Bupa launched its Healthy Cities program in ANZ, with Bupa employees walking and moving throughout the month of September to unlock $1m in funding to help promote biodiversity and restore the environment. Healthy Cities is an initiative designed to empower people to adopt healthy, long-term habits in their everyday lives, while unlocking investment in nature.
What is the mission behind the program?
Through Bupa’s ‘Move Month’ in September, its employees in ANZ will complete challenges to help unlock Bupa investment into the restoration of the environment through its partners AirSeed Technologies, Earthwatch Australia, Greening Australia and Project Crimson Trust.
Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said “We invested in this program to bring to life the link between human health and the health of the planet. It’s long been understood that getting active in nature is good for both your physical and mental health. Research 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.”
“Healthy Cities Move Month is a simple but powerful idea. The more steps people take, 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 further said.
How effective is the program across the planet?
Additionally, Bupa’s Healthy Cities initiative is already delivering some amazing results around the world, with about 88,000 trees and counting planted across 10 urban environments across Europe and Latin America in 2022. In Hong Kong, Healthy Cities launched earlier in the year, with funds already committed to Bupa’s partners The Green Earth and Clearbot.
“We’re thrilled to have some of our partners like Conservation Volunteers Australia, yourtown (operators of Kids Helpline), Tabcorp Australia, Wyndham Destinations, and The Shannon Company on board to help us achieve our goals and launch this program,” Stone added.
“Step by step, and through a real team effort we’re going to do our bit to restore our environment in ANZ 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.”
