Biodiversity conservation is central to our sustainability and long-term value creation strategy. Our scientific and integrated approach to managing marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems focusses on ecosystem protection, restoration, and responsible resource use. We are committed to protecting the natural ecosystem in the areas of our operations, and continue to invest proactively in mangrove conservation, biodiversity protection initiatives, and land restoration. Our biodiversity conservation strategy is designed to support resilient ecosystems alongside sustainable growth.
4,240 hectares
Mangrove Afforestation Executed
1,267 hectares
Terrestrial Plantation Executed
3,042 hectares
Mangrove Conservation
1,156 ML
Of wastewater reused for horticulture purposes
We are committed to protecting the natural ecosystem in the areas of our operations, and continue to invest proactively in mangrove conservation, biodiversity protection initiatives, and land restoration
Our commitment to environmental stewardship is guided by a proactive and precautionary approach that seeks not only to minimise biodiversity-related impacts, but also to actively restore and enhance ecological value across our operational footprint. We recognise biodiversity as a critical natural capital underpinning long-term business resilience, community well-being, and sustainable economic growth.
We are committed to achieving a Net Positive Impact (NPI) on biodiversity by 2050, beginning with the milestone of No Net Loss (NNL). This commitment reflects our intent to move beyond impact mitigation and towards positive ecological outcomes.
We are dedicated to achieving No Net Deforestation by 2050 within our operational footprint. We are also committed to avoiding eco-sensitive areas through focussed initiatives, which include steering clear of areas such as IUCN categories I-IV protected areas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention.
Our Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) are central to the delivery of our biodiversity ambition. These plans:
Through the implementation of BMPs, we aim to systematically manage biodiversity risks while unlocking opportunities for conservation and restoration.
Our biodiversity and environmental commitments are aligned with the principles of the Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework) and the vision of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to live in harmony with nature by 2050. This alignment underscores our commitment to global biodiversity goals and responsible corporate action.
We are India’s first port operator to adopt the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, with a commitment to commence disclosures from FY 2026.
These initiatives strengthen transparency, risk management, and alignment with emerging global expectations on nature-related disclosures.
We plan to align our biodiversity actions with the Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework through the following milestones:
We assess our value chains annually on biodiversity aspects to understand their materiality related to biodiversity. Our efforts are aligned towards minimising any adverse environmental impact caused by our operations, and we aim to align our supply chains with our biodiversity policy.
None of our operational sites are located in identified biodiversity hotspots or protected areas, and we continue to make intensive efforts to conserve the natural ecosystems across our operations.
| UOM | FY 2021-22 | FY 2022-23 | FY 2023-24 | FY 2024-25 | FY 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mangroves Afforestation Executed | Ha. | 3,239 | 3,990 | 4,240 | 4,240 | 4,240 |
| Terrestrial Plantation Executed | Ha. | 1,000 | 1,183 | 1,267 | 1,267 | 1,267 |
APSEZ’s biodiversity risk management roadmap is anchored in a robust governance framework that emphasises rigorous regulatory compliance and the adoption of globally recognised best practices. This roadmap is strengthened through the systematic integration of biodiversity-related risk frameworks into the multi-disciplinary, company-wide risk management processes, ensuring consistent assessment and decision-making across business functions.
As part of our commitment to nature-related transparency and risk disclosure, APSEZ has initiated alignment with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, commencing with three priority locations – Dhamra Port, Krishnapatnam Port, and Mundra Port. The TNFD assessment has been structured around its four core pillars: Governance, Strategy, Risk & Impact Management, and Metrics & Targets.
The TNFD-recommended LEAP (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare) approach is applied to identify nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities across our value chain. To understand the interface between operations and nature, spatial and screening tools such as IBAT and RESOLVE were used. Sector-specific materiality is assessed using the ENCORE Nature tool, while site-level priority ecosystem services are identified through the Corporate Ecosystem Services Review. Additionally, the WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter is deployed to conduct location-specific risk assessments.
These assessments encompass impacts from our direct operations, adjacent areas surrounding our own activities, and immediate upstream and downstream value chain interactions, enabling a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity risks and informing targeted mitigation and management actions. This holistic approach recognises the interconnected nature of coastal and marine ecosystems, and helps in identifying and assessing risks arising from infrastructure construction, dredging, land reclamation, shipping activities, and changes in land and marine use.
The APSEZ Business Management Plan (BMP) establishes measurable indicators, site-specific action plans, and timelines, aligned with emerging science-based approaches.
Biodiversity Risk Screening (Proximity Analysis using IBAT)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Assessment
Risk Assessment
Development of Management Plan
Implementation of the Management Plan

| Category | Ecosystem Service | Dhamra Port | Krishnapatnam Port | Mundra Port | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependency | Impact | Dependency | Impact | Dependency | Impact | ||
| Provisioning services | Freshwater | ||||||
| Capture fisheries | / | / | |||||
| Regulating services | Maintenance of air quality | // | // | // | |||
| Global climate regulation | // | // | // | ||||
| Regional / local climate regulation | |||||||
| Regulation of water timing and flows | |||||||
| Erosion control | / | / | / | ||||
| Water purification and waste treatment | |||||||
| Natural hazard mitigation | |||||||
| Cultural services | Recreation and ecotourism | NA | / | NA | |||
| Supporting services | Habitat | ||||||
In year 2025, we initiated structured Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) development for three priority ports – Mundra, Dhamra and Krishnapatnam. External stakeholders were involved for developing the Biodiversity Management Plan. The plans are developed with a major objective to achieve No Net Loss and Net Positive Impact eventually. Historical maps and current LULC maps were developed to understand impact of the operation on Land use change, which was considered as the value for restoration/offset. The BMPs have been developed with an ecosystem-based approach wherein the strategies proposed contribute towards restoring the health of the ecosystem. APSEZ operationalises biodiversity stewardship through the mitigation hierarchy.
| Number of sites | Area (Hectares) | |
|---|---|---|
| Total no. of sites | 15* | 13,512.8 |
| Assessment | 15 | 13,512.8 |
| Exposure | 2 | 2,293.5 |
| Management Plan# | 2 | 2,293.5 |
* Include 14 Ports and 1- ALL sites
# Numbers show management plan of those sites that have a significant biodiversity impact. In addition, all locations maintain a site-level Biodiversity Management Plan as an integral component of their Environmental Management Plans. Further, in line with our commitment to achieving a NPI, dedicated BMPs were developed for three sites in FY 2026.
Note: The data is only for National locations.
| Risk Category | Sub-category | Driving Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Risk | Acute | Extreme weather events, including high winds, intense rain events, flooding, cyclones, heatwaves |
| Chronic | Long-term changes in ocean conditions from climate change impact leading to restriction on use of the port environment and change in cargo supply and demand | |
| Chronic | Reduction in the availability of freshwater | |
| Transitional Risk | Regulatory | Loss of ecosystem crucial for concerned species |
| Regulatory | Regulation on illegal wildlife trade | |
| Regulatory | Management of invasive species | |
| Regulatory | Non-compliance with regulations set by SPCB/CPCB | |
| Market | Lack of ability to secure funding for capital projects | |
| Reputational | Shifting buyers’ mindset | |
| Reputational | Environmental issues in the supply chain could become apparent, including at the dismantling and fuel procurement stages, leading to stricter regulations | |
| Market/Regulatory/Reputational | Regulations and policy demanding sustainable options | |
| Technology | Challenges in adopting and integrating new technologies |
Collaborate with communities to restore local watersheds, usage of domestic grey water, recycled industrial wastewater, desalination and rainwater harvesting, and build resilience by reducing our dependence on shared water resources.
Enhancement of greenbelt, reduction in GHG and non-GHG pollutants. Offsetting residual emissions through carbon sequestration initiatives, particularly through mangrove afforestation. Achieving Net Zero of all businesses in FY 2040
Plantation of mangroves and other terrestrial floral species to enhance the greenbelt, to act as a buffer against natural calamities
Engaging in restoration activities that will also creates natural environments that encourage relaxation, nature appreciation, and outdoor recreation such as walking, bird watching, and community gatherings
Avoidance measures focus on preventing impacts at source through project planning and design optimisation. These include:
Residual impacts remaining after avoidance and minimisation are addressed through restoration and regeneration, with the objective of reinstating affected habitats and ecosystem functions using native species and ecologically appropriate methods to their original state. Restoration actions include:
Where impacts cannot be fully avoided, operational and engineering controls are applied to reduce their intensity and spatial extent:
We are working towards transforming our operations and surrounding landscapes to reduce biodiversity impacts at source, while applying offsets only as a last resort for residual impacts that cannot be avoided, minimised, or restored on-site:
The metrics developed for Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), are aligned with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and are designed to reflect the specific interaction of port and logistics operations with coastal and marine ecosystems.
Metrics have been developed on drivers like:

We are strongly committed to fostering equitable and sustainable management of natural resources, with the overarching aim of ensuring a prosperous future marked by environmental stability and climate resilience. Our efforts to achieve this vision are driven by our holistic approach to port development, seamlessly integrating infrastructure growth with nature conservation. This strategy has helped us enhance the sustainability of our transport infrastructure while protecting biodiversity.
We have strategically aligned our operations and partnerships under a clearly defined Biodiversity Policy that guides our conservation and restoration efforts. We actively engage in policy advocacy and continuous dialogue with government bodies, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions, and collaborate with public authorities to support biodiversity research and on-ground restoration initiatives. These collaborations include funding and support for species conservation and ecosystem restoration projects, such as Olive Ridley turtle conservation and coral reef rehabilitation programmes.
We take concerted measures to promote the valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services across our operations. A designated Biodiversity Champion within the organisation leads the identification and assessment of biodiversity-related risks and opportunities. APSEZ’s membership in the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI) further reinforces our commitment to responsible and sustainable biodiversity management.
Our commitment to fostering environmental stewardship goes beyond compliance and constitutes a core part of our culture. ‘Environment Shikhar’ – our flagship annual initiative, brings together environment professionals from all ports and logistics sites to strengthen collective understanding, drive collaboration, and inspire innovative approaches to conservation and sustainability.
The 14th Environment Shikhar was held on November 27-28, 2025, at Gopalpur Ports Ltd. A total of 33 participants from locations across India participated at the programme, which was themed around “Awareness to Action”, emphasising the transition from knowledge-building to on-ground impact.
The agenda was thoughtfully curated to enhance technical capacity and strengthen internal audit mechanisms, enabling teams to reinforce management systems through effective checks and continual improvement. A field visit to the Rushikulya turtle nesting sites, one of India’s most important mass nesting beaches for olive ridley turtles, provided experiential learning on coastal biodiversity conservation and habitat protection.
Our mangrove programme at Kachchh in Gujarat is a holistic ecological and social initiative. Beyond enhancing species diversity and improving habitat quality, the programme actively engages local communities in mangrove afforestation. It is aiding in the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local populace, while protecting coastal biodiversity.
The Mundra coastline provides a remarkable natural setting for mangrove biodiversity protection. The region’s expansive intertidal flats, creeks and estuaries offer ideal conditions for mangrove growth. It is one of the few locations in Kachchh where multiple true mangrove species coexist naturally.
Building on this potential, the project at Luni village continued to nurture a mosaic of mangrove species, supported by nursery cultivation and site-specific plantation design. The project addressed the site’s need for active care and maintenance, triggered by natural pressures such as algal overgrowth and grazing by animals – both of which can hinder young mangrove saplings.
Our integrated approach to promoting mangrove biodiversity enables community ownership of conservation efforts, and concurrently supports the restored mangrove landscapes in gradually functioning as resilient, living ecosystems.
Approach
Impact
Variation in species performance was expected, as each mangrove type responds differently to salinity, inundation, and soil conditions. While some species established themselves rapidly, others showed slower but steady adaptation, contributing to a more balanced, diverse mangrove community that can withstand environmental fluctuations.
The Bio-shield at Dahej continued to grow as a unique example of ecological restoration combined with community upliftment. Launched in collaboration with local communities, the programme was designed not only to strengthen the coastline but also to create livelihood opportunities for village communities, particularly marginalised groups.
Approach
Impact
We have progressively expanded our bio-shield initiative at Hazira around the coastal zone with a focus on nursery development and shoreline protection. The site has been steadily shaped into a protective green belt featuring mangroves and Saru plantations. This has helped stabilise the fragile coastal edges and encouraged biodiversity in the adjoining wetlands.
Approach
Impact
The coastal restoration work at Tuna – Kandla has taken a significant ecological leap by moving toward multi-species mangrove development. Traditionally, the region’s mangrove cover has been dominated by a single species, but this project is aimed at reintroducing species that were once a rare presence in Kachchh.
Approach
Impact

Our commitment to marine biodiversity conservation is manifest in our continued focussed efforts to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtle along the Odisha coastline – one of the most significant nesting regions for the species globally.
Odisha’s coast is internationally recognised for hosting large nesting congregations of the Olive Ridley sea turtle – a vulnerable marine species distinguished by its rare mass-nesting behaviour which is marked by thousands of females gathering annually along their natal beaches. This natural phenomenon underscores the ecological importance of the region and the need for sustained conservation measures.
Approach
1.Protection of Nesting Habitats
2.Dark Sky Lighting
3.Safe Navigation & Fishing Controls
4.Community Engagement for Turtle-Friendly Practices
5.Scientific Research
We have established a dedicated Biodiversity Park within the Nursery at Mundra for conserving indigenous plant species, enhancing habitat diversity, and strengthening long-term ecosystem resilience in the region.
The Biodiversity Park serves as a living repository of native flora, with over 58 indigenous plant species representing the natural vegetation of the Kutch landscape. The plantation design follows a layered, multi-tier vegetation structure, replicating natural forest ecosystems and supporting diverse ecological functions.
Designed as a low-input, climate-resilient landscape, the Biodiversity Park prioritises species adapted to local climatic conditions, thereby minimising irrigation requirements and reducing dependency on chemical inputs. This approach promotes sustainable horticulture practices while optimising resource efficiency.
Approach
Impact
Environmental and Ecological Outcomes
Colombo West International Terminal (Private) Limited recognises the critical importance of coastal coral reef and is funding to support for scientific research and coral reef rehabilitation undertaken by the Pro Green Laboratory of the University of Moratuwa. The initiative focusses on the restoration of a degraded (dead) coral reef ecosystem in Beruwala, adopting a science-based and ecosystem-led approach.
The programme involves reef cleaning, coral transplantation, and continuous research-based monitoring to restore coral cover, enhance marine biodiversity, and improve ecosystem functionality. Scientific monitoring forms a core component of the initiative, enabling the assessment of coral survival rates, reef health, and long-term ecological outcomes.
A key milestone under this initiative was achieved with the successful completion of the first coral replanting session on January 24, 2026, marking the commencement of active restoration efforts at the site. The project is expected to contribute to the recovery of marine biodiversity, strengthen coastal ecosystem resilience, and generate valuable research insights to inform future reef restoration initiatives.
Through this partnership, CWIT aims to support nature-based solutions, advance marine conservation science, and contribute to long-term positive outcomes for coastal ecosystems and communities.
Our meticulously crafted Oil Spill Action Plan seeks to prevent and swiftly mitigate environment-endangering spills of hazardous substance. The plan is designed to ensure compliance with global best practices in spill management, by aligning with both the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and standards set by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association.
The 7-Point Oil Spill Action Plan
Performance Metrics: 0 L/crore (Volume of oil spilled/revenue)
