Cargill and Global Water Challenge (GWC) partner to promote environmental sustainability in Gujarat
• Together embark on a three-year afforestation commitment covering 7.5 acres of land in Bhimsar
• Project includes planting and diligent maintenance of 3000 saplings, creating a lasting environment impact
Bhimsar, Gujarat, October 10, 2023 – To foster environmental preservation and sustainability, Cargill and the Global Water Challenge (GWC), a non-profit organization, today announced a ‘Holistic Rural Development’ project in Bhimsar village in Kandla, Gujarat. Together they have embarked on a transformative afforestation project covering 7.5 acres of land over three years in Bhimsar that will protect the biodiversity of plants, allowing sustenance of ecosystems. This project will be instrumental in improving soil quality, improved water table besides air quality improvement in Bhimsar and surrounding areas. Anarde Foundation, an NGO in Gujarat, as the implementation partner, will be planting and maintaining 3000 saplings throughout the project duration of three years.
The initiative was marked with a tree plantation ceremony today in the presence of representatives from the local gram panchayat and Cargill leadership including Simon George, president of Cargill in India.
Talking about the collaboration, Simon George, president of Cargill in India said, "Our commitment to environmental sustainability continues to drive us forward. Through collaboration with GWC, we are actively restoring and safeguarding critical water resources in India, aligning seamlessly with our vision. Cargill is proactively reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by transitioning from coal to biomass fuel and harnessing solar and wind energy across our operations in India. With well-defined targets and a diverse range of initiatives, we are advancing toward our sustainability goals. Through these efforts, we’re committed towards making a substantial contribution to preserving natural resources and advancing Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."
The aim of this partnership between Cargill and GWC is to enhance water security, improving water availability, quality, and access to create substantial positive impact. This endeavor will yield several key outcomes in the Bhimsar region including (1) improved groundwater levels facilitated by recharge shafts and trenches, (2) increased capacity for surface water storage through the desilting of existing water bodies and (3) advancement of local community livelihoods alongside bolstered overall water security for the region.
“Anarde Foundation ‘s need based sustainable social sector interventions will uplift quality of life in these villages. We believe in committing what we can deliver, and delivering what we commit. We look forward to being the implementation partner for Cargill India”, said a spokesperson from Anarde Foundation.
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About Cargill
Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.
About GWC
Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a coalition of leading organizations deploying expertise and networks to advance global water security and achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in communities around the world.
About Anarde Foundation
The Anarde Foundation has been working in the social sector space in rural India for over 44 years, empowering communities through sustainable solutions to local needs. In terms of statutory compliance, we are a 100% compliant NGO. Our focus areas include interventions in Water, Low-cost village infrastructure, Environment and Skill Development, Livelihood Training through SHGs, Micro-credit for Women, Youth. We have over 15+ centers in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) of India has recognised Anarde Foundation as an Implementing Agency. We are empanelled with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Govt. of India to undertake CSR projects in the field of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation. We are committed to improving living standards in rural areas.