Novo Nordisk India, in line with its global vision of sustainable health and well-being, has taken a meaningful step towards celebrating its people and the planet with a unique green initiative. Under the agroforestry concept, the company has launched a Tree Plantation Program dedicated to Employee Birthday Celebrations.

Each time an employee celebrates a birthday, a tree is planted in their honour, turning personal milestones into acts of environmental stewardship. These trees are cultivated in agroforestry zones that bring multiple benefits to local farming communities. Agroforestry enhances farmers’ livelihoods by reducing farming costs, improving soil fertility, increasing biodiversity, and creating additional income resources through the integration of trees with crops. It’s a sustainable model that supports both ecological restoration and economic resilience.

This initiative reflects Novo Nordisk’s holistic approach to health, extending beyond medicine to the health of communities and the planet. It aligns with the company’s core values of innovation, sustainability, and care, making birthdays not just a personal celebration but a gift to future generations.

By integrating this green gesture into its employee engagement program, Novo Nordisk India not only nurtures a culture of appreciation and purpose but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and climate responsibility one tree and one birthday at a time.

Tree Plantation Date

Project Commencement: January'25 Onwards

Plantation Location

Phaltan, Satara, Maharashtra 415523

Trees Planted

Total Count: 943 Trees

Forest Type: Agroforest

Novo Nordisk India Private Limited has embraced the agroforest concept through its thoughtful tree plantation initiative, seamlessly blending environmental sustainability with community upliftment. By planting trees in agroforestry zones, the initiative not only contributes to increasing green cover but also supports local farmers by improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and creating additional income sources through diversified farming systems. This green effort transforms land use into a climate-resilient model, reducing farming costs and promoting ecological balance. Reflecting Novo Nordisk’s commitment to holistic well-being, the initiative goes beyond corporate responsibility, nurturing both nature and livelihoods in a single, impactful gesture.

Advantages of Agroforestry

Improved Livelihoods for Farmers

By integrating trees with crops in agroforestry systems, farmers gain access to additional sources of income through fruit, timber, fodder, and other tree-based produce. This diversification reduces dependency on a single crop and enhances financial stability.

Reduced Farming Costs

Trees planted in agroforests naturally enrich the soil with organic matter, fix nitrogen, and help retain moisture, thereby lowering the need for synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. This leads to significant cost savings for farmers over time.

Enhanced Soil Fertility and Biodiversity

The mix of trees and crops creates a more balanced ecosystem, improving soil structure, preventing erosion, and attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. This boosts productivity while maintaining long-term soil health.

Climate Resilience and Carbon Sequestration

Agroforestry plays a key role in mitigating climate change by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The tree cover also provides shade and wind protection, helping crops withstand extreme weather conditions like droughts or heavy rains.

Empowerment of Rural Communities

The initiative promotes sustainable land use and empowers rural communities by offering employment opportunities and long-term ecological security. It aligns with inclusive growth and supports local economies.

Sustainable Environmental Impact

Agroforest plantations restore degraded lands, prevent desertification, and contribute to conserving natural resources. They serve as a living demonstration of how environmental and economic goals can go hand in hand.

Supports Novo Nordisk’s Sustainability Goals

This initiative reflects Novo Nordisk India’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. It integrates corporate values with actionable green practices that make a measurable difference.

Activities During Tree Plantation

During Novo Nordisk India Private Limited’s tree plantation initiative under the agroforest concept, all on-ground activities were carried out by local farmers, ensuring both ecological and community engagement. The site was meticulously prepared in advance, with farmers clearing the area, marking the planting zones, and digging pits for saplings ahead of the event. On the day of the plantation, the farmers carefully placed each sapling into the pre-dug pits, ensuring optimal placement for healthy growth. This was followed by thorough watering to support initial root establishment. The entire process was executed with precision and care, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and local empowerment.

Tree Plantation Purpose

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achieved through Novo Nordisk India Private Limited’s tree plantation initiative in the agroforest concept:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

The initiative supports local farmers by creating livelihood opportunities through tree plantation and long-term agroforestry maintenance. By integrating trees with farming systems, farmers benefit from diversified income streams such as timber, fruits, and other non-timber products. This sustainable economic model helps uplift rural communities and reduces dependency on traditional, low-yield agriculture, contributing to poverty alleviation.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Agroforestry enhances food security by improving soil fertility, moisture retention, and crop productivity. The integration of food-yielding trees into agricultural landscapes provides an additional layer of nutrition and food supply for farming families. Over time, this balanced ecosystem leads to higher agricultural yields and improved dietary diversity for rural households.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Tree plantations in agroforests improve environmental quality by reducing air pollution, sequestering carbon, and supporting biodiversity. These factors contribute to better respiratory health and the overall well-being of surrounding communities. The initiative also promotes mental well-being by connecting people to nature and embedding a sense of purpose through sustainable actions.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education

While the initiative is not directly educational, it creates indirect learning opportunities for farming communities and their families. Exposure to sustainable agroforestry practices promotes environmental education and awareness. It encourages knowledge transfer on climate-resilient farming techniques that can be passed down to future generations.

5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Trees in agroforestry systems help improve water cycles by enhancing groundwater recharge and reducing surface runoff. Their roots prevent soil erosion and help filter water, improving its quality. This contributes to the long-term availability and sustainability of clean water for farming and local use.

6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

By involving farmers in site preparation, planting, and maintenance, the initiative creates dignified, green employment opportunities. It supports economic growth in rural areas by fostering sustainable farming practices that offer both ecological and financial benefits, promoting inclusive development and decent livelihoods.

7. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The project promotes innovation in land-use practices through the adoption of agroforestry, a progressive and sustainable model that bridges traditional agriculture with ecological restoration. It encourages the development of green infrastructure that serves both economic and environmental purposes, supporting resilient rural economies.

8. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The initiative empowers smallholder farmers and marginal communities by providing them with resources, training, and sustainable income opportunities. This helps bridge economic gaps between rural and urban populations and contributes to reducing social and financial inequalities in the long run.

9. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Agroforestry systems promote the efficient use of land, water, and other natural resources. By reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting organic growth, the initiative aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns, minimizing environmental impact and fostering ecological balance.

10. SDG 13: Climate Action

Through the plantation of trees that act as natural carbon sinks, the initiative directly contributes to climate change mitigation. Agroforestry also enhances climate resilience by creating microclimates, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from traditional farming, and protecting ecosystems from climate shocks.

11. SDG 15: Life on Land

The tree plantation effort aids in restoring degraded lands, increasing green cover, and protecting biodiversity. By reintroducing native species and supporting a variety of flora and fauna, the initiative plays a vital role in conserving terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management.

12. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The partnership between Novo Nordisk India Private Limited and Grow Billion Trees exemplifies SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals by uniting corporate responsibility with grassroots environmental action. Through this collaboration, Novo Nordisk has been able to implement its agroforest-based tree plantation initiative effectively, leveraging Grow Billion Trees' on-ground expertise, farmer networks, and sustainable planting models. This synergy has enabled the creation of climate-resilient green spaces while empowering local communities and promoting ecological balance. Together, they are turning shared sustainability goals into measurable outcomes, reinforcing the power of collective action in building a greener and more inclusive future.

ESG Impact Achieved Through Agroforest Concept:

Environmental (E)

Novo Nordisk India’s tree plantation initiative under the agroforest model significantly contributes to environmental sustainability. By planting trees in collaboration with local farmers, the initiative enhances green cover, restores degraded land, and boosts biodiversity. Agroforestry systems naturally improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and conserve water resources. These plantations also serve as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases. This long-term ecological approach aligns with Novo Nordisk’s global vision of reducing environmental impact and promoting nature-positive practices.

Social (S)

Socially, the initiative empowers rural communities by providing them with livelihood opportunities and additional income sources. Engaging farmers in activities such as site preparation, planting, and maintenance not only creates employment but also strengthens their economic resilience. By integrating tree plantations into existing farming systems, the initiative supports food security, encourages sustainable agricultural practices, and improves overall well-being in the region. Moreover, by planting trees in honor of employee birthdays, Novo Nordisk fosters a sense of purpose and pride among its workforce, deepening their connection to the company’s sustainability mission.

Governance (G)

From a governance perspective, the tree plantation initiative reflects Novo Nordisk India’s strong commitment to ethical and responsible business practices. The structured collaboration with Grow Billion Trees ensures transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. By aligning the initiative with global frameworks such as the SDGs and ESG principles, the company demonstrates forward-thinking leadership and corporate governance. This proactive approach in integrating sustainability into core operations highlights Novo Nordisk’s dedication to long-term value creation for stakeholders, communities, and the planet.

Commitment by Grow Billion Trees

Grow Billion Trees is committed to driving sustainable plantation efforts, ensuring every initiative aligns with key environmental objectives and promotes long-term ecological balance. We focus on selecting native tree species that are well-adapted to local ecosystems, ensuring a higher survival rate and stronger environmental impact.

To maintain plant health and longevity, Grow Billion Trees emphasizes continuous maintenance and regular monitoring of the plantations. This approach helps ensure that each tree thrives, contributing effectively to both biodiversity and climate resilience.

Transparency is a core principle in our operations. Clients receive comprehensive reports, including geo-tagging of planted trees, survival rate updates, and ongoing progress reports. This level of openness allows clients to track the direct impact of their contributions, reinforcing trust and accountability.

Through our dedication to sustainable practices, Grow Billion Trees ensures that every plantation project leaves a lasting positive footprint on both the environment and the local communities it serves.

Summary

Novo Nordisk India Private Limited has launched a thoughtful and sustainable tree plantation initiative rooted in the agroforest concept to celebrate employee birthdays. In collaboration with Grow Billion Trees, the company plants trees in agroforestry systems, where local farmers lead all on-ground activities from site preparation to planting and watering the saplings. This initiative not only honors employees in a green and meaningful way but also supports rural livelihoods, enhances biodiversity, and promotes environmental sustainability. By blending corporate celebration with ecological responsibility, Novo Nordisk is nurturing a greener planet while empowering communities and advancing its ESG and SDG commitments.