Gurugram, May 4, 2026: Fidelity International today announced the creation of a high‑density Miyawaki forest with the plantation of 15,000 indigenous saplings across 11,873 square metres at the Dhankot pond area in Gurugram.
Using 100% native species planted at a density of 2 to 4 saplings per square metre, the initiative will transform the land over the next three years into a dense, self‑sustaining urban forest designed to deliver long‑term climate, biodiversity and community benefits to the city.
This forest was inaugurated on 1 May by Rohit Jetly, Head of Records Keeping Platforms and India Site Head, and Stuart Warner, Head of FIL Platforms, marking a significant Earth Day commitment to urban ecological restoration.
Designed for measurable environmental impact
The Miyawaki method involves the high‑density plantation of native tree species to accelerate forest growth and enable self‑sustaining ecosystems, even in urban settings.
Developed with Creating Awareness To Change Habits (CATCH) Foundation as the implementation partner, this plantation located in Gurugram Sector 101 features over 30 native tree species and replicates natural multi-layer vegetation to accelerate growth and ecosystem revival.
Once mature, it is expected to deliver:
- 250 to 280 tonnes of Carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorption annually
- 2 to 3°C localized cooling
- 5 to 15% higher groundwater recharge
- Improved air quality through particulate absorption
- Enhanced biodiversity including the return of birds, bees and pollinators
During its establishment and growth phase, the forest is projected to sequester a cumulative 142 to 458 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) over the next ten years,with higher annual absorption expected as the forest reaches maturity.
Commenting on the initiative, Ameet Nayak, Head of India Legal & APAC Company Secretary, and India CSR Head, Fidelity International said, “This Miyawaki forest reflects our belief that meaningful environmental action must be rooted in local communities and designed to deliver lasting value. By restoring green cover and strengthening ecosystems, the forest will enhance environmental resilience while improving wellbeing and quality of life. At Fidelity International, our CSR approach is centred on purposeful action and strong partnerships that translate intent into tangible, on‑ground impact. Through close collaboration with civic authorities,ecological partners, and our employees, we are helping build healthier ecosystems, stronger communities, and sustainable outcomes for the years ahead. The early return of birds, bees, and butterflies at the Dhankot pond underscores the powerful impact of thoughtfullydesigned ecological interventions, demonstrating how native ecosystems can thrive when supported by scientific methods and sustained care.”
Bharat Sisodia, Founder-Chairperson, CATCH Foundation added, “Creating self-sustainable forests in close alignment with the 2070 Net Zero Carbon goal, which in turn become natural habitats for biodiversity to thrive in abundance, is the objective of CATCH Foundation. Urban spaces have become concrete jungles,and we have witnessed these vital green lungs being quietly wiped out of existence. Projects like the Dhankot Pond Area Forest Plantation represent a powerful restoration of such ecosystems, addressing some of the most pressing national challenges, including air pollution—especially in the NCR—biodiversity loss, and the broader climate crisis. Our collaboration with Fidelity International reflects a shared commitment to creating resilient urban spaces that we can responsibly pass on to future generations.”
Ensuring long‑term sustainability
Fidelity International and CATCH Foundation have committed to three years of structured maintenance—including watering, mulching, organic soil care and sapling replacement—to ensure over 95% survival. A precision drip irrigation system reduces water use by 40 to 60%, while geo‑tagging, monthly monitoring and third‑party audits will track impact and growth.
After the maintenance period, the forest is expected to become fully self-sustaining, with natural canopy cover, leaf litter and native root systems supporting long-term ecological health.
The programme also features employee and family‑led plantation drives, structured forest maintenance days, and an Adopt‑a‑Tree initiative that enables Fidelity International employee volunteers to track the growth of their saplings over time. These efforts are complemented by ecological awareness sessions and nature‑based learning activities for employees and their children.
The initiative demonstrates the strength of collaborative action, combining CATCH Foundation’s ecological know‑how and Fidelity International’s long‑term commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
