A successful partnership between Perdue Incorporated and the Center for the Inland Bays (CIB), a private non-profit organization under the US EPA’s National Estuary Program, is highlighted as a case example in the Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) and the Environmental Defense Fund’s “Guide to Successful Corporation/NGO Partnerships.”

In 2001, Perdue and CIB joined forces in an effort to maintain the quality of Delaware waterways. From this effort came a “model watershed” initiative named the Poultry Integrators’ Nutrient Effort (P.I.N.E.). The initiative is funded by CIB, Perdue and other poultry integrators, the local Sussex Conservation District and two State of Delaware Programs.

The P.I.N.E. project assisted with the planning and development of processes aimed at reducing nutrient loads into Delaware’s waterways and also the creation of model farms to demonstrate practical practices that are beneficial to water quality and neighbor relations.

“Having a project included in this guide demonstrates Perdue’s commitment to Environmental Sustainability within our company and within our supply chain,” said Steve Schwalb, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability for Perdue and GEMI Board Director of Finance.  “Through creative and cooperative efforts from all involved parties, best management practices were and continue to be adopted to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the local watershed.” 

The partnership of Perdue, the CIB and other local organizations exemplify the importance of corporate-NGO partnerships in reaping business, social and environmental benefits.  

“Business-NGO partnerships, if designed and executed effectively, can achieve remarkable results and inspire the next generation of successful partnerships,” said Steve Rutledge, GEMI partnership project work group co-chair and manager, integration and governance, Duke Energy.

While the Guide focuses on environmentally driven partnerships, it also provides an in-depth overview of the key drivers behind corporate-NGO partnerships, best practices in project design, project implementation and measurement. GEMI and Environmental Defense Fund believe the most effective partnerships do not rely on financial contributions, rather, a partnership occurs when independent organizations bring together their distinct views, resources and expertise to work towards a common goal.

The GEMI-EDF Guide to Successful Corporation/NGO Partnerships may be viewed online at http://www.gemi.org/resources/GEMI-EDF%20Guide.pdf.

The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) is a non-profi t organization of leading companies dedicated to fostering environmental, health and safety excellence and corporate citizenship worldwide. Through the collaborative efforts of its members, GEMI also promotes a worldwide business ethic for environmental, health and safety management and sustainable development through example and leadership.

A leading national nonprofi t organization, Environmental Defense Fund represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. Environmental Defense Fund has a 20-year track record of success in partnering with business. To maintain its independence and credibility, Environmental Defense Fund accepts no money from corporate partners; generous individuals and foundations fund its work. For more information, please visit www.edf.org.

< back