Bond Beter Leefmilieu developed an ethical framework for the collaboration with companies (case on principle 6)

The not-for-profit organization “Bond Beter Leefmilieu” (Federation for a Better Environment) is the umbrella organisation for more than 140 nature associations and environmental organisations in Flanders: from Greenpeace and WWF Flanders, via Nature Point (“Natuurpunt”) to dozens of regional and local associations. The nature and environmental movement is a rapidly growing sector in terms of members (350,000 in 2012) and professionals.

But the ecological organizations in Flanders face uncertain financial times. The governmental grants diminished year by year. That is why we need to work on our independence of state subsidies, especially of the Flemish district. One of our options is to gain additional and/or new income through sponsorship or collaboration with commercial partners. This income could be both financial support or kinds (products, communication, voluntary workers, logistics or other services).  A stronger collaboration with companies, so we realised, asks for a clear ethical framework.

On the 16^th of February 2012, a group of colleagues debated – guided by EthiCom - on the sense and nonsense of ethical charters for collaboration with the private sector. Choosing who (not) to partner up with is a balanced and emotional process that is difficult to describe precisely. This colleague group decided that a common and extended ‘no-go’ list would be a bridge too far. Some engagements however, about the way partnerships are created and how the associations relate, proofed to be valuable.

The environmental organization that recognises (and therefore signs) these guidelines, takes on the engagement of operating them within his own ethical charter/frame and his contracts with a commercial partner:

1. We watch that companies comply with the law, especially about environment, labour and human rights

2. We watch that companies communicate (in their information, advertisement, image) about environmental and social themes in a considered way

3. We always keep our independency

4. We are at all times open and transparent about our collaboration with companies

5. Collaborations with companies end in time

6. Within the environmental sector, we show respect for the choices our colleagues make in collaborations with companies