Mphasis F1 Foundation in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), has launched an initiative on World Wetlands Day, February 2, 2024, dedicated to the restoration of mangroves. This initiative has been launched at Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu (in Tamil, which translates to ‘jungle of roots’, implying the presence of Mangrove forests in the entire area), a coastal town on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Pulicat coastline spans 720 sq. km and is India’s second-biggest brackish water body. The lake’s depth has reduced from 3.8m to 2m due to the large-scale destruction of the mangrove vegetation due to human-caused and factors. Currently, the area is left with patches of mangrove vegetation; hence these efforts are aimed at its restoration.
Often overlooked yet critically important, mangroves play a pivotal role in coastal biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being. Unfortunately, mangroves are under threat, with a loss of 35% between 1996-2000, as suggested by various reports. The State of the World’s Mangrove 2022 report reveals that only 147,000 km2 of mangroves remain globally. These salt-tolerant trees provide a habitat for diverse marine and terrestrial species and offer numerous environmental and community benefits. Their dense root systems act as a natural buffer against extreme weather events, stabilize shorelines, and are highly effective carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, about 5 times higher than that of tropical upland forests.
“Mphasis has been an active advocate for environmental conservation and, collaboratively with United Way Bengaluru, has implemented many environmental initiatives. As our commitment to environmental preservation deepens, it becomes increasingly apparent the pivotal role mangroves play in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and habitat preservation. The positive outcomes of this initiative will have a far-reaching impact, contributing to endeavors aimed at addressing climate change and the overarching biodiversity crisis,” said Ayaskant Sarangi, CHRO, Mphasis.
Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru, said, “It is essential to maintain the momentum and keep growing our efforts. We are glad to receive support from our CSR partner, Mphasis, and the Gram Panchayat.”
Alongside its environmental benefits of protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems, the campaign will aid the local economy by enhancing the production of shrimp and fish species, which are common sources of livelihood for the people in the region. As part of UWB‘s broader initiative, it aims to restore approximately one million mangroves in the region by 2027.
Together, Mphasis and United Way Bengaluru have driven several environmental initiatives, including the revival of Dommandandra Lake spread across 39 acres in Bengaluru under the ‘Wake the Lake’ Campaign to create a one-time storage capacity of 18.72 Cr liters impacting catchment area of 163 hectares. Similarly constructing 1300 percolation wells as part of the ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign enabled the efficient harvesting of rainwater, offering the potential to conserve 166 million liters with each filling. Additionally, foundation for a thriving forest has been established at Doddasaggere Botanical Garden in Tumkur, Karnataka, comprising 100,000 tree saplings of diverse species. This initiative holds the capacity to sequestrate 21L kilograms of CO2 annually.
About Mphasis
Mphasis’ purpose is to be the “Driver in a Driverless Car” for global enterprises by applying next-generation design, architecture, and engineering services, to deliver scalable and sustainable software and technology solutions. Customer-centricity is foundational to Mphasis, and it is reflected in Mphasis’ Front2Back™ Transformation approach. Front2Back™ uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive computing to provide a hyper-personalized (C=X2C2TM=1) digital experience to clients and their end customers. Mphasis’ Service Transformation approach helps ‘shrink the core’ through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis’ core reference architectures and tools, speed and innovation with domain expertise and specialization, combined with an integrated sustainability and purpose-led approach across its operations and solutions are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients. Click here to know more. (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS)
About United Way Bengaluru (UWBe)
UWBe is an NGO focused on social issues that seek immediate and long-term attention. United Way Bengaluru marked a significant milestone this year as it completed its 15-year journey. As a part of the global network, United Way Worldwide, the largest network of non-profit organizations with 1,100 chapters in 37 countries, United Way Bengaluru carries a global image with a ‘local heart’ committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities. True to the organization’s mission “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world”, UWBe catalyzes unified efforts from corporates, civic bodies, and citizen associations to bring about visible and sustainable change in the lives of the communities. The organization works in four key areas – environment, education, healthcare, and rural development. For more information, https://www.uwbengaluru.org.
