The Saving the Amazon Awards 2024 shone a spotlight on innovative reforestation initiatives and conservation projects that are making significant strides in protecting the environment. The ceremony, held in Bogotá, brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from indigenous Amazonian communities, academia, major corporations, educational institutions, and sustainability-focused startups.
The event is a testament to the growing commitment to environmental conservation and the innovative approaches being adopted to tackle climate change. Companies such as Indra Colombia, Banco de Bogotá, Avianca, and Fundación Puntos Verdes were among the prominent attendees, alongside educational institutions like the Comercial Educational Institution of Envigado (Antioquia), and numerous Bluechip Corporations, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and non-governmental organizations.
By engaging communities in reforestation initiatives, The Saving the Amazon Awards highlighted there pillars of good corporate governance; the importance of mitigating an environmental footprint, social responsibility, and corporate sustainability. Speakers included Daniel Gutiérrez, founder of Shambala Comunidades Ambientales, and Diana Barón, director of sustainable finance at Banco de Bogotá.
To honor the event, Saving the Amazon planted a tree in the Colombian Amazon for each winning company or project, supporting indigenous communities in their efforts to protect the rainforest. Additionally, a large-scale tree-planting event was organized in Cerro Majuy, Tenjo, Cundinamarca, involving numerous nominated, finalist, and winning companies.
María Ximena Patiño, president of Saving the Amazon, urged all organizations to continue innovating and working towards a deeper, regenerative, and positive environmental and social consciousness.
The awards recognized outstanding projects across several categories:
- Innovation and Technology (Large and Medium-sized Companies): XM S.A. ESP was awarded for their Ecoclic project, highlighting the role of technological advancements in promoting sustainability.
- Innovation and Technology (Startups, B Corporations, SMEs, NGOs, and Educational Institutions): Biotérmica Innovación was celebrated for their pioneering work in sustainability.
- Environmental Awareness (Large and Medium-sized Companies): Fundación Puntos Verdes received recognition for their environmental consciousness initiatives.
- Environmental Awareness (Startups, B Corporations, SMEs, NGOs, and Educational Institutions): Botellas de Amor was awarded for their impactful environmental projects.
- Commitment to the SDGs (Large and Medium-sized Companies): Banco de Bogotá stood out for their dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Commitment to the SDGs (Startups, B Corporations, SMEs, NGOs, and Educational Institutions): The Comercial Educational Institution of Envigado was recognized for their commitment to sustainability education.
- Corporate Sustainability (Large and Medium-sized Companies): Sunshine Bouquet was honored for their efforts in corporate sustainability.
- Corporate Sustainability (Startups, B Corporations, SMEs, NGOs, and Educational Institutions): Fibergreen – América Trading Company received accolades for their sustainable practices.
