The importance of business sustainability was highlighted at an INA meeting

• Society, economy and environment stand to gain more from having more companies managed under a sustainability approach

July 4, 2023. Expanding the concept of sustainable agribusiness and how it can be applied within business management was part of what Anthony Gamboa, an expert in sustainable agribusiness from the Unit of Environmental Economics and Sustainable Agribusiness (UEAAS/EfD) at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), shared during the II Environmental Management & Business Competitiveness Meeting: Sustainable Production for the Caribbean Region, organized by the National Institute of Learning (INA, by its Spanish acronym) of Costa Rica.

Among the participants in the event were representatives from over 40 registered companies in the agro-industry, tourism sector, manufacturing, logistics, as well as small enterprises such as restaurants and handicraft businesses, who virtually connected on June 26 in the afternoon to learn and share experiences related to business management.

"The presentation aimed to convey a message about how sustainability becomes part of business models, which is why it was titled 'The Importance of Agribusiness: Can or Should They Be Sustainable?'" said Gamboa.

The specialist added that the presentation aimed to debunk certain myths regarding sustainability, such as the belief that being sustainable is expensive, that extensive crops cannot be sustainable, or that the market does not reward sustainability. Through successful case studies, it was demonstrated that these beliefs were unfounded.

"The presentation concluded with a message that each company or individual needs to see sustainability as a half-full glass, where positive attitudes are taken towards the small and large steps that have been taken in this matter," said Gamboa.

Furthermore, he shared that agribusinesses can, need to, and should be sustainable because, for him, sustainability is the greatest opportunity for businesses to benefit everyone and for our society, economy, and environment to thrive.

"This opportunity for success can be seen through increased efficiency, cost reduction, growth and diversification, improved quality and availability of natural resources, and increased employment," emphasized Gamboa.

Second participation

On June 28, the second part of the meeting took place, which was held in person. In addition to sharing presentations, there were group work sessions that allowed for exchange on topics such as solid and liquid waste management.

Gamboa explained that in order to have a more comprehensive view of the subject and collectively address the consequences, impacts, and possible solutions for improving solid waste management in the Huetar Caribe region, the dialogue sessions were composed of representatives from different sectors.