Asetek Plants Mangroves to Support a more Sustainable Future

At Asetek, we’re committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In our annual Sustainability Report, you can read more about that. 

We have made a special commitment to three goals: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. One of our initiatives for climate action is the planting of Mangrove trees. 

Even though Asetek is founded on technological innovation, climate action does not have to be advanced, technical solutions. We are supporting the earth’s own climate defense by planting and restoring mangrove forests in The Thor Heyerdahl Climate Park in Myanmar. 

What are Mangrove Trees?

Mangroves are small trees that grow in low-oxygen soil between land and sea. They can both live along coastlines and in water that is part salt and part fresh.  

Tod Hardin, COO of Plastic Oceans International, says: “Mangroves are often under-appreciated, with most people not realizing their true value to the overall health of our communities and our entire planet.” (EgoWatch.com)

Reports show that planting one mangrove tree can bind approximately 1 ton of CO2 over a twenty-year period. According to The Thor Heyerdahl Institute, their initial aim is to plant 100 million mangrove trees with many more to come. 

Benefits of Planting Mangrove Trees

A mangrove tree is a piece of wonder when it comes to binding CO2 from the atmosphere. One mangrove tree can provide oxygen for four people. 

Because the mangroves’ natural habitat is between land and sea, one of their most essential ecosystem functions is to protect one another, making them the most natural and sustainable defense system for both land and sea. 

That means mangrove forests are nurseries for fish populations, biodiversity, and are crucial habitats for threatened animal and plant species. 

There’s no doubt that planting mangroves can be a crucial part of restoring the CO2 balance. For Asetek, supporting the growth of mangrove trees is just one of the ways we work for a more sustainable future. Read about our other initiatives here.