Symbiosis of Industry and Nature

Environment protection: Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Center

The Western bank of the Thane Creek is the single largest mangrove belt in Mumbai. A substantial tract of mangrove land is adjoining the Godrej & Boyce township, Pirojshanagar, in Vikhroli a suburb of Mumbai. 

Vast area under mangroves has been conserved by Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Center. Well diversified and well protected, these are the last- quality mangroves in the city. The vast expanse of these mangroves serve as a second lung of the city only after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park which is under immense environmental pressures.

The mangrove flora of Pirojshanagar is well diversified. There are 16 species of mangroves and mangrove associates. The faunal composition in the area is also equally diverse. Apart from 206 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 13 species of crabs, 7 species of prawns and 20 species of fish have been identified so far in the area. Mammals like jackals and mongoose also were sited many a times. This wetland acts as an important stopover for over hundred species of migratory birds including magnificent flamingos, gulls, terns, avocets & curlews.

The vast tract of unique Mangrove forests conserved and protected by Godrej in Vikhroli demonstrates how industry and nature could well exist in harmony with each other. The SPG Marine Ecology Center has taken several measures to protect these mangroves as a part of environmental and social responsibility. 

One of the major objectives of the center is conservation of the marine diversity (mangrove ecosystem) through research, education/awareness building and regular monitoring. Simultaneously, center is engaged in the propagation of various species of Mangroves, developing theme parks on medicinal plants and rare endemic plant species, palms amongst others.

Conservation Activities by SP Godrej Marine Ecology Centre

Some of the programs undertaken are:

• Regular monitoring/ patrolling in creek side mangrove area conserved by SPG Marine Ecology Center to check possible destruction of existing mangroves and protecting rare species of mangroves
• Ecological restoration of degraded mangroves by raising nurseries and replenishing degraded mangrove areas through artificial regeneration in different areas
• Establishment of Mangrove Interpretation Centre: Dissemination of the information regarding the importance of mangrove conservation through film/slide shows, seminars, nature trails/camps, poster exhibitions etc.

The winner of the BNHS Green Governance Award: 2005 for the Category–Conservation & Restoration of Habitat. 

Mr. Jamshyd Godrej received the award on behalf of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., from the hands of the honorable Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh for their Conservation and Restoration of Habitat project, for its commitment to the global community to protect the mangroves and promote their conservation through extensive environmental education campaign.

The Mangrove Conservation Project and its efforts is a pioneering endeavor in front of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility, which is in its fledgling state in the country shattering the popular myth that Industries are anti-environment.