Amazon Commits 1.2 Million Dollars to Restore Mumbai’s Flamingo Habitat and Mangrove Ecosystem

Mumbai, 01 March 2025: In a significant step toward environmental conservation, Amazon has pledged $1.2 million to restore the mangrove forests and mudflats essential to Mumbai’s flamingo population. Partnering with Hasten Regeneration, a social enterprise focused on ecosystem restoration, the initiative aims to clean up plastic waste from Thane Creek and replant mangroves in Gujarat. The project is supported by Amazon’s $100 million Right Now Climate Fund, which invests in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and community-driven sustainability efforts.

Tackling Plastic Pollution and Restoring Ecosystems
The project will combat plastic waste pollution by installing a trash boom, a barrier designed to prevent plastic from entering Mumbai’s waterways. Over one million migratory birds, including flamingos and 180 other species, rely on this habitat during their seasonal migration. The initiative aims to remove 150 tons of plastic waste and restore key feeding and nesting grounds along the migratory route to Gujarat.

This effort will also enhance living conditions for communities residing along Thane Creek, offering them a cleaner environment and better ecosystem health.

“Preserving Mumbai’s rich biodiversity is not just about conservation—it directly impacts local communities and their way of life,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India. “By working alongside Hasten Regeneration, we hope to create a long-lasting environmental and social impact.”

Mangrove Reforestation and Community Involvement
Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In addition to ecological benefits, the reforestation initiative will generate employment for local communities in Gujarat, with a special focus on women-led planting enterprises.

Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration India, emphasized the project’s transformative impact: “Restoring Thane Creek’s ecosystem is critical for both wildlife and people. This initiative not only removes pollution from one of the world’s most contaminated water bodies but also empowers local women through sustainable employment opportunities in mangrove restoration.”

Government Support for Sustainable Initiatives
The project aligns with India’s Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), a national effort to protect coastal ecosystems.

Shri Mukeshbhai Zinabhai Patel, Gujarat’s Minister of Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Supply, highlighted the broader impact: “This initiative will help plant 375,000 mangrove shrubs and trees, strengthening climate resilience by protecting coastal communities from storm surges, rising sea levels, and erosion. It also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for those living near these fragile ecosystems.”

Amazon’s Expanding Environmental Commitment in India
Amazon’s investment in Mumbai’s flamingo habitat is part of its broader strategy to support nature-based solutions across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, the company announced a $15 million allocation from its Right Now Climate Fund to drive environmental projects in India. Other initiatives include:

Reforesting the Western Ghats: In collaboration with the Centre for Wildlife Studies, Amazon is planting 300,000 trees to expand critical tiger and elephant habitats.

Supporting Urban Biodiversity and Nutrition: Partnering with ICLEI South Asia, Amazon has launched a network of 75 school gardens aimed at improving urban biodiversity while combating child malnutrition. This initiative is expected to contribute 15 million nutritious meals to children in municipal schools across India.

A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
Amazon’s latest investment underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. By restoring Mumbai’s flamingo habitat, reducing plastic waste, and replanting mangroves, the company is working towards a cleaner, greener future—benefiting both wildlife and local communities for generations to come.