Bupa will invest $1 million in environmental restoration in Australia and New Zealand through its new Healthy Cities program.
The global initiative was designed to empower people to adopt healthy, long-term habits while investing in environmental restoration.
The initiative will see Bupa employees in Australia and New Zealand complete challenges and activities throughout September – Bupa's “Move Month” – to unlock $1 million in funding to help promote biodiversity and restore the environment through partners AirSeed Technologies, Earthwatch Australia, Greening Australia, and Project Crimson Trust.
“It's long been understood that getting active in nature is good for both your physical and mental health,” said BUPA APAC CEO Nick Stone. “New research also suggests walking as little as 4,000 steps a day can improve your overall health, and exposure to thriving green spaces can reduce the risk of conditions such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stress.”
Aside from Bupa employees, Bupa's corporate and community partners such as Conservation Volunteers Australia, yourtown (operators of Kids Helpline), Tabcorp Australia, Wyndham Destinations, and The Shannon Company will help the insurer launch the program and achieve its goals.
“Step by step, and through a real team effort, we're going to do our bit to restore our precious and unique environment in Australia and New Zealand through the creation of Tiny Forests, the regeneration of wetlands, the planting of native seeds, and more; all of which will go towards making a healthier planet,” Stone said.
Bupa's Move Month revolves around the idea that the more steps people make, the more money Bupa will invest in biodiversity and environmental restoration programs.
“We want to help our people experience firsthand how adopting healthy habits in their day-to-day lives will not only improve their health but the health of the planet.” Stone said.
Through the Health Cities initiative, Bupa planted 88,000 trees across 10 urban environments in Europe and Latin America in 2022. The initiative launched in Hong Kong early this year, with funds to be invested in Bupa's partners The Green Earth and Clearbot.
Last month, the Bupa Foundation teamed up with an environmental organisation to launch a biodiversity campaign.
