In celebration of World Environment Day, Vedanta Aluminium, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IORA Ecological Solutions, a prominent environmental advisory firm in India. This strategic partnership aims to implement nature-based solutions (NBS) to conserve biodiversity and natural resources near Vedanta Aluminium’s operations, thereby achieving climate resilience on a landscape level. This includes the conservation of water, soil, flora, and fauna across extensive areas.
Founded in 2009, IORA Ecological Solutions specializes in natural resource conservation, carbon forestry, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through this collaboration, IORA will assist Vedanta Aluminium in developing and implementing projects focused on managing local biodiversity and ecosystems. This includes identifying, designing, and managing technology-driven climate mitigation projects that align with global sustainability efforts and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium will work on nature-based climate offset and biodiversity management projects in partnership with local communities and other stakeholders.
These initiatives will be implemented around Vedanta Aluminium’s operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. This will enable the company to enhance its engagement with local communities and stakeholders through organized forums, capacity-building programs, and grassroots biodiversity and nature conservation practices. These actions are intended to integrate viable nature-positive strategies into every aspect of Vedanta Aluminium’s operations.
![John Slaven](https://themachinemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/John-Slaven.jpg)
Commenting on the partnership, Mr John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, stated, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are integrating sustainability into every aspect of our decision-making process. We measure success by the degree of positive socio-economic changes and environmental stewardship achieved through our operations. We are also focusing on enhancing resource efficiencies, circular economy practices, and inclusive community partnerships for a sustainable future, committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.”
Mr Swapan Mehra, CEO of IORA Ecological Solutions, added, “We are pleased to collaborate with Vedanta Aluminium towards deploying comprehensive environmental and ecological solutions around its operations. Vedanta’s efforts will undoubtedly inspire its peers in the global business landscape, spurring a transformative impact across the industry.”
Vedanta Aluminium operates the world’s largest aluminium plant in Jharsuguda and a world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha. It also includes BALCO, India’s iconic aluminium producer based in Korba, Chhattisgarh. To mark World Environment Day, the company organized several knowledge-building and engagement activities among its teams and communities. These included expert-led sessions and documentary screenings on topics such as the impact of desertification, drought resilience, and aligning business-biodiversity needs.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium production at 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. The company leads in value-added aluminium products that are crucial in core industries. It ranks first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to advancing aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.