Asco Motors Committed To Reforestation

ASCO Motors affirmed its commitment to Planet Earth with the presentation of over $4,000 to the World Wide Fund for Nature South Pacific (WWF SPPO) today in a bid to help save Fiji’s forests.

The donation is part of the company’s eco plan and response to Earth Hour Ambassador, His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s I Will If You Will challenge.

The funding is targeted for tree replanting initiatives in the Macuata province for land care activities in coastal/riverbank rehabilitation, and nursery developments.

The money was raised through the company’s annual ‘One Tyre, One Good Deed Campaign’ – where a dollar from the sale of every Bridgestone tyre was set aside for tree replanting programs organised by WWF-South Pacific.

Over a period of three months from May to July, 4,344 tyres were sold - allowing the equivalent of about 1448 ideally Yasi Dina, Vesi and Dakua species of indigenous trees to be replanted.

The decline in indigenous tree numbers is a concern for Fiji and tree replanting programs are widely encouraged.

Asco Motors CEO, Abdul Hafiz, was proud Asco is leading the way within the motor vehicle sector to contribute effectively to the protection of the environment.

Regional Parts and Service Manager South Seas, Richard Rahiman, said their eco plan is aligned to the Bridgestone Environmental Mission to help a healthy environment for current and future generations.

“One may ask ‘why planting trees?’ – the world manufactures over one billion tyres annually and the major raw material used is natural rubber which comes from a single species of tree called Heveabrasiliensis, the rubber tree” Mr Rahiman said.

“Now since so many trees are cut to extract the rubber, replenishing these trees to sustain the environment is a priority.

“Moving forward, Asco Motors will continue to work in partnership with WWF – South Pacific in making Fiji, a safer environment for us and our future generations.”

 
WWF- South Pacific Representative, Kesaia Tabunakawai said Asco’s financial commitment should be applauded as it opens doors for conservation organisations like WWF to increase partnerships with corporate bodies for the protection of the environment.