Men and women dance and sing to welcome their development partners and  in the flooding-prone regions around Lake Chilwa in the Machinga district of Malawi. The locals are being trained on planting new diverse crops that can tolerate weather extremes better than maize can. 
Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images

International Mother Earth Day

Reporting and publishing your organisation’s impact on society

The world is facing a big problem: we are using up natural resources and harming the environment. This crisis is happening because we are consuming and producing things in ways that are not sustainable, causing damage to the Earth and affecting the health and well-being of people. Over the years the Earth as suffered loss of plants and animals, land turning into deserts, climate change and disruption of natural cycles. This calls for an urgent need to invest in our planet to address the climate crisis, find harmony with nature and promote a sustainable future where we can create new economic opportunities, reduce risks, and build resilience to future shocks.

One such investment includes impact reporting. Impact reporting is a powerful tool for promoting environmental conservation and sustainability. By highlighting the impact of human activities on the planet and showcasing solutions, such reporting inspires individuals, businesses and governments to take action to protect the Earth for future generations. Reporting and publishing on your organisation’s impact on the Earth and society plays a crucial role in promoting a sustainable future, especially on this year’s International Mother Earth Day. This day serves as a reminder of the need to protect our planet and its resources for future generations. Your organisation’s impact report can raise awareness about environmental issues, educate the public about sustainable practices and hold other businesses and governments accountable for their impact on the environment.

Impact reporting is not just about highlighting the negative impact of human activities on the planet. It is also about showcasing solutions and inspiring stakeholders and other organisations to make better choices. This could involve adopting renewable energy, implementing land-friendly farming practices, or reducing waste. By sharing success stories, businesses demonstrate that sustainable living is not only feasible but also beneficial for the planet and future generations.

Reporting and publishing on sustainable practices also hold businesses and governments accountable for their environmental impact. By exposing harmful practices, your organisation’s impact reporting advocates for more sustainable choices leading to a more transparent and responsible economy that values the environment. Furthermore, such publications help your organisation identify areas for improvement and guide decision-making towards more sustainable outcomes. By measuring and reporting on your organisation’s impact, you can keep track of your progress towards environmental goals and demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

Additionally, sharing stories of people and communities taking action to protect the environment inspires others to join in. This creates a movement for change, leading to broader societal changes towards sustainability.

Reporting and publishing your organisation’s impact on society and the community you serve is crucial. This is because it allows your organisation to raise awareness of sustainable business practices, promote sustainable living, hold accountable those who harm the environment and build a global movement for change. This year’s International Mother Earth Day is a reminder to act now to ensure a sustainable future for our planet and all living things.