Continental Initiates Planting Of 150,000 Trees Across India To Celebrate 150th Anniversary
Bengaluru, December 09, 2021. Technology company Continental celebrated its 150th anniversary by launching a 150,000 tree plantation drive across India, spread over locations with manufacturing footprint, Bengaluru, Pune, Gurugram, Kolkata, Sonepat, and Modipuram.
The activity, kicked off on October 08, 2021, was inaugurated by veteran environmentalist and Padmashri recipient Saalumarada Thimmakka. Continental is working with multiple NGOs and local Govt departments to complete and sustain the project.
Speaking about the initiative, Prashanth Doreswamy, Country Head Continental India said, “We are delighted to celebrate 150 years of Continental through a sustainable eco-friendly program. Nature-based solutions such as this, is one of the means by which we can fight climate change and build resilient landscapes for future generations.”
The project focuses on improving biodiversity, afforestation in reclaimed forest land and greening of suburban areas. Indigenous varieties of trees are being planted to ensure there is no negative impact on hydrology.
Trees are valuable for carbon sequestration. Some research show that a typical mature hardwood tree can absorb about 45 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. However, it takes years before a tree sequesters a significant amount of carbon, making forest conservation of vital importance. Towards achieving this, the majority of Continental’s special project focuses on afforestation of reclaimed forest land. For instance, in Bangalore, Continental’s NGO partner is working closely with the forest department on this project. The larger share of the project will follow the Miyawaki approach of tree planting, which allows for growing dense, native forests, with faster sapling growth rate, and a resultant plantation that is several times denser than regular plantation.
Project wins corporation’s aid from its global fund-raising campaign „Raising Heartbeats Challenge“
The project is one among the six global aid projects to receive the special fund from the corporation’s 150th Anniversary special fund-raising campaign.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2020, Continental generated sales of €37.7 billion and currently employs around 193,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The company has been present in India for close to 50 years through technology partnerships (Continental Tires since 1974) and joint ventures for its various businesses. Today, the tier 1 automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner operate across India – with about 8,000 employees across 13 locations, including eight plants that cater to the Indian market and a Technical Center that supports Continental’s global R&D activities.
