By: Fenazúcar
One of the best definitions of the concept of sustainability states that it is “the capacity to satisfy the needs of the present without compromising the resources of the future”. It is undoubtedly a very accurate definition, because when we go deeper into it, we discover that this idea is based on three fundamental pillars: environmental care, economic viability and social development.
In the Ecuadorian sugar industry, we know that, beyond sugar production, our work energizes entire regions, generates employment, promotes technological innovation and shows a firm commitment to the environment and the communities around us.
If we talk about the environmental issue, we can mention that one of the most outstanding aspects of sustainability is the fact that Fenazúcar’s five member mills: Valdez, San Carlos, Agroazúcar, Ingenio Azucarero del Norte and Monterrey, responsible for 96% of the country’s sugar production, make efficient use of sugarcane bagasse to generate clean electric power. Thanks to this process, the mills are not only self-sufficient in energy but also contribute energy to the national electricity system. This ability to transform waste into renewable energy significantly reduces dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Also, within the same environmental pillar, it is worth highlighting the use of biotechnology for pest control and fertilization of sugarcane plantations. These initiatives contribute favorably to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 13, on climate action, and 15, by promoting responsible agricultural practices that help conserve biodiversity and manage natural resources efficiently.
It is worth highlighting the constant investment in innovation and efficiency, such as the recent introduction of the new EC-10 sugarcane variety, made by the Sugarcane Research Center, CINCAE, a more resistant and better yielding variety, which perfectly represents our vocation for continuous improvement and adaptation to the challenges of the future.
From the economic point of view, and hand in hand with SDG number 8, regarding Decent Work and Economic Growth, the sugar industry also contributes, as it promotes decent employment in sectors such as agriculture, being so in Ecuador, the sugar cane chain for sugar, generates more than 40 thousand direct jobs and more than 200 thousand indirect jobs throughout the country. These figures reflect the productive impact, as well as the capacity to support thousands of families, boosting other economic activities associated, in addition to agriculture, with the production of alcohol, services, transportation and logistics.
On a social level, the sugar industry has traditionally been linked to the development and progress of the people. In the last century, and even before, sugar mills have fostered the settlement and progress of towns, cities, schools, health centers and community spaces. Today, the social programs promoted by the companies in the sector cover areas such as health, education, nutrition, sports and the strengthening of the community fabric. This has allowed us to generate employment, improve the quality of life of thousands of people who are part of these sugar communities, and consolidate an identity that encourages our vision of the future.
In short, the Ecuadorian sugar industry represents a solid model of integral sustainability. Its capacity to generate clean energy, its economic impact in the creation of sources of employment, its link to the development of entire communities, and its commitment to innovation and diversification, position it as a key sector in the construction of a more productive and equitable Ecuador, an Ecuador that believes in sustainability as the best path to progress and well-being for its people.