Digital Connexion is a joint venture between Brookfield Asset Management, Reliance Industries Limited, and Digital Realty, providing scalable and highly connected data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions in India. The company serves enterprises, cloud providers, and digital service companies, offering a key connectivity gateway to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. By combining Jio’s digital ecosystem, Brookfield’s infrastructure expertise, and Digital Realty’s global data center platform, Digital Connexion enables seamless cloud, IT, and network integrations, supporting India's growing digital economy.

With a focus on high-performance infrastructure, the company ensures low-latency connectivity and secure, sustainable data center solutions. Digital Connexion is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for digital transformation across industries. Its ecosystem fosters innovation, efficiency, and global connectivity, empowering businesses to scale and thrive in the digital era.

Digital Connexion is committed to driving technological innovation and sustainable growth by delivering state-of-the-art data center solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses in India and beyond. With a customer-centric approach, the company provides highly scalable, energy-efficient, and secure infrastructure, ensuring seamless digital operations for enterprises of all sizes.

Project Planning & Execution

No of Trees: 500

Plantation Location: Girvi, Phaltan, Satara, Maharashtra - 415523

Plantation Date: 5th February, 2025

Name of Species: Guava

Species Selection & Its Benefits: 

The initiative prioritises the planting of native tree species, ensuring high survival rates and fostering long-term ecological stability. By aligning tree selection with local market demand, the project enhances environmental sustainability and provides farmers with viable income opportunities. Farmer consent and participation play a crucial role in species selection, ensuring that the chosen trees integrate seamlessly with existing agricultural practices.

The project strategically selected Guava (Psidium guajava) trees for plantation due to their multiple ecological, economic, and social benefits. Hardy and low-maintenance, Guava provides a reliable income through its fruit while enriching soil fertility, reducing erosion, and creating a favourable microclimate for crops. This carefully planned selection strengthens environmental conservation and farmer livelihoods, reinforcing Digital Connexion’s commitment to sustainable development and rural prosperity.

Beneficiaries Details

This initiative has empowered the farmer, Mr. Chetan Kishan More, to adopt agroforestry, allowing him to benefit from improved soil fertility, enhanced water retention, reduced erosion, and a diversified source of income. By integrating trees with agriculture, he has secured an additional livelihood opportunity through fruit trees, ensuring long-term financial stability. This effort not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also strengthens economic resilience, fostering a resilient farming model and contributing to the long-term well-being of the Satpura region.

Planting Methodology and Its Advantages

Agroforestry: Digital Connexion’s tree plantation initiative is based on the agroforestry concept, a sustainable land management practice that promotes environmental conservation while supporting local sustainability efforts. This initiative contributes to long-term ecological balance while enhancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Agroforestry helps improve soil health, enhance water retention, and reduce soil erosion, ensuring sustainable land use. Additionally, it reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, fosters natural pest control, and creates microclimatic benefits, such as temperature regulation, wind protection, and shade for companion crops.

Digital Connexion recognizes agroforestry as a strategic approach to environmental sustainability, ecological restoration, and carbon footprint reduction. This initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible environmental practices, contributing to a greener planet and a more sustainable future.

Advantages of Agroforestry

• Increased Farmer Incomes: This approach helps in increasing the farmer’s income by as much as 3 times. Farmers benefit from diversified income sources, lifting economic resilience.

• Improved Livelihoods: Agroforestry enhances farmers' resilience to economic and climate-related shocks by creating more sustainable and diversified farming systems.

• Biodiversity Promotion: Agroforestry supports a diverse range of plants and animals, creating habitats for wildlife and improving ecosystem health.

• Environmental Sustainability: This model reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable land management, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Food Security: Agroforestry enhances agricultural productivity and food availability by integrating fruit-bearing trees with crops, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

• Carbon Sequestration: Trees planted through agroforestry absorb carbon dioxide, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Climate Resilience: Agroforestry helps mitigate climate change impacts by improving land productivity and fostering biodiversity.

• Improved Soil and Water Management: Trees enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and increase water retention, resulting in more resilient farming.

Conclusion Elements

Impact

Direct Impact

*This impact analysis is forward-looking (An agroforestry project matures in 3-5 years)

Indirect Impact

Community Impact

• Empowerment of Farmers: By providing training and resources for sustainable farming practices, agroforestry equips farmers with skills to enhance productivity and adapt to environmental changes.

• Food Security: The integration of fruit-bearing trees and crops ensures a consistent food supply, improving nutrition and reducing hunger within the community.

• Environmental Awareness: Community involvement in tree plantation fosters a sense of responsibility for environmental conservation and promotes sustainable practices in daily life.

• Enhanced Social Equity: Agroforestry initiatives foster enhanced social equity by empowering marginalized farmers with sustainable livelihoods, bridging economic gaps, and promoting inclusive community participation in environmental conservation efforts.

• Resilience to Climate Change: The diverse and sustainable nature of agroforestry helps communities mitigate the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, by stabilizing local ecosystems.

• Health and Well-being: Green spaces created through agroforestry improve air quality and offer a healthier environment, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of the community.

Environmental Impact

• Carbon Sequestration: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Soil Health Improvement: Agroforestry enriches soil through organic matter from fallen leaves and roots, improving fertility, structure, and nutrient availability for crops.

• Erosion Prevention: Tree roots stabilize the soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water while protecting nearby agricultural fields and water bodies.

• Biodiversity Conservation: By creating habitats for various species, agroforestry enhances biodiversity, supporting pollinators, beneficial insects, and native wildlife.

• Water Cycle Regulation: Trees improve water retention, recharge groundwater levels, and reduce surface runoff, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable water cycle.

• Microclimate Regulation: Agroforestry moderates temperature extremes, reduces wind speeds, and increases humidity, creating favorable conditions for crop growth and ecosystem balance.

Achievements

SDG Goals Achieved through Agroforestry

• SDG 1: No Poverty – Digital Connexion’s initiative supports marginalized farmers by integrating fruit-bearing trees into agricultural landscapes, creating long-term income opportunities and enhancing economic resilience.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Agroforestry improves soil fertility, enhances crop productivity, and promotes sustainable farming, ensuring better food security for rural communities.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – The planted trees contribute to air purification, reduced carbon emissions, and biodiversity enhancement, fostering a healthier environment for local communities.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Digital Connexion’s commitment to sustainability includes empowering farmers with knowledge on sustainable land-use practices, conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – By encouraging inclusive participation in agroforestry, this initiative supports women’s involvement in sustainable farming and economic empowerment.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The planted trees enhance soil moisture retention, reduce water runoff, and aid groundwater recharge, ensuring better water conservation.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Digital Connexion’s initiative creates jobs in tree planting, nursery management, and agro-processing, boosting local economies. Promoting sustainable agroforestry businesses fosters entrepreneurship and enhances financial resilience for farmers through diversified income sources.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By supporting innovative agroforestry practices, Digital Connexion promotes sustainable agricultural infrastructure and long-term environmental impact.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – The initiative empowers small-scale farmers with alternative income sources and sustainable farming training, helping bridge economic disparities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Digital Connexion’s commitment to sustainability ensures responsible resource use, promoting organic farming and reducing dependency on chemical inputs.

• SDG 13: Climate Action – The planted trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ emissions and helping mitigate climate change, aligning with Digital Connexion’s environmental responsibility goals.

• SDG 15: Life on Land – By supporting reforestation and biodiversity conservation, Digital Connexion actively works towards restoring ecosystems and preventing land degradation.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Digital Connexion’s collaboration with Grow Billion Trees highlights the power of strategic partnerships in driving sustainability, combining expertise, resources, and community engagement for a greener future.

ESG Achieved through Agroforestry:

• Environmental Impact: Digital Connexion’s tree plantation initiative integrates sustainable afforestation with ecological restoration, contributing to carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, and improved air quality. By enhancing soil fertility, preventing erosion, and promoting groundwater recharge, the initiative ensures long-term ecological stability. The plantation also fosters biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and strengthening ecosystem resilience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental conservation and responsible land stewardship.

• Social Impact: Digital Connexion has embarked on a unique tree plantation initiative as part of its sustainability-driven gifting program, planting trees to commemorate its valued customers. This initiative not only strengthens business relationships but also creates a lasting environmental impact by promoting sustainability through meaningful contributions to nature. By engaging farmers in plantation activities, the initiative provides income opportunities, supports food security, and enhances rural livelihoods through the long-term benefits of Guava tree cultivation. Additionally, the project fosters women’s employment by involving them in various stages of plantation and maintenance, empowering them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The initiative also promotes environmental awareness and social responsibility among customers and local communities, aligning business success with sustainable development.

• Governance Impact: Digital Connexion’s collaboration with Grow Billion Trees highlights its dedication to ethical governance, transparency, and measurable environmental impact. This initiative follows expert-led afforestation strategies, structured execution, and adherence to sustainability standards. By ensuring accountability, responsible corporate governance, and stakeholder trust, Digital Connexion sets a benchmark for sustainable business practices, reinforcing its commitment to corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Building Communities

One of the most impactful outcomes of Digital Connexion’s agroforestry initiative was the sense of connection and shared purpose it fostered among customers, farmers, and environmental partners. By integrating tree plantation into its corporate gifting program, the initiative became more than just an act of sustainability; it evolved into a symbol of gratitude, responsibility, and long-term commitment to a greener future.

• Empowering Farmers: Farmers were not just involved in the plantation process; they played an essential role in ensuring the trees thrive, benefiting from sustainable agroforestry practices that provide long-term economic and ecological advantages. This initiative empowered them with knowledge, resources, and an additional source of income, reinforcing their connection to environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.

• Fostering Partnerships: The initiative brought together Digital Connexion, Grow Billion Trees, and local farming communities, highlighting the power of collaboration in creating lasting environmental change. Through this partnership, the plantation was executed with expertise, precision, and a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the trees not only grow but also contribute to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and improved soil health.

• Creating a Ripple Effect: By gifting trees to valued customers, Digital Connexion inspired a deeper appreciation for sustainability, encouraging businesses and individuals to support green initiatives. The initiative set an example, motivating more companies to explore sustainable corporate gifting while demonstrating that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.

This initiative reinforced that true sustainability is built through collective action. It was not just about planting trees, it was about planting trust, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a shared vision for a greener, more resilient future.

Commitment by Grow Billion Trees

• Ensuring Tree Survivability: GBT prioritizes native species, continuous monitoring, and soil health improvement using organic fertilizers. These efforts ensure sustainable growth and benefit the farmers and communities.

• Transparency & Accountability: GBT provides detailed reports on tree growth, survival rates, and carbon benefits, using geo-fencing and regular updates to maintain transparency and effectiveness.

• Sustainable Plantation Efforts: GBT implements projects that balance environmental, social, and economic goals, addressing issues like urban heat islands and degraded farmlands. These efforts promote ecological balance, livelihoods, and long-term climate resilience.

• Enhancing Ecosystem Health: By selecting native species and creating diverse habitats, GBT enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, ensuring long-term ecological health and supporting wildlife.

• Long-Term Impact: GBT’s initiatives tackle environmental challenges, enhance rural livelihoods, foster climate resilience, and promote sustainable development while reducing carbon footprints.

Acknowledgment

We at Grow Billion Trees extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in the success of the agroforestry plantation project in Girvi, Phaltan, Satara, Maharashtra. This initiative, which harmonizes environmental conservation with community empowerment, would not have been possible without the collective dedication of visionary organizations and passionate individuals.

To Digital Connexion: Your dedication to sustainability is commendable, and your contribution to this initiative exemplifies how businesses can align their growth with environmental responsibility. To commemorate the 1st anniversary of MAA10 Chennai, Digital Connexion has undertaken a tree plantation initiative, planting 5 trees per customer. By integrating this green initiative into your corporate ethos, you have demonstrated a commitment to a greener, more connected future. Your involvement not only helps reduce carbon footprints but also strengthens ecosystem resilience and enhances community well-being.

To Mr. Chetan Kishan More: Your trust and commitment to adopting agroforestry practices have been inspiring. By integrating Guava trees into your farming systems, you have not only enhanced the land's fertility but also contributed to sustainable agricultural practices. Your efforts to improve the ecosystem and the livelihoods of future generations are commendable. We are honoured to be part of this transformation and are excited to see the positive impact you continue to make.

To the Local Community: Your enthusiasm and commitment have been the backbone of this initiative. By nurturing these newly planted trees and spreading awareness about sustainability, you have played a crucial role in creating a lasting environmental and social impact in the region.

To Our Ground Partners and Volunteers: Your expertise, passion and tireless efforts have ensured the successful execution of this project. Through our collective dedication to sustainability, we have demonstrated that strategic partnerships and shared environmental responsibility can lead to tangible, long-term benefits for people and the planet.

Through this collaborative effort, we have taken meaningful steps toward restoring ecosystems, strengthening rural economies, and promoting responsible environmental stewardship. This marks the beginning of an enduring commitment to a greener, more sustainable future, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to sustainability.

Closing Remarks

The successful completion of the tree plantation initiative on behalf of Digital Connexion marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This initiative, which commemorates the 1st anniversary of MAA10 Chennai, symbolises a shared commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable future.

By planting 500 Guava trees, Digital Connexion has contributed to long-term ecological and social benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and improved air quality. This effort not only helps reduce the environmental footprint but also supports local communities by enhancing green cover and promoting ecological balance.

As we celebrate this achievement, we express our sincere gratitude to Digital Connexion for its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Your commitment to responsible business practices and corporate leadership sets a powerful example for organisations worldwide.

This is just the beginning of a larger movement towards a healthier planet. By working together, we can continue making meaningful strides towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Together, we grow a greener tomorrow!