into projects evaluation (greenfield and brownfield projects) requiring regulatory clearance. The Group’s comprehensive baseline studies focus on endangered species and ecosystems; it assesses potential biodiversity impacts and risks from activities. These assessments influence a detailed Biodiversity Management Plan, outlining measures to protect habitats, restore ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity. This integrated approach ensures that projects are conducted responsibly. The Group acknowledges the importance of regulatory compliance in upholding responsible and sustainable business practices across diverse sectors. By adhering to environmental regulations, the Group obtains all relevant permissions (effective monitoring through the Legatrix software). The key regulations governing our operations comprise Environment Clearance (EC), Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and several others (encompassing waste management and pollution control). This Adani Portfolio commitment surpasses mere compliance; the Group aims for excellence, setting benchmarks related to regulatory adherence and best practices. All Adani Portfolio businesses addressed and complied with every regulatory environmental requirement with no non- compliance. Adani Portfolio’s ambitious pledge to grow 100 million trees by 2030 For an environmentally sustainable planet, growing trees is one of the best nature-based solutions. The Adani Portfolio, India’s largest and fastest growing portfolio of diversified businesses, pledged to grow 100 million trees by 2030. This commitment was made on 1t.org, the World Economic Forum’s ‘Trillion Trees Platform’, making it one of the most ambitious corporate commitments ever made (https:// www.1t.org/pledges/growing- 100-million-trees-by-2030. The 100 million commitment includes mangroves as well as terrestrial trees. 1t.org is a multi-stakeholder platform serving a global movement to conserve, restore and grow 1 trillion trees by 2030, in support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This initiative specifically seeks the engagement of the corporate sector. By removing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the trillion trees movement seeks to deaccelerate climate change and advance the SDGs related to climate, biodiversity and forestry. The sheer scale of ambition of 1t.org to plant a trillion trees is inspiring. The Adani Portfolio is at the forefront to tackle the climate and nature crises. The 1t.org India Platform is growing, with more businesses, eco-preneurs, community groups and youngsters joining the movement. Conservation and restoration is critical to mitigate the effects of climate change that threaten the livelihoods of millions who depend on forests and agriculture. The Group pledges to conserve the trees it has planted. Since many businesses are situated along the shore, mangroves are a focus of many of the Group’s projects. Along with many other advantages, mangroves protect coastlines, improve marine biodiversity, support local economies, stop saline water intrusion, serve as a nursery for fish and other aquatic animals and provide a variety of other services. By 2030, the Group aims to have 37.10 million mangrove trees comprising afforestation and conservation. The target for Target and commitments Business Specific commitment AESL Conduct business with no net biodiversity loss and 100% alignment with India Business Biodiversity Initiative and public disclosures by FY 2023-24 Adani Ports Signatory to CII-backed India Business and Biodiversity Initiative APL Conduct business with no net biodiversity loss; 100% alignment with India Business Biodiversity Initiative and public disclosures by FY 2023-24 AGEL Conduct business with no net biodiversity loss and 100% alignment with India Business Biodiversity Initiative by 2025 AEL No net biodiversity loss and 100% alignment with India Business & Biodiversity Initiative by 2023 terrestrial plantation is 63.08 million trees. These trees will aid in reducing air pollution, regulating temperature, replenishing groundwater and preventing soil erosion. The Adani Portfolio’s strategy of growing trees is to plant local species with a high capacity for sequestering carbon and the ability to thrive in the area’s climatic circumstances. The benefits of the initiative include improving biodiversity and giving work opportunities to local people. The implementation comprises a yearly plan for tree planting for all Adani businesses through 2030, the use of cutting-edge technology for seeding, watering and monitoring as well as the use of sustainable forest management that promotes natural regeneration. Year wise target (terrestrial and mangroves) Years 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Terrestrial 0 5.52 6.08 6.22 6.18 6.42 7.13 7.48 7.62 Mangroves 0 1.88 2.38 2.13 2.13 2.13 2.13 2.13 2.00 Target 37.06 44.47 52.92 61.27 69.57 78.12 87.37 96.98 106.58 Target: 100 Million tonnes by 2030 CASE STUDY From wasteland to green land Five years ago, the Kunjer village in Rajasthan’s Baran district was a little more than 50 barren hectares. A state government initiative, supported by the Adani Foundation and local villagers, Kunjer is now home to several endangered species of birds and animals and provides learning and employment opportunities. There are more than 17,000 trees in full bloom including orange, guava, papaya, rudraksh, tamarind, rosewood, olive, plum, fig, neem, bamboo, babul, arjuna and lime. Among the shrubs and trees in this man made spread comprise plants of medicinal value. Attractive signs posted around the park inform about the properties and features of these herbs, plants and trees. The park is filled with beehives and a bevy of birds—cuckoos, mynas, sparrows, crows—that have made the park their home. The park attracts researchers, bird watchers, scientists, environmentalists and nature lovers as easily as it attracts wildlife. The biodiversity park also functions as a normal tourist draw, with an open-air gym, walking trails and cafes. It has become a place for people to socialise. The women of Kunjer played a prominent role in the development of the park. Local women sowed seeds, constructed trench walls and water bodies among other things. ESG Report 2022-23 129 128 Adani Group