From Chinese Press

Bear it with green concern

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-21 07:35

Facing its biggest opposition from animal rights activists for extracting gall from live bears, Guizhentang Pharmaceutical has said the company has the approval of a relevant ministry and that people against it are also against the country. But its response lacks reason, says an article in Xinhua Daily Telegraph. Excerpts:

Chinese companies, including Guizhentang, should realize that their environmental unfriendly operations will be opposed more frequently because of the rapid development of environmental protection groups in the country. Attempts to deceive the green groups will not only fail to appease the protestors, but also be detrimental to the companies' interests in the long term.

To understand the importance of environmental protection, the companies should first learn to see appeals and protests in the right light. They should accept them as a precious opportunity to improve their manufacturing techniques and build their public image.

They could apply to relevant departments for technical support and subsidies and seek green groups' help to upgrade their technology.

Companies facing protests should defend themselves with reason not politics. They should know that inspection reports provided by authoritative organizations, especially independent research institutions, can help remove the public's misunderstandings. And if necessary, the companies can take legal measures to redeem their reputation.

Besides, domestic companies need to establish special sectors to communicate with green groups.

In fact, many overseas companies have established direct and cooperative communication mechanisms with environmental protection organizations. What makes such mechanisms meaningful is that, apart from helping the companies reduce the negative effects, they also guarantee the public's right to know about environmental protection.

(China Daily 02/21/2011 page9)