any easier for us to narrow down the candidates. Yet, like each year, it is incredibly gratifying and fulfilling to meet amazing individuals and initiatives that aremaking our world a better place.After a rigorous interview process, we have selected 9 distinguished individuals - each with his or her own riveting story. It is with great pleasure that we share with you the finalists for our Impact Hero 2023.[/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]
1.1 Online Sessions
These online sessions provide opportunities to learn the concept of “regeneration” as well as the skills and knowledge required to envision and realize the regenerative futures for the communities they serve.
1.2 Heroes Camp in Bali
A 4-day camp in Bali gathering all finalists to meet each other, the Earth Company team, as well as potential collaborators and supporters.
1.3 Regenerative Futures Summit
Each finalist will present their vision of regenerative futures based on key takeaways from the online sessions. The summit invites impact investors, philanthropists, and other potential collaborators to hear and engage with each finalists' vision.
[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]The end of 2021 also marked the end of our three-year support for Impact Hero 2019, Wai Wai NuWith the pandemic's global domination in 2020 and the Myanmar military coup in 2021, we had quite a turbulent journey during the three years of support. Nonetheless, 445 people have donated US$ 119,102 to support the operations of Wai Wai’s youth development programs in Myanmar, advocacy activities during the military coup in Myanmar, and support for the establishment of new organizations."It was our proud privilege to have been able to support such a brilliant changemaker, to deliver with [our donors] the necessary support at the right time, and to slowly witness change happening over time." - Aska Hamakawa, CEO and Co-Founder, Earth CompanyOur utmost gratitude to all of the supporters who have helped us – and Wai Wai!Though we may have stopped actively supporting her, we will definitely continue rooting for and supporting Wai Wai in all her future endeavors.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Read the full report" color="#ffffff" hover_color="#ffffff" border_color="#6a9576" hover_border_color="#d17775" background_color="#6a9576" hover_background_color="#d17775" link="https://bit.ly/waiwai_report"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/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_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]The Transformative Business Network Asia (TBN Asia) strives to fight poverty through enterprise, taking an ecosystem approach to support social enterprises that serve marginalized communities in Southeast Asia. From September 22nd to 24th TBN Asia held its flagship annual event designed to shine a spotlight on social entrepreneurship and impact investing. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34185" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]During the conference, Earth Company’s very own Tomo Hamakawa, held a session sharing more about how organizations or social entrepreneurs can balance profit and impact.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/FKKDE2-6Uok" el_width="90" align="center"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]On the last day of the conference, TBN Asia partnered with Earth Company to host an Impact Trip for their delegates. A total of 25 participants visited Mana Earthly Paradise for a tour of the property and learned about the eco-technologies and sustainable business practices that are being implemented. [/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_column_text]The long wait is over. Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise have just hosted the largest international group since the onset of the pandemic. As part of the Luce Scholars Wrap-Up gathering, the Asia Foundation and Earth Company worked together to curate impact excursions that would take 55 American scholars to understand the diverse issues on the island and discover the means to tackle them. The large group of scholars were split into five thematic journeys, where with the help of several other local organizations, each individual group would get its own insightful, thought-provoking, and tailor-made journey. The five journeys were:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]During this year’s Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) global conference in Bali, Earth Company had the opportunity to welcome the conference attendees on an Impact Bali Excursion. A total of 22 AVPN conference participants, from 16 international organizations, joined us to get firsthand accounts of how Bali – Ubud specifically – is becoming a hub of social innovation.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34152" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Together with event partners Kopernik and Bumi Sehat, the delegates set off on a half-day excursion to witness the impactful work of each organization in tackling some of the issues that are so apparent in Bali and Indonesia.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34154" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34156" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The first group of participants, on June 23rd, visited Bumi Sehat Clinic to meet with Impact Hero 2016, Robin Lim and hear how gentle, loving birth can lead to world peace. On the next day, the second group visited Kopernik’s office to explore their three core types of work anchored in lean experimentation to find solutions for social and environmental challenges. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34158" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Following each visit, the delegates toured the Mana Earthly Paradise property, meeting Earth Company’s co-founder Tomo Hamakawa who delivered an overview of how it is creating regenerative futures for all lives. Big thanks to Yayasan Bumi Sehat and Kopernik for taking part in the Impact Bali Excursions and inspiring the participants to pursue a sustainable, peaceful, and just world. If you want to learn more about Bali’s social innovation scene and witness the change that is happening please reach out to us at: [email protected][/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="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Looking to get a change of scenery, seven team members from imageMILL stayed at Mana Earthly Paradise for their annual company retreat. During their four-day retreat the team set out to deepen their understanding of what positive impact they can do to suppress the world’s environmental and societal challenges.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34180" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company assisted in curating and facilitating parts of their company retreat which included a tour of Mana’s eco-facilities; a session with co-founder/CXO Tomo Hamakawa on regeneration; a visit to Bumi Sehat Clinic, introducing them to Impact Hero 2016, Robin Lim; as well as a joint mangrove clean up initiative with Impact Hero 2022 Finalist, Gary Bencheghib’s non-profit, Sungai Watch.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34182" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]“From learning from local culture, volunteering and meeting incredible people on the way, our Bali strategy retreat makes us believe we can still have a chance to contribute to the planet. The team has experienced different activities along the way, making us more conscious about our actions and how we can connect with more people through the same goal” - imageMILL team Earth Company warmly welcomes companies, organizations, communities, executives, and individuals to witness the social impact that is brewing in Bali. Contact us at [email protected] to customize your next positively impactful company retreat![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]
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][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]
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_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]
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][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]
[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]
[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]
[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;}"]
[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]
[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]
A video message from Arief, shortly after informing him of the decision
[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]
[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]
[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]
[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]
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;}"]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;}"]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;}"]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;}"]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;}"] 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.
[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]
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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.
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[Report by Mariko McTier with quotes from Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner]
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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.
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][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]
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;}"](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;}"](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.
[/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="video"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1528929783045{border-top-width: 50px !important;border-bottom-width: 50px !important;}"]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...
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.[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 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][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 in May 2024, Earth Company will offer a comprehensive employee training program in Bali designed for all 260 second-year employees of the Suntory Group, a global consumer products company founded in 1899 best known for its whisky. This initiative aligns with the Suntory Group's commitment to its “Giving Back to Society” value, encouraging global engagement and critical thinking among its workforce. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]A group of 112 people from PlowDays, a Japan-based human resource organization focused on developing sustainability-focused career paths, came to Bali for a company outing, while bringing their families along. Employees from across the board of the company joined in to learn more about what we are doing at Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise. Earth Company’s CEO and co-founder, Aska Hamakawa, stopped by to meet with all the participants and shared her story about what it was like to establish a social enterprise (i.e. Mana) that is attempting to shake up the current norms of the tourism industry. Aska shared with them many of Mana’s regenerative activities, as well as some of the challenges it has faced.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35549" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35551" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35553" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35555" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35557" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="35559" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]The paradigm-shifting concept of regeneration stood out the most to the participants. So much so that they are very keen to learn more and apply it within their own company. We certainly hope that their visit ignited a fire within each of the participants to become changemakers, in their own right, and pursue regenerative futures! [/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]In September 2023, Earth Company had the pleasure of hosting some of the management team of the Tolaram – a Singapore-based holding company with diversified business interests in consumer goods, fintech, infrastructure, and industrials – to learn about sustainability initiatives in Bali and reconnect with the company’s purpose.The team from Tolaram consisted of 14 executives and managers hailing from Singapore, Nigeria, and the US. This 2-day sustainability-oriented retreat in Bali served as one of the many activities that the company organized to celebrate its 75 years of history. Delving into engaging sessions delivered in collaboration with Earth Company’s partner organizations: Bumi Sehat Clinic, Cinta Bumi Artisans, Five Pillars Experience, and Astungkara Way, the participants had the opportunity to enjoy a retreat that struck the balance of hands-on, physical activities and thought-provoking discussions on social-ecological issues in Bali.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="35616" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]One of the concepts that resonated with the participants was the Balinese philosophy of life, Tri Hita Karana that places importance on humanity’s harmony with the divine and nature, as well as harmony amongst people. This concept inspired them to deepen their sense of purpose and reaffirm their motivation to do what they do. Furthermore, the time they spent together strengthened the bonds amongst themselves, not just as work colleagues but on more personal levels.“We all need such experiences to remind ourselves of why we do what we do and deepen our sense of purpose. I can’t recommend this enough to others who might be looking for a similar experience.” – Divya Patel, Chief Executive Officer at Tolaram Foundation[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]
[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 collaboration with GiFT, the Impact Academy team hosted the 12th batch of an amazing group of students for the Diversity Voyage Summer program. Over the course of one week, 24 university students from Indonesia and Japan bonded together while delving into cross-cultural learning, developing as mindful global citizens and future changemakers. The students felt empowered not only learning about sustainable business practices and cultural diversity, but embarking on their self-discovery journeys and creating life-long friendships.During the 7-day program all of the students participated in several hands-on activities that allowed them to learn more about the landscape of social enterprises, which included:
[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 recently had the honor to be part of TBN ASIA’s annual conference held in Bali, centralized on the theme of building collaborations for a sustainable future.Our engagement in this year’s TBN Asia conference was broken down into three different components.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]The world is facing numerous environmental and humanitarian challenges that threaten the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. From climate change to poverty, inequality to wildlife extinction, the list just seems endless. As things stand, the world simply cannot develop without further sacrificing the marginalized and our natural environment. However, amidst these pressing issues, there is a ray of hope: changemakers. These one-of-a-kind changemakers have the power to shape a better future. They are not only working to solve the world’s most pressing issues, but are achieving paradigm shifts and carving out new, inclusive pathways that truly leave nobody behind and build regenerative futures, beyond sustainability and circularity. Earth Company calls such changemakers – Impact Heroes. Names like Malala Yousafzai, Gretha Thunberg, and Dr. Jane Goodall may come to mind when thinking about Impact Heroes. There are plenty of such exceptional changemakers in the world who are all extraordinarily inspiring, and whose work is essential in shaping a regenerative world. The world needs more changemakers – and they need our support.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="35244" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="16px"][vc_column_text]
Earth Company team visiting our 2022 Impact Hero of the Year, Samir Lakhani’s, soap factory in Cambodia.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]2016 Impact Hero of the Year, Robin Lim influencing lives of babies, their mothers, and the midwives.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]As Barack Obama once quoted, “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”If there are changemakers out there who are not only solving some of the world’s most pressing issues, but are creating a regenerative world that holistically enhances planetary wellbeing, then Earth Company is there to support them. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="70px"][vc_column_text]2015 Impact Hero of the Year, Bella Galhos speaking to an international crowd at TedX Dili.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="70px"][vc_column_text]Climate envoy for Marshall Islands and 2017 Impact Hero of the Year, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner attending COP 25 in Madrid.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Most importantly, it is their work that truly lives up to the UN’s pledge to ”leave no one behind”. Many of their works are innovative, inclusive, and not to mention regenerative, with the potential to truly make transformative changes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="70px"][vc_column_text]2019 Impact Hero of the Year, Wai Wai Nu with the Earth Company team discussing the scope of support.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Starting from this year, Earth Company will be selecting a cohort of up to ten changemakers that have the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific to join our year-long Lead-to-Regenerate (L2R) Acceleration Program. Whereby, during the program, one hero will emerge as the “Impact Hero of the Year” and will receive an additional set of customized support.We have long aspired to support as many changemakers as possible in scaling their regenerative solutions, and we are confident that this will bring positive results for everyone involved![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 2023 received the highest number of applicants totalling 76 one-of-a-kind changemakers. Starting this year, we evolved the selection process to select a cohort of 7-10 finalists first to participate in a 6-month leadership program to better understand their work and identify their support needs before selecting the Impact Hero winner. The six-month program is a prerequisite to be considered to become the winner, and after careful consideration and numerous discussions among the selection team, we have finally selected our IMPACT HERO 2023 winner and runner-up![/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]
[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 Impact Academy program made a significant impact for students of Stenden University, where 43 future undergraduates from the Netherlands gathered to explore the realm of social entrepreneurship. In an engaging 1.5-hour session, the students were introduced to the foundational concepts of social enterprise and the essential qualities required for success in this field. Our aim is to cultivate a mindset for social entrepreneurship among the students, inspiring them to utilize their business skills for positive social change.The session started by unraveling the core essence of a social enterprise. The Impact Academy team from Earth Company, consisting of Tya and DeAndre, explained how social enterprises differ from traditional businesses, emphasizing their primary objective of addressing social challenges while also generating sustainable financial returns. The students gained new insight into the transformative power of blending business acumen with a deep-rooted commitment to social impact.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34970" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The presentation then delved into the qualities that distinguish social enterprises from traditional businesses, and how one might make that transition or even establish one of their own. Through real-life case studies of existing businesses, the students learned about the drive and mindset required to navigate the unique challenges of the social enterprise landscape. They were encouraged to nurture creativity, adaptability, and patience as they – hopefully – embark on their own socio-entrepreneurial journeys.This program not only provided theoretical knowledge but also invited the students to witness an actual mission-driven business walk the talk, in Mana Earthly Paradise. On the second day of the program, the students were encouraged to reflect on the first session and see how the theory was being applied in real life. The students were well engaged as they questioned several parts of Earth Company and Mana’s business model.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34974" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We at Earth Company are confident that this program left a lasting impression on many of the business students from Stenden University, planting among them the seed of social entrepreneurship where they will bloom to become catalysts for change through their future mission-driven businesses.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]Undergraduate students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) attended a summer program to imagine a future where tourism can be sustainable. During their 7-day international summer program, 25 students from NUS sought to answer one question “what does a meeting of education, sustainability, and tourism look like?” Their quest for an answer brought them to Bali, where they met with several stakeholders to gain more insight.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34894" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Prior to their trip to Bali, our CXO and co-founder, Tomo Hamakawa, delivered a presentation introducing our core mission to create regenerative futures, and how Mana Earthly Paradise sets an example of how tourism can and should be. Tomo also raised the point that “the environment & business cases for sustainability have never been stronger!” based on findings from Booking.com’s latest sustainable travel report. Where it essentially states that, travelers want to and are demanding for sustainable tourism; however, there are not enough options out there.Later on, the students would stay at our eco-villa in Ubud to experience what living regeneration is like. During their stay, they met with our CEO and fellow co-founder, Aska Hamakawa, who shared the inspiration and motivation behind building Mana Earthly Paradise. Through their visit the students were able to witness how sustainability is being put to practice by an stakeholder in the tourism industry.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34896" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]“The stay at Earth Company’s beautiful eco-resort Mana Earthly Paradise… was particularly effective in raising an awareness of the possibilities of sustainable tourism… The trip [overall] illuminated the delicate balance of SDGs and tourism and provided a rare insight of the complexities in sustainability efforts. Grateful to all our stakeholders in Bali for their generous and kind contributions to student learning on this trip…” – Lynette Tan, faculty member of NUSOverall, we are glad that the experiences with Earth Company enabled the students to gain firsthand insight. Hopefully the undergraduates will further grow to hone the knowledge and skills they need to regenerate our one and only planet![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34898" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]We are thrilled to launch our first sustainability-focused program designed for families in which both parents and kids can participate!Our collaboration with the Singapore-based education tech company, Saturday Kids, allows us to offer families a unique opportunity to explore sustainability through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.The co-designed program, “Saturday Kids: Unplugged”, is specially crafted to encourage families with children between the ages of 6 and 12 to unplug from the tech-saturated world and embrace nature. It's a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and educational value.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34757" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In our recent pilot program, we had the pleasure of hosting three parents and three children. During their time with us, the families participated in immersive activities that introduced them to the Balinese culture and helped them reconnect with nature.The families had an opportunity to unleash their creativity through a variety of engaging workshops, all while immersed in the beauty of Bali's natural environment. Additionally, we introduced them to different on-the-ground innovators where they learned about their efforts to preserve Balinese culture and nature.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34759" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We are thrilled to offer this program to more families in the future and hope to inspire a love of sustainability and nature in all our participants. Here’s what one of the parents who attended had to say about our program.“I gained a fresh perspective on sustainability, wellness and wholeheartedness after my trip to Bali… …As a family we had many wholehearted moments in new experiences of Balinese culture and cuisine, sustainability and simply having fun.” – Edwin Ting Full Testimony[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34761" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We invite all families who are interested in going on a different kind of vacation that experiences the wonders of nature and learning about sustainability, to join our next program. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to have fun, create unforgettable memories, and develop a deeper sense of belonging to our world.Sign up now to secure your spot in our upcoming program and embark on a regenerative adventure with your loved ones! Kids program:https://www.saturdaykids.com/product/unplugged-kids-programme-ages-6-12-jun-11-jun-13-outdoor-experience-900am-730pm-ubud-bali/Parents program:https://www.saturdaykids.com/product/unplugged-parents-programme-jun-11-jun-13-outdoor-experience-900am-730pm-ubud-bali/
[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]Millions of people travel to Bali every year and enjoy the island’s iconic beachers, landscapes, and landmarks. But very few know of the growing problems that are arising. How might 23 students from Singapore take on this challenge? We partnered with the Singapore Management University (SMU) and Five Pillars Experiences to deliver an 11-day program that examined the sustainable tourism practices in Bali. This program was part of the students’ “Overseas Project Experience” where they needed to question the authenticity of the messages tourists receive, and reflect on their own habits as consumers for the tourism industry. To kick-off the project, Tomo posed the question “How may Mana Earthly Paradise, as a sustainable tourism operator in Bali, better communicate the ethos and impacts of sustainable travel to the next generation of tourists from Asia?”And their challenge was to find the answer to the question above and present their findings based on what they learn through their 11-day stay in Bali. Working in their own groups, the students were assigned to specific SDG as their guiding compass.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34965" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The students from SMU worked closely with our partner organization Five Pillars Experiences, who took them on a journey to learn more about the Balinese culture, and visited other sustainable tourism changemakers on the island. Together with Earth Company’s team members; Tya (Program Manager), Adi (Mana PR), and DeAndre (Communications), the students’ learned more about what Earth Company and Mana are already doing to “walk the talk” surrounding sustainability.On their last day, the 5 groups of students each presented their answers to the question based on the following 6 UN SDGs:
[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]“How does sustainability manifest itself in Bali? – What are individuals and organizations doing to make a difference? – Who is championing real solutions for social and environmental challenges?”These questions were what a group of 10 sustainability professionals from Singapore sought to discover with us.City Development Limited (CDL), a Singapore-based real estate company that has long been committed to sustainable development and environmental protection, took part in our Impact Academy program in Bali.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34604" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Our program, designed as an educational experience, offered CDL a unique opportunity to go beyond Bali's mainstream tourist attractions and explored the social innovation scene that is brewing. During the 4-day trip, CDL's representatives were immersed in Balinese cultural activities, and experienced how the social innovators in Bali are addressing the complex issues in holistic, regenerative ways.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34598" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The social innovators they met had identified a need in their community and had taken action to address it – witnessing the power of social and environmental change spearheaded by Balinese youth and their communities. CDL’s representatives were impressed by the creativity and passion of these young leaders, and left with a renewed sense of hope to strive for a regenerative and more interconnected future.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34600" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Impact Academy program also included cultural experiences that deepened the participants' understanding of the local Balinese community. They were able to try traditional foods, learn about Balinese customs and arts, and interact with the locals. These experiences combined provided a broader perspective on the issues they are working on to address, introduced local-to-global solutions that exist, and reinforced their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34602" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Overall, CDL found their participation in Earth Company's Impact Academy program to be a valuable experience. By learning from and engaging with the local social innovators and immersing themselves in the Balinese culture, the group gained new insights and perspectives. They also left with a sense of hope and inspiration for the future of social and environmental change, and a renewed sense of purpose in their work to create regenerative futures.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="100px"][vc_column_text]
→Do you want to elevate your organization’s social purpose and impact? →Do you want to empower your students or employees to help create a better world? →Do you want to be part of the solution to the earth’s current sustainability crisis?
If so, Earth Company’s Impact Academy could be for you. For more information or to customize your own Impact Academy program, send us an email at [email protected][/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_column_text]This year, our call for Impact Hero 2023 received 76 high-quality applicants from across the Asia-Pacific. This is the highest number in Earth Company history, and it surely did not make it any easier for us to narrow down the candidates. Yet, like each year, it is incredibly gratifying and fulfilling to meet amazing individuals and initiatives that aremaking our world a better place.After a rigorous interview process, we have selected 9 distinguished individuals - each with his or her own riveting story. It is with great pleasure that we share with you the finalists for our Impact Hero 2023.[/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]
1.1 Online Sessions
These online sessions provide opportunities to learn the concept of “regeneration” as well as the skills and knowledge required to envision and realize the regenerative futures for the communities they serve.
1.2 Heroes Camp in Bali
A 4-day camp in Bali gathering all finalists to meet each other, the Earth Company team, as well as potential collaborators and supporters.
1.3 Regenerative Futures Summit
Each finalist will present their vision of regenerative futures based on key takeaways from the online sessions. The summit invites impact investors, philanthropists, and other potential collaborators to hear and engage with each finalists' vision.
[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]The end of 2021 also marked the end of our three-year support for Impact Hero 2019, Wai Wai NuWith the pandemic's global domination in 2020 and the Myanmar military coup in 2021, we had quite a turbulent journey during the three years of support. Nonetheless, 445 people have donated US$ 119,102 to support the operations of Wai Wai’s youth development programs in Myanmar, advocacy activities during the military coup in Myanmar, and support for the establishment of new organizations."It was our proud privilege to have been able to support such a brilliant changemaker, to deliver with [our donors] the necessary support at the right time, and to slowly witness change happening over time." - Aska Hamakawa, CEO and Co-Founder, Earth CompanyOur utmost gratitude to all of the supporters who have helped us – and Wai Wai!Though we may have stopped actively supporting her, we will definitely continue rooting for and supporting Wai Wai in all her future endeavors.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_row_inner row_type="row" type="full_width" text_align="center" css_animation=""][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][button target="_blank" hover_type="default" text="Read the full report" color="#ffffff" hover_color="#ffffff" border_color="#6a9576" hover_border_color="#d17775" background_color="#6a9576" hover_background_color="#d17775" link="https://bit.ly/waiwai_report"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][/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_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]The Transformative Business Network Asia (TBN Asia) strives to fight poverty through enterprise, taking an ecosystem approach to support social enterprises that serve marginalized communities in Southeast Asia. From September 22nd to 24th TBN Asia held its flagship annual event designed to shine a spotlight on social entrepreneurship and impact investing. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34185" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]During the conference, Earth Company’s very own Tomo Hamakawa, held a session sharing more about how organizations or social entrepreneurs can balance profit and impact.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/FKKDE2-6Uok" el_width="90" align="center"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]On the last day of the conference, TBN Asia partnered with Earth Company to host an Impact Trip for their delegates. A total of 25 participants visited Mana Earthly Paradise for a tour of the property and learned about the eco-technologies and sustainable business practices that are being implemented. [/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_column_text]The long wait is over. Earth Company and Mana Earthly Paradise have just hosted the largest international group since the onset of the pandemic. As part of the Luce Scholars Wrap-Up gathering, the Asia Foundation and Earth Company worked together to curate impact excursions that would take 55 American scholars to understand the diverse issues on the island and discover the means to tackle them. The large group of scholars were split into five thematic journeys, where with the help of several other local organizations, each individual group would get its own insightful, thought-provoking, and tailor-made journey. The five journeys were:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]During this year’s Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) global conference in Bali, Earth Company had the opportunity to welcome the conference attendees on an Impact Bali Excursion. A total of 22 AVPN conference participants, from 16 international organizations, joined us to get firsthand accounts of how Bali – Ubud specifically – is becoming a hub of social innovation.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34152" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Together with event partners Kopernik and Bumi Sehat, the delegates set off on a half-day excursion to witness the impactful work of each organization in tackling some of the issues that are so apparent in Bali and Indonesia.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34154" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34156" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The first group of participants, on June 23rd, visited Bumi Sehat Clinic to meet with Impact Hero 2016, Robin Lim and hear how gentle, loving birth can lead to world peace. On the next day, the second group visited Kopernik’s office to explore their three core types of work anchored in lean experimentation to find solutions for social and environmental challenges. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image="34158" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Following each visit, the delegates toured the Mana Earthly Paradise property, meeting Earth Company’s co-founder Tomo Hamakawa who delivered an overview of how it is creating regenerative futures for all lives. Big thanks to Yayasan Bumi Sehat and Kopernik for taking part in the Impact Bali Excursions and inspiring the participants to pursue a sustainable, peaceful, and just world. If you want to learn more about Bali’s social innovation scene and witness the change that is happening please reach out to us at: [email protected][/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="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Looking to get a change of scenery, seven team members from imageMILL stayed at Mana Earthly Paradise for their annual company retreat. During their four-day retreat the team set out to deepen their understanding of what positive impact they can do to suppress the world’s environmental and societal challenges.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34180" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Earth Company assisted in curating and facilitating parts of their company retreat which included a tour of Mana’s eco-facilities; a session with co-founder/CXO Tomo Hamakawa on regeneration; a visit to Bumi Sehat Clinic, introducing them to Impact Hero 2016, Robin Lim; as well as a joint mangrove clean up initiative with Impact Hero 2022 Finalist, Gary Bencheghib’s non-profit, Sungai Watch.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_single_image image="34182" img_size="large" alignment="center" qode_css_animation=""][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]“From learning from local culture, volunteering and meeting incredible people on the way, our Bali strategy retreat makes us believe we can still have a chance to contribute to the planet. The team has experienced different activities along the way, making us more conscious about our actions and how we can connect with more people through the same goal” - imageMILL team Earth Company warmly welcomes companies, organizations, communities, executives, and individuals to witness the social impact that is brewing in Bali. Contact us at [email protected] to customize your next positively impactful company retreat![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]
[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]
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][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]
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_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]
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][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]
[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]
[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]
[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;}"]
[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]
[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]
A video message from Arief, shortly after informing him of the decision
[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]
[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]
[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]
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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;}"]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;}"]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;}"]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;}"]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;}"]