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Strengthening collaboration for conservation: Dow and Ducks Unlimited formalize a multi-year partnership
The partnership will focus on restoration efforts in the U.S. and Canada, along with developing tools for sustainable practices.
This initiative aligns with Dow’s commitment to protect 50,000 acres by the year 2050.
MIDLAND, MI / ACCESSWIRE / October 2, 2024 / In a significant move to enhance environmental efforts, Dow (NYSE:DOW) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) have announced a new multi-year collaboration aimed at improving ecosystems across North America. Both organizations share a goal of enhancing biodiversity and restoring vital habitats through innovative solutions and strategic planning.
This partnership has been financially supported by the Dow Company Foundation, which aims to foster social change and tackle global challenges through philanthropic contributions focused on building vibrant communities, increasing access to STEM education and technical skills, and ensuring a sustainable future.
Over the course of the upcoming three years, the two entities have outlined several key initiatives:
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan, one of the state’s largest managed wetland complexes, will see significant restoration efforts. This project is intended to boost biodiversity, improve water quality, and increase flood storage capacity, ultimately enhancing resiliency against climate change.
Additionally, the Bayshore Birds Project located on Saginaw Bay will focus on coastal marsh restoration. This project aims to filter out nutrients and sediment from adjacent agricultural areas, thus expanding the wetland ecosystem and providing critical habitats for various wildlife and waterfowl.
In Canada, the Prairie Pothole Region, an important breeding ground for North America’s waterfowl, will witness increased conservation efforts aimed at supporting the diverse wildlife adjacent to the Ellis Bird Farm.
The initiative also includes the development of publicly available tools designed to aid in sustainable land use planning and management strategies.
“We consider Ducks Unlimited a leader in the field of conservation,” stated Andre Argenton, chief sustainability officer at Dow. “Their expertise is invaluable as we strive toward achieving our objectives in sustainability. Collaboration plays a crucial role in addressing climate challenges beyond our operational framework.”
The partnership is rooted in a long-standing relationship that began over 70 years ago between Dow employees and a local DU chapter in Texas. Since then, efforts have evolved, with notable collaborations positively impacting wildlife and water quality in regions like the Gulf Coast of the U.S., where they have worked to restore vital coastal wetlands.
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with Dow, whose commitment to environmental stewardship is making a significant difference in the restoration of water resources and wildlife habitats,” remarked Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “These investments not only bolster ecosystem resilience across North America, but they also support the communities reliant on these natural resources. Effective collaboration is crucial to ensuring these landscapes thrive for future generations.”
Both organizations have recently made headlines with significant announcements regarding conservation and sustainability initiatives. In May, Dow detailed its new Water & Nature strategy, which includes sustainable land management and habitat conservation goals. Coincidentally, DU also celebrated a milestone of completing one million acres of conservation work in a single year.
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of North America’s vital wetlands and waterfowl habitats, having conserved over 18 million acres since its inception in 1937. Through the backing of over a million supporters, DU’s science-based initiatives benefit waterfowl, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout the United States. DU is currently enhancing its mission through a landmark $3 billion Conservation For A Continent campaign to support landscape conservation efforts.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE:DOW) stands as a leader in materials science, catering to a variety of high-growth sectors including packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications. With operations in 31 countries and approximately 35,900 employees, Dow achieved sales of about $45 billion in 2023. The company is committed to innovating and advancing sustainability initiatives to help secure a more sustainable future. For more information about Dow’s mission and values, please visit www.dow.com.
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