Syngenta Crop Protection AG
Syngenta is one of the world's leading agribusinesses companies dedicated to the purpose of ‘bringing plant potential to life’. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to customers, Syngenta aims to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.
Syngenta has been working in partnership with Earthwatch since 2005 to promote the understanding of ways in which biodiversity can be conserved within agricultural landscapes. The partnership began with a three-year programme which developed two new research projects in Europe, and enabled Syngenta’s employees and stakeholders to explore ways in which farmers could integrate wildlife conservation into productive agricultural landscapes. The projects also proved valuable for other participants including teachers, young people and volunteers in the public programme.
In 2008 Syngenta and Earthwatch launched ‘Living Landscapes’, a programme which was designed to inform the development of new business models around the company’s vision of ‘growing more from less’. The aim was to generate new perspectives and insights on sustainable agriculture policies, and to explore Syngenta’s role as a key player in global agriculture and the contribution Syngenta staff can personally make to society.
In 2010 Earthwatch India and Syngenta India agreed a new programme that provides professional and personal development and experiential learning opportunities to enable employees to become environmental leaders, supporting the company’s sustainability initiatives. Meanwhile, Syngenta International AG continues to support Earthwatch capacity to raise understanding of sustainable agriculture issues, and engage with business, agriculture and conservation stakeholders.
Partnership Elements
Employee Learning and Engagement
Between 2005 and 2008 the sustainable agriculture partnership enabled 59 Syngenta employees and stakeholders to participate in two projects: Wildlife Enhancement on a Working Farm (Upton Estate, England) and Biodiversity Enhancement in the Bordeaux Vineyards (France). Stakeholders representing a range of organisations (from government departments to NGOs) took part in the programme.
In 2009 and 2010, 39 Syngenta managers and catalysts participated in an experiential learning programme at the ‘Wine and Wildlife in Bordeaux’ project. The purpose of the Living Landscapes Learning Journey was to contribute to cultural transformation in Syngenta through engaging and inspiring confident ambassadors who understand the significance of the role they can play through Syngenta in providing solutions to sustainable agriculture issues. The programme was highly valued by participants.
In 2011, 36 Syngenta India employees will work with scientists on an Earthwatch agro-ecosystems project. The project will study the status and dynamics of natural resources and ecosystem services in agro-ecosystems.
Environmental Research
Syngenta supported the development of two Earthwatch projects: Wildlife Enhancement on a Working Farm (Upton Estate, England) from 2006 to 2009 and Wine and Wildlife in Bordeaux (France) launched in 2007. Syngenta continues to support the research in Bordeaux, and the wider Earthwatch sustainable agriculture initiative.
"Biodiversity is at the heart of agriculture; it is the origin of all crops and is the variety within them. As we address the key global challenge of ensuring food security in times of climate change, we must protect this basis for adaptation. Today, biodiversity is under threat across the world from loss of habitat and poor agricultural practices. Biodiversity is an important element of bringing plant potential to life and we are committed to raising awareness among our stakeholders."
Juan Gonzalez Valero, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Syngenta International AG