ENVIRONMENT
Reforestation projects, integrated natural resources management in villages, increasing green cover and water conservation measures in industrial areas are some of the ways in which Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited is seeking to build resilience against climate change. Environment is a key CSR pillar for Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited and each year the company allocates significant portion of the budget for environmental projects.
RESTORATION OF DEGRADED MANGROVE FORESTS
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (MMBCF), an autonomous society that assists the state government in mangrove and marine biodiversity conservation. The company has partnered with the Mangrove Foundation for restoration of degraded mangrove forests in Alibaug, coastal town of Raigad, Maharashtra. The project aims at restoration of degraded mangrove areas, ensuring the survival of existing mangroves and increasing its acreage through plantation of mangrove saplings.
The commitment for restoration of 100 hectares of Mangrove forests in Alibaug, Maharashtra extends to November 2027.
The planting of – 550,000 saplings of 8 different mangrove species was completed in 2019-2020, and the focus for the rest of the period is on maintaining the saplings planted with at least 80% survival rate, and development of nursery for casualty replacement. The various activities including nursery, maintenance and security will employ around 300 people. The Mangrove and Marine Bio-diversity Conservation Foundation will oversee the project.
OXYGEN PARK
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited initiated the “Oxygen Park” project in December 2019 in Shendra, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), Maharashtra, India.
This strategically located park was inaugurated with over 15,000 plants and trees. An additional 10,000 saplings were added in September 2020.
The park boasts 49 varieties of plants and trees including:
GREEN HUB
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited initiated the “Green Hub” project in September 2021 in Shendra Industrial Area, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), Maharashtra, India.
This project boasts an expansive, green-cover of over 11,550 trees covering 32 native species.
INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, NAIPHAD, KHED TALUKA, PUNE
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited launched an integrated watershed development project in 2 villages in Pune District – Naiphad and Mandoshi that face water shortages. This community-oriented project was implemented using a ridge-to-valley approach involving both area and community treatment and integrating all of Jal (water), Jungle (Vegetation), Jameen (Land), Junta (People) and Janwar (Animals) to achieve sustainable and equitable development.
The activities in the project were implemented between December 2020 and April 2022. Around 3616 hectares were treated for soil and water conservation, 244,000,000 litres of rainwater harvesting capacity was created , and 9000 trees planted as part of agro-forestry.
The output of the project are as under:
The community has been involved in all stages of the project including planning, implementation and sustainability. A team of youth leaders were provided leadership training so they can play a role in sustaining the initiatives.
