Locations
The firm's tree-planting and conservation programme is designed to combat climate change and tackle some of society's most pressing needs.
European law firm Fieldfisher is delighted to announce that its 'Rooting for Change' programme has been shortlisted for 'Sustainability Initiative of the Year' at The Lawyer Awards 2023.
Rooting for Change is Fieldfisher's flagship sustainability programme that invests in a people-first and whole firm approach to tackling some of society's most pressing needs. Rooting for Change was developed to help combat climate change through tree planting and conservation, while also providing opportunities and dignified livelihoods for communities most affected by the impacts of climate change in the global south.
Having initially launched the initiative in 2019, Rooting for Change took on a whole new form in 2022 with a firm investment of around £110,000 in a portfolio of projects. Our projects are now global in scale, spanning Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Peru.
We work with five non-profit organisations to deliver the programme: Women's Earth Alliance, CCEC Bangladesh, Plant for the Planet, Auroville Foundation, and Cool Earth. The portfolio of projects has many important focus areas, carefully selected because of their tangible impact on climate change, including empowering women and indigenous groups, mangrove and fruit tree planting, and forestry education.
The programme is led by Millie Hawes, Head of Just Purpose (Fieldfisher's Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability department), Rachael Wild, Programme Lead for Sustainability, and Elizabeth Brunt, ESG Officer, who was responsible for identifying prospective partners and leading on communication with these organisations.
Commenting on making The Lawyer's shortlist with the firm's Rooting for Change programme, Rachael Wild said:
"Recognising sustainability initiatives draws focus towards to the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, and we are thankful to The Lawyer for recognising Rooting for Change in this way.
"With Rooting for Change, our aim was to support the crucial strands of education, community, conservation and protection. We believe the climate crisis can only be tackled with a holistic approach."
The Lawyer Awards shortlist can be found here. The winners will be announced at The Lawyer Awards ceremony on 20 June 2023.