Acacia Eco
The Pitch
Acacia Eco worked with local government officials to restore Ahmedabad’s urban forest, provide job opportunities to residents and open local organizations to green financing markets.
The Problem
Urban spaces in Ahmedabad were seen as drains on public resources and the urban forest was unhealthy and unmaintained.
The Process
- Planted native trees in urban areas to expand urban forest cover
- Collaborated with local government bodies and communities to improve governance practices and increase civic engagement
- Employed residents to work on reforestation projects
The Impact
- Increased tree survival rate of newly planted trees by using various native species
- Planted 1.2 million+ trees (comprised of 75+ native tree species); the trees are projected to sequester 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually over the next 30 years
- Ensured local buy-in by creating new jobs and stable livelihoods
- Opened new avenues for carbon financing and support from corporate social responsibility
- Shifted public perception of green spaces from burdensome on resources to a source of income and ecosystem services
- Provides urban communities with cleaner air, water, shade and recreational opportunities, positively impacting residents’ physical and mental health
- Positively impacted biodiversity and improved climate resilience by increasing the urban canopy
