Bupa has kicked off its 2024 Healthy Cities Challenge in Australia and New Zealand, announcing a collaboration with Landcare Australia to convert physical activity into $1 million in funding for environmental restoration projects amid a concerning increase in the economic impact of extreme weather events across Australia.
The challenge encourages participation from Bupa employees, community members, and corporate partners to adopt active lifestyles throughout September. The physical activity generated will translate into funding for restoring nature and creating green spaces in urban areas.
The initiative comes on the back of the completion of the company’s transition to renewable energy in Asia-Pacific.
This year’s challenge follows Bupa research showing that nearly 50% of Australians engage in running, walking, or cycling, with many participants citing mental health benefits as their motivation.
Nick Stone, CEO of Bupa APAC, highlighted that the 2023 program’s funding has already supported various community planting initiatives.
“By combining physical activity with environmental action, the Healthy Cities Challenge brings to life our belief that to have healthy people, you need to have a healthy planet,” he said.
He added that the company aims to build on the 650 million steps achieved in last year’s challenge, with a goal of reaching one billion steps in 2024 to support additional green space revitalisation.
Landcare Australia will partner with New Zealand’s Project Crimson Trust in the initiative, with both organisations sharing the $1 million allocation for local environmental projects.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish emphasised that the partnership provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the link between human health and environmental health on a national level.
“This collaboration provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate and showcase the connection between human and planet health on a national scale,” he said.
The Healthy Cities Challenge is part of a broader set of Bupa initiatives. In Melbourne, Bupa is involved in separate projects with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and Fed Square, focusing on sustainability and health promotion.
Additionally, the company will sponsor the 2024 Private Land Conservation Conference, which aims to explore opportunities for advancing nature conservation efforts across sectors.
Stone underscored the significance of these partnerships in promoting healthier lifestyles and their positive impact on urban environments.
“Through a collective effort, we are committed to contributing to the restoration of our invaluable and distinctive ecosystems in Australia and New Zealand, all aimed at fostering a healthier planet for healthier people,” he said.
In tandem with these environmental efforts, Bupa recently introduced the 2024 eco-Disruptive program, aimed at supporting startups in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong that focus on innovations in health and sustainability.
Furthering its commitment to community health, the company allocated $520,000 for its Community Grants Program in Australia and New Zealand. These grants, which offer up to $10,000 per recipient, are intended to support initiatives that promote mental health and environmental sustainability.
