Dentsu MENA partners with Sacred Groves to turn e-waste into flourishing forests

Last year dentsu international became one of the first companies in the world to have its Net Zero target validated by the globally recognised Sciences Based Targets initiative against the Net-Zero Standard, as they transition to a low carbon future and seek to reduce the impact of climate change. As leaders unite at COP27 in Egypt, the focus will be on action. Dentsu is a bold leader when it comes to taking positive climate action, which is why we are proud to today announce a new partnership with Sacred Groves, as part of an ongoing commitment to climate action, the promotion of more sustainable consumption and investment in nature-based solutions. 

Sacred Groves’ mission is to protect natural habitats and inspire meaningful change with the aspiration to protect and conserve 100,000 acres of natural habitats with the support of a flourishing community of 500,000+ Guardians by 2025. Deforestation and forest degradation continue to take place at alarming rates, with the world losing a soccer field equivalent of primary forest every 6 seconds. According to the UN-REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation), 11% of all carbon emissions stem from deforestation – more than emissions from all means of transport combined - and halting deforestation and forest degradation can avoid emissions of more than 5 gigatons CO2/year. 

Working with their auction platform partners, NorthLadder - the region's leading pre-owned device company which powers secondhand device exchanges at more than 500 outlets of leading Retailers and Telcos across 5 countries in the GCC - Sacred Groves converts depreciated electronic assets into the protection of forests and natural habitats around the world. The devices sold go back to consumers in emerging markets, thus promoting a circular economy, and reducing the risk of electronic equipment ending up in landfills.

Tarek Daouk, CEO of dentsu MENA, said “The work Sacred Groves is doing protecting our planet’s natural habitats is inspiring. At dentsu, we place nature at the heart of our net-zero commitment, driving projects that balance climate action with our commitment to biodiversity. We are in a new era of climate accountability and the moment demands urgent action. The proceeds from the sale of our donated equipment will go towards protection of natural habitats globally, as well as supporting a circular economy. It is a win-win situation for all involved, and I encourage all of our clients, partners and peers to get involved so we make a real difference together.

Monisha Krishna, Co-Founder of Sacred Groves, said “We thank dentsu for their ongoing support and contributions, and are confident that with the deep commitment of them and likeminded companies to further the global Climate Change agenda, we will be able to create sustainable value for everyone.”

“We are delighted to partner with Sacred Groves in offering an innovative and compelling value proposition to corporates. Dentsu taking the lead on this is a big step forward in encouraging other companies to do the same, in line with the UAE government's sustainability vision," added Sandeep Shetty, Co-Founder and CEO of North Ladder.