Vedanta Aluminium collabs with IORA for ecological conservation

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium manufacturer, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IORA Ecological Solutions, India’s top environmental advice firm.

As part of the agreement, Vedanta Aluminium will work with IORA to create nature-based solutions (NBS) for biodiversity and natural resource conservation near its activities, as well as establishing landscape-level climate resilience. Natural resource management at the landscape level entails protecting natural resources such as water, soil, vegetation, and fauna over a vast region.  

IORA, established in 2009, offers technical competence in natural resource conservation, carbon forestry, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The partnership will help Vedanta Aluminium develop and implement projects aimed at landscape-level management of local biodiversity and ecosystems, such as identifying, designing, and managing technology-led climate mitigation projects that are aligned with global sustainability efforts and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Vedanta Aluminium will also carry out nature-based carbon offset and biodiversity management programmes in partnership with local communities and other relevant parties.

These initiatives will be implemented in the vicinity of the company’s operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, allowing it to increase on-the-ground engagement with local communities and other stakeholders through organised forums, raise awareness, build capacity, and implement grassroots biodiversity and nature conservation practices. Collectively, these initiatives aim to actively discover and incorporate potential nature-positive actions into all aspects of Vedanta Aluminium’s business.

Commenting on the partnership, John Slaven, CEO, of Vedanta Aluminium says, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are integrating sustainability into every aspect of our decision-making process, measuring success by the degree of positive socio-economic changes and environmental stewardship we achieve through our operations. As part of this effort, we are also focusing on enhancing resource efficiencies, circular economy practices, and inclusive community partnerships for a sustainable future, and are committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.”

Adding his views, Swapan Mehra, CEO, of IORA Ecological Solutions says, “We are pleased to collaborate with Vedanta Aluminium towards deploying comprehensive environmental and ecological solutions in the vicinity of its operations. As an industry leader, Vedanta’s efforts in this regard will surely inspire its peers in the global business landscape to shore up their plans as well, spurring a transformative impact across the entire industry.”

Vedanta Aluminium’s operations include the world’s largest aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda and a world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha, as well as mining operations in the state. It also includes BALCO, India’s famed aluminium producer headquartered in Korba, Chhattisgarh. On World Environment Day, the company organised a variety of knowledge-building and engagement activities for its teams and communities. Expert-led workshops and video screenings included subjects such as the impact of desertification, drought resilience, and integrating business and biodiversity demands.

Vedanta Aluminium, a unit of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, producing more than half of the country’s aluminium (2.37 million tonnes in FY24). It is a market leader in value-added aluminium products that have important applications in key sectors. Vedanta Aluminium is ranked first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development. The company’s world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India help it achieve its purpose of promoting emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

For more information, visit: http://www.vedantaaluminium.com

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