HER Planet Earth's 'Into the Blue' Event: An Inspirational Evening of Empowerment & Conservation, Raising $45,000 for The Sulubaaï Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Singapore, October 30, 2023 — HER Planet Earth, the global women's advocacy movement dedicated to strengthening the connection between female empowerment and environmental integrity, successfully hosted the 'Into the Blue' charity cocktail reception and film screening at Catapult in Singapore, on October 24, 2023. The event brought together a notable gathering of 100 senior C-suite professionals comprised a select group of industry leaders, affluent individuals, and sustainability experts from various sectors and was generously sponsored by LGT, the world's largest royal family-owned private bank. Together, they raised $45,000 SGD in support of the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation's conservation initiatives in the Philippines.
This event was thoughtfully timed to coincide with the International Day of Climate Action, aiming to shed light on the admirable work of HER Planet Earth's charity partner, the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation. The primary mission was to generate both awareness and essential funds for the preservation and rejuvenation of natural resources within the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Palawan in the Philippines.
Fred Tardieu, Founder of the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, who flew in especially for the evening with his wife Chris Tardieu and their Marine Ecologist, Laure de Ville d'Avray, shared, "We often believe ourselves to be alone and isolated in our convictions, but all it takes is one evening, a setting, a team, and the world clings to you. At that moment, anything can be achieved. I believe in humanity; the only problem lies in understanding our priorities. This evening has shown us that civil society can accomplish great things and be a catalyst for renewal. We must mobilize it for the benefit of all and, especially, for the new generations."
HER Planet Earth, now in its seventh year of operation, continues to pioneer innovative fundraising approaches for its charity partners. Their unique initiatives involve embarking on challenging expeditionary journeys across the globe. What sets this organisation apart is its unwavering dedication to supporting causes that champion gender equality and the empowerment of women impacted by climate change.
In May 2022, the HER Planet Earth all-female dive team embarked on a week-long expedition to Pangatalan Island in Palawan, Philippines. Partnering with the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, their mission was to revive the island's coral reef ecosystems. This dedicated team expertly installed three artificial reefs and nurtured 30 "fragments of hope" coral pieces. As a result, the reef has seamlessly integrated into the Sulubaaï Foundation's MPA, fortifying the Coral Triangle—an awe-inspiring marine biodiversity haven that hosts 30% of the world's coral reefs.
Notably, the HER Planet Earth team engaged with women from diverse backgrounds in the Sandoval Barangay communities surrounding Shark Fin Bay, the location of Pangatalan Island. This engagement included leaders, fisherfolk, educators, farmers, homemakers, students, and mothers. Their aim was to heighten environmental awareness and foster meaningful dialogues about optimal conservation strategies for the region.
The Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation has been meticulously rejuvenating the 4.5-hectare island for the past 13 years, transforming it into a self-sustaining ecosystem. Their accomplishments include planting over 80,000 trees, establishing it as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), and launching a comprehensive mangrove restoration initiative. A standout component of their efforts is the Sulu Reef Prosthesis (SRP)—an innovative artificial concrete reef system acknowledged by UNESCO. Since 2017, the foundation has placed over 300 SRPs within its MPA, relocating more than 2,500 coral fragments spanning over 15 genera and 30 hard coral species. Further enhancing the island's sustainability, the foundation established an organic farm, integrated a waste management system, and installed solar panels, all instrumental in achieving the island's carbon-negative status.
Why It Matters:
According to WWF's Living Planet Index, marine life—including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish—has seen a staggering decline of nearly 50% between 1979 and 2012. Climate change poses a dire threat to corals; since the 1950s, the global expanse of living coral has been halved. Corals, essentially tiny animals termed polyps, form underwater colonies that serve as vital habitats for fish. Mangroves, with their exceptional carbon-absorbing capabilities, intake 10 times more carbon than typical trees and offer crucial protection against natural disasters like typhoons and floods, as well as erosion.
Guests attending the "Into the Blue" event savoured drinks from LGT's private collection and canapés from Karana, a Singapore food start-up poised to become Asia's first whole-plant-based meat brand. Guests were immersed in a compelling short film presented on a 360° panoramic screen in Catapult's stunning facilities at 1 Rochester Park. All proceeds from the event are dedicated to supporting the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation and its programs in coral restoration.
Christine Amour-Levar, Founder of HER Planet Earth and Ambassador Sulubaaï, emphasized, "The heart of this event lies in amplifying the need to rejuvenate our marine biodiversity. Our primary concern is food security, as local communities heavily rely on marine resources for sustenance. To cultivate a thriving ecosystem, we must foster active participation from local stakeholders, enlighten our youth, and ensure that adults recognize the economic potential of safeguarding and efficiently managing our oceans. It's this forward-thinking approach that we must embrace for our future."
About Her Planet Earth
Based in Singapore, HER Planet Earth is a non-profit organization championing the dual causes of women's empowerment and climate change mitigation. At its heart, the organization strives to motivate more women to step into roles as policymakers and change-makers, driving both societal equity and a flourishing planet. With a spirit of adventure, HER Planet Earth curates impactful and self-financed global expeditions that spotlight environmental challenges while fundraising for initiatives supporting vulnerable women impacted by climate change. The organization stands strong with a diverse coalition including environmentalists, scientists, adventurers, women's rights champions, businesses, tech innovators, and like-minded charities. Together, they reinforce the intrinsic link between gender equality, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. www.HERplanetearth.com
About The Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation
Initiated by Frédéric and Chris Tardieu, the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation stands as a beacon of conservation in Palawan, dedicating itself to the preservation, protection, and rejuvenation of the region's natural assets for the local community's betterment. Over a span of 13 years, the foundation has masterfully revitalized Pangatalan Island, a 4.5-hectare sanctuary, steering it towards ecological self-sustainability. Their extensive contributions encompass planting a staggering 80,000 trees, inaugurating a Marine Protected Area (MPA), fortifying mangrove ecosystems, and pioneering the Sulu Reef Prosthesis (SRPs) — a ground-breaking artificial reef system acknowledged by UNESCO. From 2017 onwards, they've strategically positioned over 300 SRPs across various coral rubble zones within their MPA, enabling the transplantation of 2,500 coral fragments that span more than 15 genera and encompass 30 hard coral species. https://sulubaai-foundation.com.
About LGT (The Liechtenstein Global Trust) – Official Sponsor
Established in 1921 in Liechtenstein, LGT stands as a distinguished private bank, overseeing CHF 285 billion in assets for affluent clients worldwide. LGT's robust performance is anchored in its synergy with the Princely Family's investment vision, its prowess in sustainable investing, and its specialized offerings in asset structuring and philanthropic guidance. Recognizing its formidable financial standing, both Moody's and Standard & Poor's have endowed LGT with premier ratings. The bank's forward-thinking, risk-aware ethos, and unwavering reliability resonate deeply with clients, particularly in volatile climates. Entrepreneurs and proactive investors are drawn to LGT's innovative and elite investment avenues. Combining vast experience with sustainability and fiscal robustness, LGT remains a beacon in global wealth management. https://www.lgt.com/sg-en
Robb Report – Official Media Partner
Robb Report Singapore is the industry's leading publication in luxury lifestyle. It stands as the foremost authority on luxury lifestyle in the industry. With a mission to consistently showcase life's finest offerings, they curate unparalleled experiences for high-net-worth individuals. https://www.robbreport.com.sg/
About Catapult – Official Venue Partner
Catapult is Southeast Asia's first Shared Executive Learning Centre in Singapore's Rochester Park area. Designed as a Learner's Playground, it aims to groom future leaders through immersive and experiential learning journeys. Catapult bases its experiential learning approach around The Neuroscience of Learning and Motivation, focusing on emotion, experimentation, and social interaction to enhance the learning experience. Its curriculum revolves around 3 pillars: Leadership, Innovation, and Energy for Peak Performance. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a 360 immersive space, Catapult provides the perfect setting for the event. The film to be showcased during the event will be specially edited for Catapult's 360 room, allowing guests to experience a captivating 360° film experience. Catapult is a 2-storey learning centre within a campus-style integrated development called Rochester Commons, that includes a Citadines Connect business hotel, corporate offices, restaurants, and heritage bungalows. Catapult is developed and managed by CapitaLand Development. www.catapult.com.sg
About Karana – Official Food Sponsor
KARANA leads the way in a new category of meat derived from jackfruit. The company firmly believes that consumers shouldn't have to compromise on taste, health, or sustainability when making food choices. Indeed, KARANA goes beyond merely sustainable with jackfruit, their star ingredient, aiming to introduce biodiversity to dining tables. With jackfruit's naturally meaty texture, they minimize ingredient and processing interventions while maximizing authentic, juicy flavours. Commitment to responsible sourcing is a cornerstone for KARANA, as evidenced by their support for small shareholder farmers in Sri Lanka. Founded in Singapore in 2018, KARANA has since introduced its products in their local market, Hong Kong, and the Bay Area. www.eatkarana.com
For media queries, please contact:
Christine Amour-Levar (Founder and CEO, Her Planet Earth) - Email: christine@herplanetearth.com
