Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has unveiled a major expansion of its AZ Forest programme, demonstrating a $400 million commitment to planting 200 million trees across six continents by 2030. This significant investment will ensure the long-term survival of these trees, with reforestation projects planned in Brazil, India, Vietnam, Ghana, and Rwanda, in addition to ongoing initiatives in Australia and Indonesia.
Aerial drone view of forest by Negro River, Brazil.
The AZ Forest programme is a cornerstone of AstraZeneca's sustainability strategy, Ambition Zero Carbon, designed to achieve deep decarbonisation in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The company aims to combat environmental emergencies, promote biodiversity, and enhance ecological and community resilience by planting trees and restoring nature. The programme spans over 100,000 hectares worldwide, making a substantial contribution to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural habitats.
Since its inception in 2020, the AZ Forest programme has made remarkable progress. Planting efforts have been underway in Australia, Indonesia, Ghana, the UK, the US, and France, where over 300 tree species have been reintroduced, restoring biodiversity and revitalising natural ecosystems. These initiatives are expected to positively impact approximately 80,000 livelihoods, providing social and economic benefits to local communities.
In line with the World Economic Forum's 1t.org initiative, AstraZeneca's AZ Forest programme actively supports the global objective of conserving, restoring, and growing one trillion trees by 2030. Over the next 30 years, the company aims to remove approximately 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Read more: Reforestation: 10 amazing benefits of planting trees
Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's CEO, stressed the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss. He stated, ‘Through AZ Forest, we are working with local communities and ecological experts to deliver reforestation at scale, as well as support biodiversity and sustain livelihoods.’ Soriot highlighted the science-based approach of AZ Forest, which aims to achieve significant carbon emissions reduction and make a tangible positive impact on the environment.
The AZ Forest projects are designed collaboratively with planting experts, local communities, and governments to ensure effective natural forest restoration and agroforestry. These initiatives create new skills, employment opportunities, and safeguards for endangered species, thereby benefiting both the environment and human health.
As part of its commitment to reforestation, AstraZeneca has joined forces with the European Forest Institute (EFI) and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) to develop a science-based framework called the CBA Principles for Regenerative Landscapes. This framework will guide the restoration of biodiversity and the development of circular bioeconomy value chains.
Read more: Major global companies develop science-based targets for biodiversity
In a world where environmental stewardship and sustainable practices are paramount, AstraZeneca's AZ Forest programme stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and implementing robust monitoring systems, the company strives to safeguard the vitality of trees, soil, water quality, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. This dedication to ecological preservation aligns seamlessly with the ethos of DGB Group.
At DGB, we take pride in offering inclusive and transparent solutions that empower businesses, investors, and individuals who share our fervour for nature conservation. Through active participation in our initiatives, stakeholders become catalysts for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation. Together, we forge a path towards a future where humanity and nature coexist harmoniously, ensuring a sustainable and flourishing planet.
Embracing the notion that positive change lies within our grasp, DGB invites you to embark on this transformative journey. Let us join forces, amplifying our impact as we champion accessible and transparent approaches to nurturing and protecting the natural world.
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