On Earth Day 2023, Serco Middle East launched 'Serco Forest', a partnership with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) – responsible for planting mangroves in the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve, United Arab Emirates – and the certified 'B Corp', EcoMatcher.
Through the scheme, Serco funded the planting of 1,000 mangrove trees by EMEG, helping to stabilise coastal soil, protect coastal communities and remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Individual trees from the initial donation could then be 'gifted' by individuals, teams and the business to colleagues and other valued stakeholders. Recipients can track and 'visit' their specific trees online through the EcoMatcher technology platform. To date, c.500 trees have been gifted and Serco has funded the planting of additional trees, raising the current total to nearly 1,200.
In November 2023, colleagues from across Serco Middle East were invited to enter a competition to win a visit to the Serco Forest site. In the Divisional 'Hero to Net Zero' competition, colleagues were challenged to showcase how their part of the business have adopted more sustainable practices in 2023 and make a pledge for 2024.
The winners visited the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve, participated in a coastal clean-up exercise and helped to plant more mangrove trees. The Serco Forest will continue to grow in 2024; plans to support planting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the same partnership are being explored.