Tata Steel has successfully completed a mid-term assessment of its SukindaEcorace Conservation Project, marking the company’s first evaluation aligned with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions. The assessment, conducted internally and reviewed by IUCN India, recorded a score of 60%, far exceeding the benchmark of 25% required for an “Adequate” rating across all eight criteria.
The initiative—led by the Tata Steel Foundation in partnership with the Central Silk Board and the Central Tasar Research & Training Institute—focuses on reviving the SukindaEcorace, a native trivoltineTasar silkworm species that had nearly vanished due to habitat degradation and the spread of commercial strains. Historically found in the mixed deciduous forests of Sukinda in Odisha, the silkworm’s decline disrupted long-standing community-based sericulture practices.
To restore the species, more than 26 hectares of degraded forest land have been replanted with Arjun and Asan trees, the essential host plants for Tasar silkworms. These rejuvenated forest patches now act as biodiversity corridors, support carbon sequestration, and rebuild ecological conditions necessary for silkworm growth.
The project also focuses on livelihood regeneration. Around 200 families are involved—50 in plantation work and 150 in sericulture—benefiting from improved income opportunities and long-term sustainability. The initiative supports India’s commitments to Sustainable Development Goals including poverty alleviation, climate action, and protection of terrestrial ecosystems.
Rajiv Mangal, Vice President – Safety, Health & Sustainability at Tata Steel, said the IUCN-reviewed assessment validates the company’s approach to integrating biodiversity efforts with corporate strategy. DB Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, highlighted that the project represents a blend of ecological restoration, community upliftment, and economic resilience, reflecting Tata Steel’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible growth. Tata Steel is one of the world’s leading steel producers, with a total crude steel production capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. The company operates across five continents, with a diverse global presence in both production and commercial activities. For FY2025, Tata Steel reported consolidated revenues of approximately $26 billion, underscoring its position as a top-tier player in the global steel industry.
The company has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with ambitious goals to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045. It is also undergoing a digital transformation, with plants in Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden receiving recognition from the World Economic Forum as Global Lighthouse facilities. These plants exemplify Tata Steel’s leadership in advanced digital manufacturing practices and its ongoing efforts to drive innovation and efficiency across its operations.
Tata Steel’s commitment to responsible steel production is reflected in its achievements, including the first ResponsibleSteel™ certification for its Jamshedpur plant, with over 90% of its steel production in India now coming from certified sites. The company has also received numerous accolades, such as the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best-performing integrated steel plant in 2016-17 and the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion award from worldsteel, underscoring its leadership in both sustainability and performance within the global steel sector.
