United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted "The Sustainable Development Goals" or "Global Goals" (UNSDGs) as a universal framework to address poverty eradication, environmental protection, and the promotion of peace and prosperity worldwide by the year 2030.

SPE has designed all the projects in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSGDs). As per the ‘5Ps of UNSDG, SPE drive “People” to join hands to save and serve the “Planet” through successful “Partnerships” while establishing “Peace” towards “Prosperity” in the world.

SPE possesses the requisite creativity, knowledge, technologies, and resources to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

1. No Poverty

The UNSGDs are committed to ending poverty in all its dimensions, including unemployment, social exclusion, and vulnerability to diseases and disasters, with a projected poverty rate of 7%, affecting approximately 598 million people globally by 2030.

SPE's tree planting projects are focused on developing and underdeveloped countries, with funds allocated for positive contributions to the local economy. All resources are sourced locally, providing increased business opportunities for the community.

Through its projects, SPE creates employment opportunities for local families, providing steady income in both direct and indirect ways, which helps to alleviate poverty.

Additionally, a portion of the revenue generated through SPE projects is allocated to support the local community in various ways.

2. Zero Hunger

According to the latest data from WFP (2022), an estimated 10% of the global population, or 828 million individuals, experience food insecurity and go to bed hungry daily. As an organization committed to sustainable development, SPE prioritizes food security in its project development.

To bolster food security, SPE incorporates crops and plants with significant nutritional value into its projects. In anticipation of the projected global food crisis, SPE has identified crops with high yields and nutritional value, such as jackfruit, to be included in its plantations. A portion of these crops will be allocated to the local community, contributing to their food security.

Through employment and indirect involvement as suppliers of goods and services, locals involved in SPE projects earn a consistent income, enabling them to provide well for their families and eradicate extreme hunger and malnutrition in their communities.

3. Good Health and Wellbeing

Improving global life expectancy, reducing maternal and child mortality, and mitigating the spread of diseases are central tenets of the "Good Health and Well-being" United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more challenging to ensure public health and promote well-being across all age groups.

SPE recognizes its role in enhancing individual life quality, reducing pollution, and preventing deaths caused by contamination. To this end, the organization has integrated several medicinal plants in its tree-planting projects, including species used in Ayurvedic and traditional indigenous medical practices in Sri Lanka.

Through its awareness sessions, support for local authorities and societies, and education initiatives, SPE aims to encourage healthy lifestyles, prevent the spread of disease, and improve the overall well-being of local communities. The organization's team of qualified professionals remains dedicated to this mission.

4. Quality Education

Access to quality education is a crucial factor in achieving various SDGs, as it empowers individuals with knowledge and skills to overcome poverty. SPE recognizes this and is committed to promoting education in the communities where our projects are implemented.

SPE's initiatives include supporting the development of "Greener schools" in the project areas, providing educational sessions, and promoting infrastructure development for schools. These efforts reflect our commitment to serving the community and empowering individuals through education.

5. Gender Equality

In many regions of the world, women are subject to employment screening and are paid lower salaries despite their potential, despite representing half of the global population.

However, SPE is committed to upholding gender equality in all its projects by employing staff from both genders and ensuring equal rights and facilities for all its employees, regardless of gender.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water, proper hygiene, and sanitation is a fundamental need, yet billions of people worldwide still face daily challenges in obtaining them.

SPE recognizes the importance of the environment's impact on these issues and has incorporated species such as "Arjuna" into their projects to purify and enhance water quality. Afforestation and reforestation efforts also promote the replenishment of underground water resources and prevent soil evaporation, contributing to clean water access.

In addition, SPE promotes proper waste management practices within project premises, resulting in cleaner environments and providing compost for cultivation.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

A reliable and robust energy system is essential for all facets of society to function efficiently. The seamless operation of various industries such as business, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, communications, and technology hinges on an uninterrupted power supply. However, conventional methods of energy generation can have detrimental effects on the environment and the planet.

It is estimated that around 800 million individuals worldwide lack access to electricity, and approximately one-third of the global population depends on hazardous cooking systems. In this context, it is imperative to embrace renewable energy sources to mitigate the negative impact of energy generation on the environment and ensure sustainable development.

Towards this end, SPE is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and has designed its programs to include renewable energy projects. These projects are aimed at generating the power required for the programs and projects while minimizing the ecological footprint of energy generation.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

The elimination of poverty necessitates the creation of stable, lucrative employment opportunities. To this end, SPE endeavors to undertake long-term projects that offer sustained job prospects and foster safe working environments.

SPE is committed to promoting full and productive employment and decent work for individuals of all genders, with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable economic growth through its initiatives. Through these endeavors, SPE seeks to create meaningful employment opportunities that provide financial stability and enable individuals to improve their socio-economic status.

9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

Technology constitutes a crucial area of emphasis for SPE. Distinguishing itself from competitors, SPE leverages cutting-edge, high-tech tools integrated into its operational and monitoring systems. One such innovation is the utilization of blockchain technology for heightened transparency and productivity, which positions SPE as the sole carbon sequestration firm on blockchain.

SPE's unwavering commitment to innovation and infrastructure advancements ensures that stakeholders have easy access to data and seamless interaction capabilities. Furthermore, SPE remains receptive to the integration of new sustainable technologies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

10. Reduced Inequalities

Inequalities pose significant obstacles to accessing opportunities, services, and improving the overall quality of life. Factors such as income, gender, age, disabilities, race, class, ethnicity, and religion contribute to these disparities, undermining social and economic development in the long term. To achieve sustainable development and foster a better life for all, it is imperative to eliminate inequalities.

As part of its commitment to this goal, SPE strives to promote equal opportunities and reduce inequalities both within and among nations. This is accomplished through the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies, and practices while simultaneously advocating for appropriate legislation, policies, and action. By undertaking these measures, SPE aims to create a more equitable society that fosters the development and well-being of all individuals.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

The global shift towards urbanization presents a host of challenges that require effective solutions. One such challenge involves incorporating sustainability into urban living, which is crucial to achieving a harmonious balance between progress and quality of life.

In order to address this challenge, there are several key areas of focus, such as providing greater access to public spaces, convenient public transportation, and safe, affordable housing for all.

SPE projects are uniquely designed to be self-sustainable, with a focus on promoting sustainable urban living. Through its initiatives, SPE supports the development of green public spaces and urban gardens, working closely with local authorities to improve urban planning and management in participatory and inclusive ways.

Additionally, SPE ensures that its projects incorporate monitoring systems to assess air quality and waste management practices, thereby minimizing negative impacts on urban life.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

The issue of food waste is a pressing concern, with approximately one-third of global food production being discarded while many individuals continue to suffer from starvation. The uneven distribution of food resources is one of the primary concerns of the UNSDGs.

To address this challenge, it is essential to promote responsible production and consumption patterns that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Managing food waste, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and adopting environmentally responsible waste management practices are critical elements in achieving this goal. Encouraging organizations to adopt sustainable practices and facilitating access to these methods are also crucial.

SPE is committed to promoting resource and energy efficiency, as well as sustainable infrastructure, through its projects. By providing green and decent jobs and access to basic services for local communities, SPE strives to enhance the quality of life for all. Additionally, SPE's ESG strategy consultancy and development programs assist organizations in implementing internationally recognized frameworks and establishing ESG strategy programs. Through these initiatives, SPE aims to promote sustainable practices and contribute to the attainment of responsible production and consumption patterns.

13. Climate Action

Climate change is primarily caused by human activities, resulting in global warming. The main objective of SPE is to combat climate change and global warming. All SPE projects are designed to work towards this goal, including initiatives such as planting 1.1 billion trees across the world, promoting sustainable and green projects, and campaigning for companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

SPE is also actively encouraging organizations to take responsibility for their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. To promote responsible behavior, SPE provides training on ESG and GHG accounting while also undertaking tree planting, managing, and monitoring projects on behalf of these organizations. Through these activities, SPE is working to mitigate the negative impact of human activities on the environment and combat climate change.

14. Life Below Water

Approximately 3 billion people depend on oceans for their livelihoods. Oceans provide crucial resources such as food, medicines, biofuel, and contribute significantly to carbon sequestration and climate action. However, conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine life is essential, as half of the key biodiversity areas remain unprotected and vulnerable.

SPE recognizes the importance of promoting cleaner oceans and rivers, and has designed several projects to achieve this goal. For instance, SPE has already initiated mangrove planting projects in coastal areas to enhance biodiversity and promote ecosystems in oceanic life. Waste management is also a key aspect of SPE projects, with measures in place to ensure zero environmental and water pollution. By implementing these initiatives, SPE is working to protect and preserve our oceans, and the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on them.

15. Life on Land

Approximately 31% of the Earth's total land area is covered by forests, which play a critical role in providing oxygen and sequestering carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming.

SPE is committed to protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems through its afforestation and reforestation programs, while promoting sustainable land use practices. Our team of experts uses innovative and sustainable techniques to combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and prevent biodiversity loss.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

SPE strives to foster peaceful and inclusive societies that promote sustainable development by ensuring access to justice for all. As part of its efforts, SPE has selected the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, which was impacted by a 30-year war, as a focus area for some of its programs. Through these initiatives, SPE aims to promote peace and prosperity, while ensuring equitable benefits for all members of society.

17. Partnerships for Goals

The 2030 agenda for sustainable development, adopted by world leaders in 2015, emphasizes the importance of equal contributions from everyone to end poverty, tackle inequalities, and combat climate change.

SPE has established a broad global network of partnerships based on shared values and principles with a common vision and objectives. Collaborating with organizations that share its goals allows SPE to develop a robust, inclusive agenda and achieve common goals through successful partnerships. Such partnerships and collaborations are crucial for achieving sustainable development goals at local, regional, and international levels.

As part of the SPE sustainability program, profits generated by crops will be shared with the community through partnerships with like-minded NGOs and SOEs.