The global observance of International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 and its theme of ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’, the Godrej Enterprises Group has emphatically reaffirmed its enduring commitment to nature-first business practices.
With a legacy spanning over 127 years, Godrej has long been a vanguard in environmental stewardship, most notably through the preservation of the Pirojshanagar mangroves in Vikhroli, Mumbai. This vast tract of green real estate stands as India’s pioneering ISO 14001-certified mangrove forest and serves as a living testament to proactive urban ecosystem protection, embodying the core principles of creating zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable cities. As custodians of India’s largest privately managed mangrove reserve, spanning thousands of acres, Godrej Enterprises Group has dedicated decades to safeguarding this critical urban ecosystem. These mangroves are not merely a natural landscape; they function as Mumbai’s irreplaceable ‘green lungs’, actively sequestering an estimated 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, with an impressive annual capture rate exceeding 60,000 tons. This invaluable carbon sink supports a rich biodiversity of over 1,500 species of flora and fauna, playing a crucial role in the city’s environmental resilience and air quality, benefits that extend equitably to all urban dwellers.
Tejashree Joshi, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Godrej Enterprises Group, articulated the inherent link between ecological health and business philosophy. She stated, “Biological diversity is one of the strongest indicators of a healthy environment. At Godrej Enterprises Group, sustainable business forms the core of why we do, what we do. Our approach to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability combines scientific research, community engagement, and innovative environmental practices that create both ecological and economic value. As we observe the International Day of Biological Diversity, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering an ecosystem that inspires collective action toward preserving our planet’s rich biodiversity.” This statement underscores a profound integration of environmental objectives within corporate strategy. Furthering its commitment, the company has launched an ambitious new study aimed at bolstering mangrove conservation efforts across urban Indian landscapes. This initiative is a collaborative endeavour under the Mangrove Coalition, an alliance comprising the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation, WRI India, WWF India, Stanford University, and Conservation International. The study will concentrate on critical areas including land use and governance frameworks, robust stakeholder engagement, and capacity building for developing community-led conservation models. It will also focus on raising public awareness, conducting comprehensive ecological studies for integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs, and developing a Mangrove Health Index (MHI) toolkit to scientifically assess the vitality of these essential ecosystems.
Godrej’s dedication to environmental preservation transcends large-scale partnerships, permeating its daily operations and on-ground stewardship facilitated by dedicated internal teams. The Horticulture Management Services (HMS) team, for instance, actively enhances biodiversity across Godrej’s campuses by increasing green cover and developing sustainable landscapes. The Wetlands Management Services (WMS) team undertakes extensive community awareness programmes and facilitates wildlife rescue and rehabilitation from urban spaces within the township. Concurrently, the Environmental Engineering Services (EES) team meticulously implements and manages resource and water conservation initiatives, ensuring a ‘zero waste to landfill’ status for the township, embodying circular economy principles.
At the Pirojshanagar campus, advanced remote sensing and GPS technologies are employed to precisely map vegetation and estimate carbon sequestration. The team also actively augments the Biodiversity Index by introducing new and indigenous plant species, enriching the existing count of over 1,100 species. Beyond Mumbai, the impact is visible at Khalapur, where a six-hectare plantation with over 6,000 trees, developed using high-density techniques, has flourished with active local community support. Similarly, the Godrej Appliances plant in Shirwal, home to over 15,000 trees including sandalwood, exemplifies industrial-ecological harmony, utilising drip irrigation and hydroponic systems for water conservation and featuring an open-air butterfly park. Complementing these efforts, the Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research, a DSIR SIRO-recognised entity since 1992, actively researches plant diversity and conserves threatened endemic species of the Western Ghats, having conserved over 1,200 plants and discovered 9 new species.
Godrej Enterprises Group has consistently received accolades at city, state, and national levels, validating its ongoing commitment to green innovation and nature-positive growth. Looking ahead, the company remains steadfast in its mission to scale biodiversity-led development, thereby supporting both environmental health and human prosperity. As India progresses towards a more sustainable future, Godrej continues to set a compelling precedent that integrates business success with profound environmental stewardship.
Also Read: Nation Sets Stronger Emission Reduction Goal
Mumbai Godrej Reaffirms Biodiversity Conservation Drive
