On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, themed ‘Acting Locally for Global Impact’, ITC highlighted its biodiversity conservation initiatives focused on ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and livelihood support across India.
The company’s biodiversity programme, implemented in collaboration with various State Governments, has cumulatively covered nearly 7.8 lakh acres across 10 states. As part of its Sustainability 2.0 agenda, ITC aims to expand the initiative to 1 million acres by 2030. The programme integrates biodiversity conservation with broader sustainability efforts including water stewardship, forestry and climate-smart agriculture.
In Andhra Pradesh, ITC is implementing a biodiversity initiative that combines mangrove restoration with Olive Ridley sea turtle conservation. The programme was launched in FY 2023–24 in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, district administration and implementation partner Tree Foundation.
The initiative focuses on restoring ecologically sensitive coastal ecosystems while supporting fishing communities dependent on the region’s natural resources. Since the programme began, nearly 1,500 acres of mangroves have been restored and conserved.
Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal regions from cyclones, sea level rise, saline intrusion and flooding. They are also recognised as blue carbon ecosystems due to their ability to store significantly higher amounts of carbon compared to tropical forests. India’s mangrove ecosystems support more than 4,000 species, including over 920 plant species and 3,090 animal species.
The programme also includes conservation efforts for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, which is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Healthy mangrove ecosystems provide important habitats that support turtle nesting and survival.
To strengthen protection during the nesting season, six hatcheries were established at vulnerable coastal locations with support from the Forest Department. Community-led Sea Turtle Protection Forces comprising local youth and fishers have been involved in beach patrolling, nest monitoring and hatchery management. By FY 2025–26, more than 250 Olive Ridley nests had been protected under the initiative, leading to the release of over 23,700 hatchlings into the sea.
In villages such as Yetimoga, where residents experienced the impact of the 2004 tsunami, mangrove restoration activities are also contributing to awareness around the role of coastal ecosystems in reducing climate-related risks and protecting local livelihoods.
Prabhakar Lingareddy, Executive Vice President and Head Social Investments at ITC said, “The theme of this year’s International Day of Biological Diversity reinforces our belief that global environmental goals can only be achieved through strong local action and deep community participation. By working closely with communities, Government institutions and partners, our objective is to meaningfully contribute to creating scalable, nature-based solutions that not only protect vulnerable ecosystems but also secure sustainable futures for millions who are dependent on the ecological balance.”
