SBM Bank reinforces its sustainability agenda

By Monica MUEMA

SBM Bank Kenya has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability by participating in a beach clean-up exercise in Diani aimed at safeguarding coastlines and promoting the well-being of marine life and communities that draw a lifeline from that part of the ocean.

The event which was held in collaboration with Diani Turtle Watch – who have been keen to protect the turtles which face extinction due to encroachment in their foraging grounds and nesting sites and poaching for their meat, oil and shell.

The beach clean-up exercise was from Maji Boutique hotel to Kongo River beach which culminated with the unveil of a Turtle shaped waste plastics deposit structure that will be erected at Kongo River beach.

Speaking during the event, SBM Bank Pwani Regional Manager, Anthony Muchoki highlighted the importance of ensuring constant beach clean-ups saying the ocean is a critical asset to the blue economy and is vital to preserving the marine ecosystem.

“We are honored to be part of this initiative for the second year running. It underscores the essence of protecting our coastlines and the marine life that relies on them.

We urge the community to make beach cleaning a regular practice to help maintain a clean and healthy environment for both people and marine life,” he said

Previously and through the partnership with Diani Turtle Watch, SBM Bank has participated in a beach cleanup exercise that saw 79kgs of waste collected in March last year.

The bank also adopted five turtle nests and donated equipment that have increased the efficiency of turtle conservation activities.

“We are pleased that all these initiatives have yielded over 441 turtle hatchlings, a positive step and outcome in the turtle conservation agenda. These efforts echo our clarion call that it only takes one conscious decision towards the environment to make a difference,” he added.

To emphasize its sustainability efforts, SBM Bank launched a sustainable card which has imagery of the sea turtle in a bid to increase awareness on this cause.

“Improving waste management along our coastlines is one of the strategies that have proven effective to reduce and manage marine debris along the coast.

They help in decreasing entanglements and ingestion by marine animals while improving coastal habitats and the lives of communities in these areas.

We are playing our part in ensuring that the marine ecosystem is safeguarded. Additionally, I would like to implore each one of us to be mindful of the ocean and avoid polluting these animals’ habitat,” he added.