At Cisco, we are investing in resilient ecosystems today to help create a stronger and more sustainable future. Research from the World Resources Institute indicates that every US$1 invested in climate adaptation and nature-based resilience can generate an average of US$10.50 in environmental and social benefits over the following decade. Cisco’s approach to ecosystem resilience focuses on helping communities respond to climate challenges, develop skills for evolving economies, and conserve and restore biodiversity and natural habitats.
Investing in Innovation In 2021, the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over a 10-year period to support a broad range of innovative climate solutions. This commitment is being delivered through several complementary approaches:
Grants to Nonprofits: Cisco’s nonprofit grant programs prioritize communities and individuals whose livelihoods depend heavily on healthy and resilient ecosystems, including smallholder farmers and Indigenous populations. Technology plays an important role in these efforts, with solutions such as Terraso’s landscape data-gathering tools and Digital Green’s AI-enabled farming applications helping communities make better decisions and strengthen resilience. Impact Investments: Through the Regenerative Future Fund, the Cisco Foundation invests in startups and venture funds developing climate solutions at different stages of innovation. The portfolio includes AI-driven technologies and AI-supported operations, such as Miraterra’s machine-learning technology for assessing soil health and nutrient levels. Cisco Investments, the company’s venture capital arm, has also expanded its focus to include emerging technology companies whose solutions can advance Cisco’s sustainability ambitions as well as those of its customers. Among the first companies to receive funding were CorPower Ocean, which develops technology for generating clean energy from ocean waves, and DEScycle, which works to address electronic waste at the local level. Together, these investments demonstrate Cisco’s broader effort to support a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Spotlight | Protecting Endangered Wildlife Through Connectivity Rhinos, elephants, gorillas, pangolins and many other endangered species face growing threats to their survival.
Since 2015, Cisco has worked with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) to help protect vulnerable wildlife. Through this partnership, 46 protected areas in 13 countries have been equipped with IoT and connectivity technologies that enable conservation teams and rangers to monitor areas, respond to threats and combat poaching in real time.
The initiative goes beyond wildlife protection. In 2025, Cisco and CCF introduced the Protected Area Technician Training Program, a free global course delivered through Cisco Networking Academy. The program is designed to equip local communities with technical skills that can lead to careers in conservation technology while strengthening the capacity to protect natural environments.
Addressing Water Impacts Since 2015, Cisco has worked with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) to help protect vulnerable wildlife. Through this partnership, 46 protected areas in 13 countries have been equipped with IoT and connectivity technologies that enable conservation teams and rangers to monitor areas, respond to threats and combat poaching in real time.
The initiative goes beyond wildlife protection. In 2025, Cisco and CCF introduced the Protected Area Technician Training Program, a free global course delivered through Cisco Networking Academy. The program is designed to equip local communities with technical skills that can lead to careers in conservation technology while strengthening the capacity to protect natural environments.
Healthy communities and ecosystems depend on reliable access to water, making responsible water management an important part of Cisco’s sustainability strategy.
Cisco works to reduce water consumption within its own operations while encouraging responsible stewardship throughout its supply chain. During fiscal 2025, the company reduced water withdrawals associated with its direct operations by 11%.
Cisco also promotes responsible water management among suppliers. As a founding and active member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), Cisco has adopted the RBA Code of Conduct as its Supplier Code of Conduct, including provisions focused specifically on water stewardship. Its approach is also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, as well as the framework developed by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).
In fiscal 2025, Cisco continued expanding its supply-chain involvement in the AWS Collective Action Accelerator. The initiative brings organizations operating in the same geographic areas together to collaborate on water stewardship, share costs and achieve greater collective impact.
Spotlight | Building Belgium’s Smart Water Network Cisco works to reduce water consumption within its own operations while encouraging responsible stewardship throughout its supply chain. During fiscal 2025, the company reduced water withdrawals associated with its direct operations by 11%.
Cisco also promotes responsible water management among suppliers. As a founding and active member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), Cisco has adopted the RBA Code of Conduct as its Supplier Code of Conduct, including provisions focused specifically on water stewardship. Its approach is also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, as well as the framework developed by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).
In fiscal 2025, Cisco continued expanding its supply-chain involvement in the AWS Collective Action Accelerator. The initiative brings organizations operating in the same geographic areas together to collaborate on water stewardship, share costs and achieve greater collective impact.
Cisco’s water-related efforts also extend to customers that use its technologies to improve resource efficiency. Compagnie Intercommunale Liégeoise des Eaux (CILE), a Belgian public water utility serving approximately half a million people, sought to improve operational performance and decision-making by developing a connected sensor network spanning around 3,500 kilometers of pipelines.
Cisco technology helped CILE establish its own IoT telecommunications network. The resulting smart water infrastructure enables more efficient operations, helps reduce costs and contributes to the region’s longer-term sustainability objectives.
Reducing Waste in Direct Operations Cisco technology helped CILE establish its own IoT telecommunications network. The resulting smart water infrastructure enables more efficient operations, helps reduce costs and contributes to the region’s longer-term sustainability objectives.
Cisco continues to focus on reducing waste across its global facilities while increasing the reuse and recycling of materials.
During fiscal 2025, Cisco generated approximately 5,250 metric tonnes of waste across its operations. Around 85% of this material was diverted from landfills worldwide through activities including reuse, recycling, composting and donations.
These initiatives form part of Cisco’s broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while using technology, investment and partnerships to support more resilient communities and ecosystems.
During fiscal 2025, Cisco generated approximately 5,250 metric tonnes of waste across its operations. Around 85% of this material was diverted from landfills worldwide through activities including reuse, recycling, composting and donations.
These initiatives form part of Cisco’s broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while using technology, investment and partnerships to support more resilient communities and ecosystems.