LVMH announces signature of a five-year partnership with UNESCO to support Man and Biosphere (MAB) biodiversity program
LVMH
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© Gabriel De La Chapelle
Consistent with its longstanding commitment to biodiversity and following the conclusions of the 7th plenary session of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), LVMH is teaming with UNESCO as a partner to the agency’s « Man and Biosphere » (MAB) intergovernmental scientific program, which aims to safeguard biodiversity across the planet. The MAB program provides an important framework for international cooperation to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is one of UNESCO’s major programs.
Within the scope of this partnership, the LVMH group will be present alongside UNESCO at major international events in the next two years. This agenda includes the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in November 2020 in Kunming, China.
LVMH and the Group’s Maisons will also rely on UNESCO’s scientific expertise to advance their sustainable sourcing programs via its network of 686 biosphere reserves. This brings LVMH Maisons the benefits of a network of experts at the regional level and in different disciplines to drive the development and success of their initiatives to protect biodiversity. At the same time, this partnership will facilitate the implementation of innovative solutions for natural and sustainable resource management and the identification of products and new markets centered on the quality and traceability of the materials used.
In addition, LVMH will contribute to scientific research projects led by the MAB and will make selected infrastructure resources available to help establish pilot sites for conservation and responsible long-term protection of biodiversity.
Audrey Azoulay, General Director of UNESCO, stated: “We look forward to this partnership with LVMH to preserve biodiversity and our environmental heritage, and we are extremely pleased to receive support on this essential issue from a group with a powerful international footprint. We have the expertise, knowledge and commitment to slow the erosion of biodiversity, and together we must take action for our planet and for future generations.”
“This partnership marks a significant step forward along the path on which the LVMH group has already embarked to safeguard biodiversity. We are delighted to have this opportunity to work closely with UNESCO on these essential issues,” said Antoine Arnault, Member of the LVMH Board.
By supporting the MAB program, LVMH continues its active commitment to biodiversity, which in 2012 led the Group to endorse the French National Strategy for Biodiversity. LVMH is also a founding member of the French Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB) and contributes to the biodiversity working groups of Orée (French cross-industry association) and the French “Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté”.
In 2012, LVMH formalized its environmental commitments within the LIFE (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) program which aims to strengthen the environmental performance of the Group and its Maisons around four shared strategic priorities:
- “Products” target: By 2020 the Group will improve the environmental performance of all its
- “Supply Chain” target: More closely monitor traceability and compliance of the materials and ingredients used to make products that embody the Group’s excellence while preserving natural resources. Apply the highest standards in 70% of procurement chains by 2020 in order to achieve 100% by 2025.
- “Climate Change” target: Reduce CO2 emissions from energy consumption by 25% by 2020 compared with the 2013 baseline, continuing efforts to combat climate change.
- “Sites” target: Improve environmental performance indicators (water consumption, energy consumption, waste production) by at least 10% for all production and administrative sites and stores.
This Group-level engagement is joined by numerous engagements at LVMH Maisons, notably:
- Guerlain, who has been a long-time supporter of the Brittany Black Bee Conservatory on Ouessant Island and has since 2015 provided support for the Observatoire Français d’Apidologie center.
- LVMH Champagne Maisons (Dom Pérignon, Krug, Mercier, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart et Veuve Clicquot), which were the first in the region to receive Sustainable Viticulture certification in 2014, followed in 2015 by High Environmental Value Agriculture certification for their entire vineyards.
- Hennessy, who achieved the objectives of its Ecophyto 2025 plan six years ahead of schedule and has for several years been involved in innovative sustainable agriculture and environmental protection trials.
ABOUT THE MAB PROGRAM
« Man and Biosphere » is an intergovernmental scientific program whose major objectives include the reduction of biodiversity loss and addressing ecological, social and economic issues. Because it spans issues that bridge multiple areas – scientific, ecological, social and development – the MAB is an interdisciplinary program that draws on natural and exact sciences, economics and education in order to improve human environments and preserve natural ecosystems. In particular it fosters innovative approaches towards economic development that respects social, cultural and ecological values. The program is based on an extensive network of actors and 686 biosphere reserves in 122 countries, providing support sites for the conservation of biodiversity and testing of solutions to ensure their preservation.