ITC Limited strengthens coastal ecology through mangrove conservation

As the world marks International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme ‘Acting Locally for Global Impact’, ITC’s large-scale and integrated biodiversity conservation initiatives demonstrate how grassroots action can deliver impactful ecological outcomes, build climate resilience and support livelihood creation.

Guided by the belief that shared natural resources are critical ecological infrastructure, ITC has integrated biodiversity conservation within its large-scale sustainability programme spanning water stewardship, forestry and climate-smart agriculture, among others.

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ITC’s biodiversity programme in collaboration with the state governments cumulatively covers nearly 7.8 lakh acres across 10 states in India till date and the aim is to cover 1 million acres under the initiative by 2030, as a part of its Sustainability 2.0 agenda.

As part of its integrated biodiversity conservation programme, ITC spearheaded a unique initiative in Andhra Pradesh that spans mangrove restoration and sea turtle hatchling conservation, demonstrating the impact of community-led ecological interventions.

India’s coastal ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change consequences such as cyclones, sea level rise, saline intrusion and coastal flooding.

Mangroves act as one of the most effective nature-based solutions to develop coastal resilience, creating a natural shield against these challenges.

Globally recognised as blue carbon ecosystems, mangroves store nearly 7.5–10 times more carbon per acre than tropical forests, making them critical in climate mitigation efforts.

India’s mangroves support over 4,000 species, including 920 plant and over 3,090 animal species, as biodiversity hotspots.

Started in FY 2023–24, ITC’s mangrove conservation programme focuses on protecting ecologically sensitive coastal ecosystems while also supporting the livelihoods of vulnerable fishing communities that depend on the ecological balance of the region.

Working closely with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, district administration and implementation partner Tree Foundation, ITC adopted a community-led science-based approach for long-term ecosystem restoration.

Since its inception, nearly 1,500 acres of mangroves have been restored and conserved.

The programme also emphasises protecting the Olive Ridley sea turtle, a species classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtles is closely linked to mangrove conservation, as a healthy mangrove ecosystem provides critical habitats that support their nesting and survival.

Olive Ridley turtles are among the smallest sea turtle species worldwide and are best known for their unique mass nesting phenomenon.