AstraZeneca, in collaboration with NGPTA iNovaland partners, has announced a major step in their environmental sustainability efforts with the launch of a six million tree planting initiative under the “Atebubu and Wiase Forest Landscape Restoration” project.
The firm made the announcement during a community engagement event in Atebubu, Ghana, held on June 7th, 2024, under the theme “Promoting Healthy Environments for Healthy Communities.”
The event brought together local farmers, project partners, and environmental advocates to celebrate reforestation progress and the adoption of sustainable landscape restoration practices.
According to the company, the initiative aims to restore degraded ecosystems and bolster community resilience.
Deepak Arora, Country President – African Cluster at AstraZeneca, highlighted the critical link between environmental health and public health.
“Climate change and ecosystem degradation are not just environmental issues but also public health concerns.
At AstraZeneca, we are committed to addressing these challenges through sustainable practices and partnerships like AZ Forest, driving positive health and environmental impacts,” Arora said.
AstraZeneca on Forest Restoration
Over the past three years, the project has planted more than four million trees through natural forest restoration and agroforestry efforts.
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The current initiative will see five million trees planted to restore natural forests, while one million trees will be allocated to community-led agroforestry projects. This work supports Ghana’s Green Ghana Day 2024 initiative, which focuses on ecological restoration and community resilience.
Abraham Yelley, Project Coordinator for NGPTA iNovaland, emphasized the project’s impact on local communities.
“We are not just planting trees—we are transforming lives. By uniting communities and stakeholders, we have mobilized over 1,000 farmers in agroforestry, provided high-quality mango and cashew seedlings, and offered technical support. Together, we are addressing food security, enhancing nutrition, and building climate resilience,” Yelley stated.
Aim of Program
AstraZeneca’s AZ Forest program, launched in 2022 in Ghana, aims to plant and maintain 200 million trees globally by 2030, restoring over 100,000 hectares across six continents.
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This initiative addresses local challenges such as deforestation, soil fertility decline, and unemployment, contributing to a more resilient food system and healthier communities.
As the world faces escalating climate threats, initiatives like AZ Forest and national projects like Green Ghana are crucial for environmental sustainability.
The ongoing tree planting activities will continue throughout the planting season, extending the impact of Green Ghana Day beyond a single event.
About AstraZeneca – African Cluster
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in oncology and various other therapeutic areas.
Operating in over 100 countries, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
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