ITC Ltd 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 livelihoods 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. ITC’s biodiversity programme in collaboration with 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 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 places emphasis on 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 the healthy mangrove ecosystem provides critical habitats that support their nesting and survival. Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest sea turtle species worldwide and are best known for their unique mass nesting phenomenon.

Protecting these habitats not only benefits turtles, but also supports the entire marine food web. The healthier ecosystems supported by turtle conservation programme improve fish stocks and long-term livelihood security for coastal communities.

To improve protection during the nesting season, six hatcheries were established at vulnerable coastal locations with active support from the Forest Department. Community-led Sea Turtle Protection Forces (STPFs), comprising trained local youth and fishers, have been actively involved in patrolling beaches, monitoring nesting activity and managing hatcheries. These efforts have significantly improved hatchling survival rates. By FY 2025–26, over 250 Olive Ridley nests had been protected, resulting in the successful release of over 23,700 hatchlings into the sea.

Besides, in villages such as Yetimoga in the Bapatla district in AP, where residents witnessed the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami, mangrove restoration is reinforcing awareness about the role of natural ecosystems in securing lives, livelihoods and coastlines from climate-related disasters.

Mr. Prabhakar Lingareddy, Executive Vice President and Head – Social Investments at ITC Limited 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.”

ITC’s biodiversity strategy also involves large-scale restoration of rural commons and developing agriscapes (conserving and enhancing natural ecosystem vital for supporting agriculture) through a community-led and science-based approach that combines ecological restoration with local governance and livelihood support. ITC’s commons restoration programme has enabled the regeneration and collective management of shared natural resources through more than 8,000 village-level institutions involving close to 40,000 community members in collaboration with the Government, particularly in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.

ITC has been focusing on restoring degraded grazing lands, village forests and water bodies using GIS-based planning, soil and moisture conservation, native plantations and biodiversity enhancement measures. Importantly, restoration efforts are implemented through strong partnerships with local communities, government departments and development organisations