Bank of Tokyomitsubishi plants 500 mangrove saplings for global CSR month

The Bank of Tokyo-mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. Colombo Representative Office, planted 500 mangrove saplings as part of the bank’s ‘MUFG Gives Back’ annual global CSR campaign in November.

On November 25th, the bank partnered with the Small Fishers Association (Sudeesa) to plant the saplings in the lagoons of Kalpitiya district, Sri Lanka. Sudeesa is a non-profit support network for local small-scale fishing and farming communities and protects endangered mangroves.

The bank’s staff volunteers also donated dry rice packs and stationery to the residing families, who will nurture and protect the saplings until they are self-sustained.

The bank was also joined by 20 students from Colombo University to plant the saplings. The students were recipients of the Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation scholarship earlier this year.

Chief Representative of the bank’s Colombo Representative Office Tatsuo Matsushita said: “‘MUFG Gives Back’ is one of our most important initiatives to connect with the communities we operate in. We are humbled by this enriching experience, which has raised our awareness of the local challenges and needs of the local community. Equally important is the opportunity to raise awareness amongst staff of the need for a balanced eco-system, which not only impacts the natural environment but the people who rely on it as well.”

Sudeesa Director Douglas Tisera added: “Kalpitiya is a rising destination for eco-tourism, and the people here rely on its natural environment for their economic well-being. We are grateful for MUFG’S participation to plant the mangrove saplings to preserve this environment and community.”