ET Awards for Corporate Excellence: Humans of business, raise animals’ spirits

For those ‘there’ at the ET Awards for Corporate Excellence later tonight in Mumbai, and for those ‘here’ reading this column now, it’s time the idea of CSR can benefit you by broadening the canvas. As it stands now, CSR incorporates the notion of giving back to society. This could take direct form, such as enabling gender equality. Or, it could be indirect through environment protection that reduces the vulnerability of indigenous populations that have a more direct connection with nature. In either case, the end result is beneficial to humankind. Benefits to other parts of the animal kingdom are collateral to the extent that humans interact more responsibly with their physical environment. Governments step in to address human interactions with fellow creatures through conservation efforts. It’s time for business to step in with (profitable) solutions.

These would naturally extend to domesticated animals that have over the course of history improved human existence and helped in securing surplus production. Animals further afield in the wild, too, contribute to material wealth by preserving the ecological balance. Ensuring these are not driven to the brink of extinction through protected habitats and advances in medical research constitutes an evolution in corporate responsibility. Businesses in the country now have budgets rivalling those government had when it embarked on wildlife conservation. Current efforts can be strengthened through PPP. This applies to the development of veterinary sciences as well.

Business brings its own perspective to the table that could improve productivity. Even before that, it has a key role in raising awareness through its engagement with consumers. A beginning must be made to channel resources beyond taxes into the natural world.