There are at least three reasons for the Dutch to celebrate today. Firstly, the Netherlands team dramatically ousted usual favourites Brazil from the World Cup. Secondly, and more importantly (!), the Dutch embassy in South Africa has chosen to compensate the ‘Oranje’ teams’ CO2 emissions. Finally, they will further green by planting a football field of spekboom in the Baviaanskloof through our Elemental Equity fund. Now that’s fair play…

The Dutch embassy is supporting three initiatives in South Africa by offsetting C02 emissions generated by their nation’s participation in the 2010 World Cup. This move by The Netherlands is in response to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South African Department of Environment (DEA)’s call for all participating World Cup nations to reduce and compensate their CO2 emissions.

UNEP has made the carbon calculations for the Dutch team’s participation in the First Round (Group Stage). The DEA offers all World Cup participants the opportunity to offset their CO2 emissions with selected projects. A number of Dutch-linked projects feature prominently in this selection. The Embassy of The Netherlands believes that this illustrates the nation’s contribution to a greener society in South Africa through innovative, energy efficient and sustainable solutions.

UNEP and the DEA have selected two Dutch projects in South Africa to meet the challenge of offsetting the Dutch football teams CO2 footprint. These are: Soil & More International which converts urban green waste into environmentally friendly compost; and Dutch company Lemnis which replaces existing inefficient lighting with energy-efficient and durable LED lamps. This project aims at large scale energy efficient lighting in homes, streets, public buildings, hotels, etc.

The Embassy of The Netherlands will be further greening by planting enough ‘spekboom’ trees to fill a World Cup football field. This will be done in the Baviaanskloof through Living Lands’ recently launched Elemental Equity fund.  The charitable fund substitutes poverty for employment, saves soil erosion, and scores goals for biodiversity and landscapes.  And when it comes to netting CO2,  ‘spekboom’ is a star player.

Living Lands – through its Elemental Equity fund – is delighted to be associated with the Embassy of The Netherlands’ ambitions to green their ‘Oranje’ football teams’ road to World Cup glory.

“When the Dutch win the World Cup we look forward to welcoming them to the Baviaanskloof to take a break and help plant their own ‘spekkies’ [spekboom]” hopes Marijn Zwinkels, Elemental Equity coordinator. “Actually, I’m more than happy to drive the team back down here with us after the final…”

Article based on: Original Press Release (in Dutch)