Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is focusing on environmental conservation through its afforestation initiatives under its sixth eco-challenge, “Living in Harmony with Nature.” The company has been using the unique Miyawaki Method of Afforestation since 2009, making it the first Indian company to implement such a method. TKM’s commitment to sustainability and ecological restoration has yielded remarkable results, with numerous advantages of the Miyawaki approach.
Dr. Akira Miyawaki’s Miyawaki Concept creates dense, multi-layered forests using native species to mimic natural regeneration processes. This approach promotes biodiversity and aids food chain and ecology. Toyota’s Miyawaki plantation drive expanded to 112 acres, with over 120 forest habitat species identified and 51 shortlisted for planting.
Today, Toyota’s Bidadi facility has 328,000 saplings of 700 native species, creating a thriving ecosystem with 88 bird species, 38 butterfly species, 107 insects, 17 reptiles, 8 mammals, and 6 amphibians. Mr. B. Padmanabha, Associate Executive Vice President – Manufacturing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “By integrating native species and following ecological principles, we continue to create forests that not only beautify the landscape, but also foster biodiversity and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.”