Honoring Innovation and Community Empowerment in Southeast Asia
[India, 17 October 2024] — Project Zacchaeus Corporation has been recognized with the prestigious Asian Association of Business Incubation (AABI) Award for 2024 during an inspiring ceremony held in Hyderabad, India, attended by over 500 startups from around the world. The AABI, which boasts a portfolio of thousands of startups, is dedicated to promoting business incubation and fostering innovation throughout Asia.
This award celebrates Project Zacchaeus Corporation’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through a comprehensive range of services provided by its affiliated companies. Among these initiatives are Farm Konekt, which focuses on community clustering and agricultural solutions; Juana Fresh, a women-led initiative that empowers local producers; and Eco Kolek, a waste management service aimed at supporting informal waste collectors.
CEO Mr. John Gastanes, who accepted the award, expressed his gratitude, stating that this recognition is a testament to what God can do in our lives. “My journey began as a waiter, and I am incredibly thankful for the friends who became my co-founders and have stood by me throughout this journey. Together, we have transformed our business into a community of impact-driven partnerships and collaborations with grassroots leaders, partners, investors, and clientele.”
The recognition from AABI not only highlights the corporation’s efforts but also emphasizes the significance of collaboration and innovation in overcoming the challenges faced by communities. The award underscores the vital role played by the dedicated team, partners, and communities in driving Project Zacchaeus Corporation’s success.
As the organization commemorates this achievement, it invites everyone to support its mission further. By working together, they can continue to drive innovation, empower communities, and create a sustainable future.
Project Zacchaeus (PZC) recently met with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to align their Marine Environment Protection (MEP) Work Plan with PEMSEA’s ongoing efforts. The discussion centered on coordinating proposed activities and exploring strategic partnerships for effective implementation.
The meeting emphasized the importance of integrating resources and best practices to enhance marine conservation efforts. Both organizations are committed to working together to address environmental challenges and advance sustainable practices. This collaboration aims to make a significant impact on marine protection and resource management.
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) recently held a pivotal two-day workshop dedicated to advancing marine litter reduction efforts. The workshop's primary goal was to finalize the Marine Environment Protection (MEP) work plan, aligning it with the initiatives of local government units (LGUs). This collaboration aims to enhance regional strategies for tackling marine plastic pollution.
Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to craft compelling narratives and share effective practices in solid waste management (SWM). The sessions focused on promoting awareness and initiating social and behavioral change (SBC) activities to combat marine litter. Attendees explored innovative approaches to integrate waste management strategies with community engagement, highlighting the critical role of public education and behavioral shifts in addressing plastic pollution.
The workshop served as a platform for exchanging insights and forging partnerships, essential for strengthening regional and local efforts against marine litter. By combining expertise and collaborative efforts, PEMSEA and its partners are set to drive impactful changes and promote sustainable practices to safeguard marine environments.
This event underscores PEMSEA’s commitment to fostering collaborative solutions and enhancing the effectiveness of marine plastics campaigns across the nation.