Forevermark sets a shinning example in Botswana that goes well beyond diamonds
Forevermark loose diamond
Forevermark is changing Botswanas landscape, but not in the way you might think. We have a deep connection with the natural world and are dedicated to protecting it for future generations, says Stephen Lussier, CEO of Forevermark and executive vice president of marketing for parent company De Beers Group. This means that for every acre of mining land, the responsibly-sourced-diamond brand donates five to nature conservation. Its on these more than 400,000 acres that the company cares for wildlife, designating land for critical breeding and research programs. Next to its massive Jwaneng Mine lies a 42,000-acre game park home to 1,700 animals, including cheetahs protected through the companys Cheetah Conservation Program. A similar operation is underway for the endangered white rhino, which it hopes to save from extinction and re-release into the wild (poaching is at an all-time high). Hospitals and schools at De Beers mining sitesbuilt by the company and co-run with the Botswana governmentserve both employees and surrounding communities. Since 2001, when De Beers pioneered the first workplace HIV/AIDS program in southern Africa to give free lifesaving treatment to employees and their families, the death rate of HIV-positive employees there has dropped from 31 percent to less than 1 percent. Visit one of the on-site hospitals and youll notice that many of the doctors are femalea reflection of the companys ongoing commitment to womens empowerment. Its also committed to supporting female-run businesses. One such beneficiary is a catering service owned by Chanda Pabalinda, a former cook at one of Forevermarks mine kitchens who left to start her own operation and now employs over 100 people. Says Lussier, When I fly into Botswana, I feel an enormous sense of responsibility and pride. Carolina ONeill
Article can be found in Marie Claire August 2017 Sustainability Issue Cover
