Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services), 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 Celebrating Employees' Birthdays.

Each time an employee celebrates a birthday, a tree is planted in their honor, 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 GBS (Global Business Services) 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.

Project Planning & Execution

No of Trees: 2690 Trees

January: 304 trees

February: 291 trees

March: 348 trees

April: 354 trees

May: 473 trees

June: 445 trees

July: 475 trees

Plantation Location: Girvi Village, Phaltan Taluka, Satara, Maharashtra – 415523

Planting Methodology and Its Advantages

Agroforestry: Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services)'s tree plantation initiative is rooted in the agroforestry concept. This sustainable land management practice not only benefits the environment but also provides additional income for farmers. By integrating trees with agricultural landscapes, farmers can generate revenue through fruit production, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and diversify their income streams, ensuring financial resilience for rural communities. Agroforestry enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and prevents erosion, contributing to long-term ecological stability. It supports biodiversity, promotes natural pest control, and creates favorable microclimates that enhance agricultural productivity by regulating temperature, reducing wind impact, and providing shade. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to global environmental stewardship, Novo Nordisk GBS recognizes agroforestry as a powerful strategy for carbon sequestration, ecological restoration, and sustainable land management. This approach reflects the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to healing the planet, promoting climate resilience, and empowering communities through nature-based solutions. By integrating tree plantations with agricultural landscapes, Novo Nordisk GBS actively supports a greener, healthier Earth for current and future generations.

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

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 – By incorporating fruit-bearing trees into farmlands, the project generates a sustainable income stream for rural farmers, strengthening their financial resilience and helping reduce poverty.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The agroforestry model improves soil health, enhances crop productivity, and promotes long-term food security through sustainable farming practices.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Tree plantations contribute to cleaner air, a healthier ecosystem, and better respiratory health by sequestering carbon and reducing air pollutants.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The initiative promotes knowledge-sharing and capacity building, equipping farmers with training on agroforestry, conservation, and sustainable land-use techniques.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – By enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing runoff, and preventing soil erosion, the project supports better water conservation and long-term water availability.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The initiative creates employment opportunities in plantation activities, farm maintenance, and agro-processing, fostering inclusive and sustainable rural economies.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Promoting innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, the project supports infrastructure that improves productivity while reducing environmental harm.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – By empowering marginalized farming communities, the initiative promotes equitable income generation and greater economic inclusion in rural areas.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production –  Agroforestry reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, encouraging environmentally responsible farming methods and efficient resource use.

• SDG 13: Climate Action – The trees planted to act as natural carbon sinks, mitigating the effects of climate change, enhancing soil carbon content, and increasing resilience to extreme weather events.

• SDG 15: Life on Land – Through afforestation and land restoration efforts, the project improves biodiversity, prevents land degradation, and strengthens overall ecosystem health.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration, with Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services) and Grow Billion Trees working together to drive sustainable environmental and social impact through shared vision, expertise, and community engagement.

ESG Achieved through Agroforestry:

• Environmental Impact: The agroforestry initiative by Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services), in collaboration with Grow Billion Trees, reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological restoration. Through the plantation of diverse native and fruit-bearing trees, the project enhances carbon sequestration, combats climate change, and improves air quality. It supports soil fertility regeneration, prevents erosion, and aids groundwater recharge, contributing to long-term ecological balance. Moreover, the initiative creates a thriving habitat for biodiversity, helping restore local flora and fauna and promoting responsible land stewardship in alignment with global conservation goals.

• Social Impact: This initiative plays a pivotal role in empowering rural farming communities by integrating agroforestry models that offer both environmental and economic benefits. By introducing fruit-bearing trees on farmlands, farmers are able to diversify income sources, reduce dependence on single-crop systems, and improve food security. The model also reduces input costs by improving soil health naturally, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the project generates local employment, enhances community participation, and builds climate resilience among vulnerable populations. By involving farmers in the planning and implementation phases, the initiative fosters ownership, awareness, and environmental responsibility within the community.

• Governance Impact: Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services) ensures strong governance and transparency in the execution of its environmental initiatives. The agroforestry program is implemented in alignment with sustainable afforestation standards, guided by experts and supported by clear monitoring mechanisms. The collaboration with Grow Billion Trees is built on principles of accountability, ethical corporate conduct, and measurable impact, reinforcing stakeholder confidence. By embedding ESG values into its core operations, Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services) sets a strong example of sustainability-driven leadership, aligning its business practices with long-term environmental and social goals.

Building Communities

One of the most meaningful outcomes of Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services)’s agroforestry initiative has been the deep sense of unity and collaboration it fostered within local communities. What began as a tree plantation effort evolved into a collective mission bringing together farmers, environmental partners, and stakeholders in a shared vision for a greener and more sustainable future.

• Empowering Farmers: Farmers were not merely recipients of the initiative; they became active contributors. By participating in training and implementation, they gained hands-on experience in sustainable agroforestry techniques. These practices, when integrated with traditional farming methods, enhanced their economic stability, reduced agricultural vulnerability, and improved environmental resilience. The initiative helped farmers transition from dependency on monoculture farming to diversified, climate-resilient agricultural systems that ensure long-term livelihood security and ecological balance.

• Fostering Partnerships: The project emphasized inclusive engagement, encouraging farmers to take part in every stage of the plantation process. This built a strong sense of ownership and pride in the community. The partnership between Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services), Grow Billion Trees, and local farming communities demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration. With expert guidance, transparent processes, and shared goals, the project ensured long-term success and positive outcomes for both people and the planet.

• Creating a Ripple Effect: As the economic and environmental benefits of agroforestry became visible, the initiative inspired nearby villages and farmers to adopt similar practices. This ripple effect expanded the reach and impact of the project, transforming it from a single intervention into a growing movement for sustainable land use and climate resilience across the region.

This initiative reaffirmed Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services)’s belief that environmental sustainability thrives when rooted in community-led action. It was not just about planting trees, it was about planting hope, nurturing partnerships, and building a shared legacy for a healthier, more resilient planet.

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 heartfelt gratitude to Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services) for their unwavering support and commitment towards the success of the agroforestry plantation initiative in Girvi, District Satara, Maharashtra. This meaningful collaboration stands as a shining example of how responsible corporate partnerships can drive sustainable development and foster ecological restoration at the grassroots level.

We sincerely thank the entire Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services) team, the participating farmers, and all stakeholders whose dedication and involvement made this impactful initiative possible. Your shared vision and tireless efforts have brought us one step closer to building a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for generations to come.

To Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services): We deeply appreciate your steadfast commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Your initiative to plant trees has not only contributed to environmental regeneration but has also empowered the local farming community with long-term livelihood opportunities. Your dedication to creating a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet is truly commendable. We are honoured to partner with you in this transformative journey and look forward to continuing our shared mission of restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and nurturing a sustainable future.

To the Farmers of Satara: Your dedication to embracing agroforestry and incorporating fruit-bearing trees into your farming practices is truly commendable. This initiative not only enriches soil health but also strengthens long-term agricultural sustainability. Your commitment to fostering a healthier ecosystem while securing a better future for future generations is inspiring. We are grateful to be part of this journey and look forward to witnessing the lasting positive impact of your efforts.

To Our Ground Partners and Volunteers: Your dedication, expertise, and passion for environmental conservation have been essential in making this initiative a success. Through our collective efforts, we have shown that collaboration and a shared vision for sustainability can create a lasting impact. Your invaluable contributions have played a crucial role in driving this mission forward, and we deeply appreciate your commitment. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey toward a greener future.

Through this collective effort, we have taken significant steps toward revitalizing ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in Satara. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support.

Closing Remarks

The successful completion of the agroforestry plantation initiative at Girvi, District Satara, Maharashtra, marks a meaningful milestone in our shared journey toward environmental sustainability and rural empowerment. This impactful collaboration with Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services) has not only contributed to enhancing the region’s green cover but also delivered lasting value to the local farming community through the adoption of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.

By planting trees, the initiative has helped strengthen ecological resilience, improve soil health, and establish a sustainable source of income for farmers. Aligned with Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services)’s broader purpose of driving positive change through innovative, sustainable solutions, this project reflects how purpose-driven partnerships can create tangible, long-term benefits for both people and the planet.

As these trees take root and flourish, they will contribute to biodiversity enrichment, carbon sequestration, and enhanced climate resilience, while supporting the economic well-being of the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Novo Nordisk GBS (Global Business Services), the farmers of Girvi, and all partners involved for their unwavering commitment, collaboration, and shared vision for a greener future.

This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when sustainability is embedded at the heart of action. And it is only the beginning. Together, let us continue building a more resilient, inclusive, and greener world one tree, one farmer, and one purposeful step at a time.