Mumbai, 6th June 2020:Mumbai, one of the largest cities in India is still
standing tall given all the urbanization and climate change concerns and this
can be attributedat large to the essential ecosystem provided by the mangroves
forest. Godrej group, which has been managing and conserving one of the largest
mangroves forest for years has reiterated the significance of its importance
through a film which was released yesterday on the occasion of World
Environment Day. The video is narrated by the forests themselves and reminds
each one of us of the crucial role we have to play to save our collective
future and sow the seeds for a better tomorrow.
The mangroves at Vikhroli extend
their silent ecosystem services much beyond their boundaries to the entire
Mumbai Metropolitan Region and is thrice the size of New York’s Central Park. This natural ecosystem is responsible for exhaling
4 times more oxygen than any other tropical forest and has played a huge role
in significantly reducing air pollution levels in Mumbai.
A large part of Godrej’s efforts
goes towards conserving Mumbai’s green lungs. Godrej has been conserving
hundreds of acres of the mangroves ecosystem in Vikhroli since the 1940s. In
line with this year’s theme of Biodiversity, the Godrej Group, through this
video wants to reach out to the masses and educate them that the change is in
their hands and tourge them to think as to how they can help save our city
through mutual dependence.
Commenting on the film, NyrikaHolkar, Executive Director, Godrej
& Boyce Mfg Co Ltd said, “Yesterday was a very special day, it was World
Environment Day and what would have been the 108th year of the birth of
Sohrabji Godrej, the former Chairman of the Godrej Group. He was a keen
environmentalist and lover of nature and wildlife and relentlessly championed
the cause of preserving the mangrove forests, long before most people realised
their value. We thought it fitting to release a film on the mangroves in his
memory”.
A two-year research study
revealed that the standing stock, with its biomass and sediments, holds 6 lakh
tonnes equivalent of carbon dioxide - a key greenhouse gas responsible for
global warming and climate change. Additionally, around 60,000 equivalent
tonnes of carbon dioxide is sequestered every year. Besides land stabilisation,
the mangrove ecosystem plays a vital role in natural cycles and nutrient
recycling thereby maintaining the environmental balance. Mangroves moderate
extreme calamities like flashfloods and storms, by acting as a natural sponge.
They help treat Mumbai's wastewater by breaking complex pollutants into
nutrients with their biological systems and organisms.
Mangroves are not only treasure
troves of biodiversity but also are of great ecological importance. Also known
as ‘Oceanic Rain-forests’, mangroves provide the right conditions for fish to
breed, thereby supporting the livelihood of fishermen. In addition, they
provide firewood, timber, cattle feed, honey, medicines, recreation and scope
for tourism development. They are the only tall tree forests between the land
and sea in the tropical and warm temperate coasts. Mangroves are like “Green
forts” that protect the coastal life against natural calamities such as
tsunamis, storm surges, cyclones and floods. It was the mangroves that saved
human life and property in India during the 1999 super-cyclone of Odisha and
the 2004 Asian tsunami.
YouTube link of video –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDajDnnpIzE&feature=youtu.be
About Godrej Group
Established
in 1897, the Godrej Group has its roots in India's Independence and Swadeshi
movement. Our founder, Ardeshir Godrej, lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur
failed with a few ventures, before he struck gold with a locks business. Today,
we enjoy the patronage of 1.15 billion consumers globally across consumer
goods, real estate, appliances, agriculture and many other businesses. In fact,
our geographical footprint extends beyond Earth, with our engines now powering
many of India's space missions. With revenues of over USD 4.5 billion we are
growing fast, and have exciting, ambitious aspirations. For us, it is most
important that besides our strong financial performance and innovative,
much-loved products, we remain a good company. About 23 per cent of the
promoters’ holding in the Godrej Group is held in trusts that invest in the
environment, health and education. We are also bringing together our passion
and purpose to make a difference through our Good & Green strategy of
'shared value' to create a more inclusive and greener India. At the heart of
all of this, are our people. We take much pride in fostering an inspiring
workplace, with an agile and high performance culture. We are deeply committed
to recognizing and valuing diversity across our teams.
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