Amazon Commits $3 Million To Nature-Based Projects In India

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has announced its commitment to invest an initial sum of $3 million in nature-based projects in India. This contribution is part of Amazon’s larger commitment to allocate $15 million towards nature-based projects in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

The first $3 million from this fund, specifically designated for APAC, will be dedicated to supporting nature-based initiatives in India. One of the prominent projects that Amazon is set to embark on in collaboration with the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) focuses on aiding communities and conservation efforts in the Western Ghats. This region is renowned for its unique biodiversity, hosting more than 30 percent of India’s wildlife species, including the world’s largest populations of wild Asiatic elephants and tigers.

As part of this initiative, Amazon will contribute $1 million to establish the “Wild Carbon” program in partnership with CWS. This program aims to assist 10,000 farmers in planting and maintaining one million fruit-bearing, timber, and medicinal trees. These efforts align with Amazon’s commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and supporting local communities.

Kara Hurst, Amazon’s Global VP for Sustainability, emphasized the vulnerability of the Asia-Pacific region to climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. She stated, “To protect the region from the impacts of climate change and preserve biodiversity, we will need both large-scale and local action, and we are committed to investing in both.”

The $15 million allocation for nature-based projects originates from Amazon’s $100 million Right Now Climate Fund, established in 2019. This fund is dedicated to supporting projects that enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, and environmental benefits while operating in communities worldwide.

CWS Executive Director Krithi Karanth expressed her gratitude for Amazon’s support, which enables long-term sustainability for the program. Farmers involved will receive upfront support to select tree species beneficial for both their livelihoods and wildlife. Additionally, they will receive technical assistance, agroforestry training, and support for replanting failed saplings.

Amazon has been an advocate for climate action and sustainability. In 2019, the company co-founded The Climate Pledge, committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement. This pledge has garnered support from over 400 signatories across 55 industries and 38 countries, including nine Indian companies.

Furthermore, Amazon has taken significant steps towards renewable energy in India, launching six utility-scale projects in 2022. The company is on track to power its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of its initial 2030 target. Additionally, Amazon India is committed to deploying 10,000 electric vehicles in its delivery fleet by 2025, further contributing to its sustainability goals.

Amazon’s continued investments in nature-based projects and sustainability initiatives reflect its commitment to preserving the environment and promoting a greener future in India and across the world.