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Environment
Environment
Because of its cooperative nature, Desjardins Group has always been an advocate of long-term development and finding a balance between economic concerns, social issues and high ethical standards. In this vein, Desjardins has transformed its Environmental Option into a sustainable development policy that applies to all of its subsidiaries.
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 As a partner of the Fondation de la faune and the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), Desjardins Group is the largest private financial partner of the Program to Develop Biodiversity in Streams Crossing Agricultural Land. The Program aims to restore the quality and improve the biodiversity of several waterways located in primarily agricultural watersheds. In view of the major challenges facing us in the application of the Kyoto Protocol, Desjardins is of the opinion that balanced management of natural resources, sustainable farming and respect for the environment must be more systematically taken into account. In this context, restoring streams is a necessary step in sustainable development management. |
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 The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. Today, over 500 million people in 184 countries participate in the event. Desjardins Group is a major sponsor of the Jour de la Terre, a unique opportunity to help develop individuals' and businesses' awareness of the importance of being actively committed to environmental protection, all with the goal of sustainable development in mind. |
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 Since 1987, the Quebec Environment Foundation interacts regularly with the public and decision-makers in government, industry, union and professional circles in a spirit of active, cooperative involvement and problem-solving. Its mission is to raise Quebec's awareness of environmental issues through information and action and to encourage a change in attitude and habits in this regard. Not only is this partnership in line with Desjardins Group's sustainable development policy, but it is another tangible example of the actions that Desjardins intends to take to carry out its role as a leader in this field. |
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 Équiterre is dedicated to building a citizen's movement by promoting individual and collective choices that are both environmentally and socially responsible. Since its incorporation in 1993, the organization has been growing. The goal of Desjardins Group's partnership with Équiterre is more specifically to expand the outreach of the "Nature Challenge" campaign to change Quebeckers' consumer behaviours and raise awareness about consumer ethics. |
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 In 2003, Desjardins Group agreed to collaborate to the fundraising campaign of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi by granting an amount toward the creation of the Chaire en Éco-conseil. This year, Desjardins is pleased to announce the renewal of this partnership until 2008. The purpose of the Chaire en Éco-conseil is to ensure training and promote the profession of environmental advisor, provide material for teaching and raising awareness, as well as tools to help businesses with the implementation of their environmental management strategy. |
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 Desjardins Group is proud to be associated to the Social responsibility and Sustainable Development Research Chair of the Université du Québec à Montréal. The chair focuses on new social regulations in a globalization context and on socio-economic innovations. Its ultimate mission is to promote an economy adjusted to the welfare of the human person. |
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 By officially supporting the national fundraising campaign of the Fondation Guy Chevrette, Desjardins Group is contributing to the Fondation's physical assets fund. Desjardins' support recognizes the efforts of numerous volunteers who, for the past 30 years, have made it possible for the zecs to play a key role in the management and conservation of a collective natural wealth accessible to all. Desjardins' involvement is in line with its sustainable development policy. |
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