Group Landmark, a leader in the Indian automobile dealership sector, has taken a decisive step towards environmental sustainability through its ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative. As part of its CSR commitment, the company partnered with Grow Billion Trees to create a Miyawaki forest in Ahmedabad, reinforcing its dedication to urban greening.

Unlike conventional plantations, Miyawaki forests grow ten times faster and are thirty times denser, creating a thriving ecosystem that enhances biodiversity and improves air quality. This initiative, launched on Earth Day, marks a significant leap toward sustainable urban development. Group Landmark is committed to nurturing this green space for the next three years, ensuring it evolves into a self-sustaining forest that benefits both the environment and the community. Through this endeavor, Group Landmark continues to drive impactful change, proving that responsible business practices and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Tree Plantation Date

19th March 2025

Plantation Location

6H58+95X, Shertha, Gujarat 382422

Trees Planted

Total Count: 5000 Trees

Forest Type: Miyawaki Forest

Group Landmark, under its ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative, has embraced the Miyawaki forest concept to drive urban sustainability and ecological restoration. This innovative afforestation method enables forests to grow ten times faster and thirty times denser than traditional plantations, creating a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. In collaboration with Grow Billion Trees, Group Landmark transformed a space in Ahmedabad into a Miyawaki forest, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility. This initiative, launched as part of its CSR efforts, not only enhances biodiversity but also improves air quality, reduces carbon footprints, and fosters a greener future. With a dedicated three-year maintenance plan, Group Landmark ensures the long-term success of this urban forest, making a lasting impact on both the environment and the community.

Four-Step Process of Planting a Miyawaki Forest:

1. Preparation and Analysis

• Site Analysis: Begin with a thorough analysis of the site, considering factors like soil type, water availability, and sunlight exposure. This analysis guides the selection of native plant species best suited for the location.
• Soil Preparation: Clear the area of weeds and debris. Loosen the soil by tilling and amend it with organic compost to enhance fertility and moisture retention.

2. Plant Selection and Planting

• Plant Selection: Choose native plant species that are fast-growing, drought-resistant, and indigenous to the region. Diversity is crucial to mimic natural forests and promote ecological balance.
• Planting Technique: Dig pits or trenches for planting saplings, ensuring each has enough space to grow. Plant at a high density, typically 3 to 5 times denser than traditional forests.

3. Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Initially, saplings need regular watering to establish their roots. Once established, they require less frequent watering, but regular monitoring remains essential.

4. Monitoring and Growth

• Regular Maintenance: Perform regular weeding, pruning, and pest control during the initial years. Miyawaki forests become self-sustainable as they mature but still require occasional maintenance.
• Monitoring: Keep track of the forest's growth and health, monitoring for signs of stress, disease, or pest infestations and taking timely action when needed.

Four Layers of a Miyawaki Forest

The Miyawaki method emphasizes creating a multi-layered forest that mimics natural forests to achieve rapid growth and high biodiversity. Here are the four layers typically found in a Miyawaki forest:

• Canopy Layer: This topmost layer consists of tall trees that provide the canopy. These trees are usually fast-growing species that can reach heights of 15 to 30 meters or more. They offer shade and protection to the layers below.
• Tree Layer: Beneath the Canopy layer is the tree layer, consisting of smaller trees and larger shrubs. These plants help fill in the gaps between the taller trees, contributing to the dense foliage that characterizes a mature forest.
• Shrub Layer: Below the canopy, the shrub layer includes smaller shrubs and bushes that provide additional structure and diversity to the forest. These plants play a vital role in attracting pollinators and providing habitat for various wildlife.
• Ground Layer: The lowest layer is the ground layer, comprising ground covers, ferns, and herbaceous plants. These plants help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil. They also contribute to the overall biodiversity by providing habitat for insects and microorganisms.

Each layer in a Miyawaki forest serves a unique purpose and contributes to the forest's resilience, biodiversity, and ecological functionality.

Advantages of Miyawaki Forest

Rapid Growth and Dense Green Cover

The Miyawaki method enables trees to grow ten times faster than traditional plantations, ensuring a fully developed forest in just 20-30 years instead of a century. This means Group Landmark’s initiative in Ahmedabad will quickly create a dense green lung, contributing to urban biodiversity and reducing heat islands. By planting native species close together, this technique promotes faster canopy formation, enhancing oxygen production and carbon sequestration at an accelerated rate.

Enhanced Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration

By planting a variety of native species, Group Landmark’s Miyawaki forest fosters a rich biodiverse ecosystem that supports local flora and fauna. The dense plantation attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators, restoring the ecological balance in urban areas. Unlike monoculture plantations, this approach ensures a self-sustaining environment where species grow symbiotically, increasing their resilience to pests and diseases.

Improved Air Quality and Climate Resilience

The Miyawaki forest planted by Group Landmark plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution by absorbing harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These trees act as natural air purifiers, improving the overall air quality and making cities more livable. Additionally, the dense foliage helps regulate temperature and humidity, providing a cooling effect that counteracts urban heat islands, making it a crucial solution for climate adaptation.

Groundwater Conservation and Soil Regeneration

One of the significant benefits of the Miyawaki forest is its ability to enhance groundwater retention by improving soil structure. The deep root systems of native trees increase water absorption, reducing surface runoff and preventing soil erosion. Group Landmark’s tree plantation initiative ensures that the land becomes more fertile over time, as the decomposing organic matter from fallen leaves enriches the soil with essential nutrients.

Low Maintenance and Self-Sustaining Growth

Miyawaki forests require minimal maintenance after the initial three years, as they develop into a self-sustaining ecosystem. Group Landmark’s commitment to nurturing this green space ensures that it thrives without the need for constant human intervention. Once established, these forests become naturally resilient, requiring no artificial fertilizers or pesticides, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for urban greening.

Community Engagement and Urban Well-being

By transforming an urban space into a thriving forest, Group Landmark’s initiative fosters environmental awareness and community involvement. Employees, residents, and future generations benefit from a greener environment that promotes physical and mental well-being. The presence of lush greenery in cities not only reduces stress but also enhances social interactions, creating a healthier and more sustainable living space for all.

Activities During Tree Plantation

During the Group Landmark tree plantation initiative, the site was meticulously prepared in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient plantation process. On the day of the event, employees, alongside Grow Billion Trees (GBT) volunteers, actively participated in planting saplings in pre-dug pits, making the activity both engaging and impactful. With careful attention, they placed each sapling into the soil, reinforcing Group Landmark’s commitment to environmental sustainability. After the plantation, participants watered the newly planted trees, ensuring their healthy start in the Miyawaki forest. This collaborative effort not only strengthened the bond between employees and nature but also marked a meaningful step towards urban greening under the ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative.

Tree Plantation Purpose

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Achieved Through Group Landmark’s Tree Plantation Initiative:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The Miyawaki forest enhances air quality by absorbing pollutants, reducing respiratory diseases and promoting overall well-being. The presence of green spaces has been linked to lower stress levels and improved mental health, benefiting both employees and the local community. This initiative creates a healthier urban environment, encouraging outdoor activities and fostering a deeper connection with nature.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The deep root systems of native trees in the Miyawaki forest improve groundwater retention and reduce surface runoff, preventing soil erosion. This helps in maintaining a natural water cycle and enhances the availability of clean water. The trees also contribute to filtering rainwater, ensuring better water quality and supporting local hydrological balance.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The tree plantation initiative provided employment opportunities for local communities and volunteers involved in site preparation and maintenance. By promoting sustainable urban forestry, supporting green jobs, and aligning with the concept of eco-friendly economic development. Such initiatives also encourage businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations, fostering long-term economic resilience.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Urban forests play a crucial role in creating sustainable cities by mitigating air pollution, reducing noise, and lowering temperatures in concrete-dense areas. Group Landmark’s Miyawaki forest initiative contributes to a greener, cleaner Ahmedabad, making urban spaces more livable. The increased tree cover helps combat climate-related challenges, ensuring cities are more resilient to environmental changes.

5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Under the ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative, Group Landmark is committed to sustainable resource usage. The plantation follows eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal waste and no artificial fertilizers or pesticides. By fostering a circular and responsible approach to green initiatives, the company sets an example of sustainable corporate responsibility.

6. SDG 13: Climate Action

Trees play a vital role in carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gases, and combating climate change. The Miyawaki forest, with its dense and fast-growing trees, absorbs significant amounts of CO₂, mitigating the effects of global warming. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints and building climate resilience in urban areas.

7. SDG 14: Life Below Water

By preventing soil erosion and controlling water runoff, the Miyawaki forest indirectly contributes to the health of nearby water bodies. It minimizes sedimentation in rivers and lakes, reducing pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Sustainable afforestation efforts help maintain the balance of local water resources, benefiting marine and freshwater biodiversity.

8. SDG 15: Life on Land

The Miyawaki forest supports biodiversity conservation, providing habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Restoring green cover in urban areas, aids in protecting endangered native plant species. The initiative helps reverse land degradation and promotes ecological balance, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

9. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Group Landmark’s partnership with Grow Billion Trees exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change, aligning with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this alliance, Group Landmark successfully implemented the Miyawaki forest concept, transforming an urban space into a thriving green ecosystem. Grow Billion Trees provided the expertise, resources, and on-ground support necessary for the initiative’s execution, ensuring the selection of native species and the scientific structuring of the forest. This partnership not only strengthened Group Landmark’s ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative but also engaged employees and volunteers in sustainability efforts. By joining forces, both organizations demonstrated how businesses and environmental groups can work together to scale afforestation efforts, combat climate change, and promote urban biodiversity, setting a benchmark for corporate environmental responsibility.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Achievements Through Group Landmark’s Tree Plantation Initiative

Environmental (E)

Group Landmark’s Miyawaki forest initiative has significantly contributed to environmental sustainability by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving air quality, and increasing urban biodiversity. The dense, fast-growing forest absorbs harmful pollutants, mitigates urban heat islands, and restores native plant species, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. The deep-rooted trees aid in groundwater conservation, preventing soil erosion and promoting natural water retention. By following eco-friendly afforestation methods without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, this initiative embodies responsible environmental stewardship, reinforcing Group Landmark’s commitment to sustainability under its ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative.

Social (S)

This initiative has fostered strong employee engagement and community participation, allowing individuals to take an active role in environmental conservation. Group Landmark employees, alongside Grow Billion Trees (GBT) volunteers, directly contributed to the plantation efforts, strengthening their connection to nature. The newly developed green space will serve as a natural habitat for local wildlife, improving the quality of life for nearby residents by offering cleaner air and a healthier environment. By promoting awareness about afforestation and sustainability, the initiative has inspired a broader culture of environmental responsibility within the organization and the community.

Governance (G)

Through its partnership with Grow Billion Trees, Group Landmark has demonstrated strong corporate governance and ethical responsibility by integrating sustainability into its business operations. The company’s commitment to long-term forest maintenance over the next three years reflects transparency, accountability, and a structured approach to ESG goals. This initiative aligns with global sustainability standards, showcasing how corporate entities can take measurable actions toward environmental and social well-being. By setting a precedent for responsible corporate citizenship, Group Landmark strengthens its reputation as a business that prioritizes sustainability, ethical decision-making, and long-term ecological impact.

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

As part of its CSR under the ROAR (Reduce to Zero, Add Responsibly) Initiative, Group Landmark partnered with Grow Billion Trees to establish a Miyawaki forest in Ahmedabad, reinforcing its commitment to urban greening and sustainability. These fast-growing, high-density forests mature ten times faster and are thirty times denser than conventional plantations, significantly enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance. Launched on Earth Day, the initiative symbolizes a long-term commitment to environmental restoration, with a three-year maintenance plan to ensure the forest thrives as a self-sustaining ecosystem for a greener future.