Mumbai mangroves, flamingo habitat to be restored under Amazon’s $1.2 million project

A key aspect of the project is the installation of trash booms to prevent plastic waste from entering the Mumbai basin. These booms will trap non-biodegradable waste, particularly plastic, which will then be collected, segregated, and recycled. The initiative aims to remove at least 100 kg of plastic daily, with a target of 150 tonnes over three years, while improving bird habitats along Thane Creek.

More than one million migratory birds, including flamingos and over 180 other species, rely on these wetlands. However, unchecked plastic waste, human encroachment, and environmental neglect have worsened the habitats, raising concerns among conservationists and local communities.

Mangrove restoration is critical for ecological conservation, as these ecosystems store significantly more carbon per hectare than tropical forests. Mumbai’s mangroves act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storm surges while providing essential habitats for wildlife.

Amazon India has partnered with Hasten Regeneration, a climate-based solutions organization, and the Srushti Conservation Foundation (SCF) to execute the restoration work.

“The preservation of Mumbai’s flamingo habitat is paramount, not only for the biodiversity it sustains but also for the communities whose livelihoods depend on it. By joining forces with Hasten Regeneration on this landmark project, we aim to safeguard Mumbai’s flamingo habitat for future generations,” said Abhinav Singh, vice-president of Operations, Amazon India.

Hasten Regeneration and SCF have highlighted the urgency of the initiative. “This collaborative effort between Amazon and Hasten Regeneration is a game changer for the Mumbai basin. The project cleans up the polluted banks of Thane Creek, one of the most polluted waterways in the world. We are also creating a positive social impact by employing women to replant mangroves in critical stopover sites for flamingos on their migration route,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration’s India branch.

The initiative is part of Amazon’s broader conservation efforts in India, where the company has committed USD 15 million from its Right Now Climate Fund to support environmental projects. Similar initiatives have been launched to enhance biodiversity, reforest degraded land, and promote sustainable urban ecosystems.