NEW YORK - (Business Wire) Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it is partnering with The Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP), an environmental initiative started by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to protect the rainforests and tackle climate change. Alcoa joins with corporate, NGOs and other groups to support Prince Charles’ action to protect rainforests in advance of the international climate change meeting hosted by the United Nations in Copenhagen this December. Alcoa is aligned with and supports the Prince’s Rainforests Project’s dedication to further understanding that rainforests are critical for the planet’s survival as they regulate rainfall, preserve biodiversity, and store vast amounts of carbon.
“Alcoa is committed to delivering on both the business efficiency and the stewardship of the Amazon region,” said Frank Feder, Alcoa Vice President and President, Latin America and Caribbean. Feder oversaw the development of the Juruti Project, part of an Alcoa $2.2 billion investment in Brazil, which includes a mine, port and railroad in the Amazon.
“When we began this project, we declared that we will mine bauxite and return the area to the same, if not better, condition that when we initially arrived. We believe no amount of deforestation is acceptable and revegetation is the key. We will plant 15 million trees over 50 years to ensure that mined areas will be totally revegetated with native species,” Feder explained.
In addition to the revegetation of the area, Alcoa is aiding the sustainable development of the Juruti region, including supporting infrastructure projects such as hospitals, schools, roads and water wells, and investing in the people of Juruti through training programs.
“At Alcoa, we’re proud to be part of The Prince’s Rainforests Project as a positive example of sustainable development in the rainforest,” Feder said.
The PRP launched its Rainforest SOS campaign on September 30, 2009. The campaign will culminate at a major rainforest event to be hosted by Prince Charles in November. This event will include key leaders, NGO directors and leading figures from the business community.
To learn more about Alcoa’s sustainability efforts worldwide and the Juruti project, visit www.alcoa.com
About The Prince’s Rainforests Project
The Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP) was established in October 2007 by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to develop consensus as to how the rate of rainforest destruction might be slowed. Tropical deforestation is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions and without tackling this problem it may be impossible to avoid catastrophic climate change. The PRP is working with governments, international businesses and non-profit organizations to find a solution. To learn more visit http://www.rainforestsos.org/
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately 63,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
Alcoa Inc.
Editorial Contacts: Kevin G. Lowery, 412-553-1424
Kevin.lowery@alcoa.com
or
Alcoa Inc.
Mike Belwood, 812-604-0530
Mike.Belwood@alcoa.com
