Accenture supports the creation of an ‘Eco Action & Learning Hub’ focused on wetland restoration in Chennai.
Where: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Background: Accenture is supporting the establishment of an ‘Eco Action & Learning Hub’ focused on wetland restoration across a 15-acre site in Manali, Chennai. This collaborative initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Zone 2 (Manali Zone) of the Greater Chennai Corporation and the non-profit organization ‘Farmers for Forests.’ The hub will enable the local community to learn about environmental sustainability and engage in environmental conservation activities. This is the third Eco Action & Learning Hub in India supported by Accenture and Farmers for Forests; previous hubs were established in Manchar (Pune district, Maharashtra)—spanning 12 acres—and Nrityagram (Bengaluru, Karnataka)—spanning 10 acres. Together, these three hubs integrate ecological restoration with hands-on environmental education and community engagement.
This initiative in Chennai has transformed a polluted industrial landscape into a restored wetland ecosystem that supports habitat regeneration. Designed to enhance environmental resilience and mitigate flood risks, the site features ponds, deep-water zones, overflow drainage channels, and designated habitat zones. By the end of this year, the area will become home to over 19,000 native trees and shrubs, supporting a rich biodiversity of birds, pollinators, insects, and other wetland-dependent species.
The center will host guided nature tours, bird-watching sessions, and workshops on sustainability for local communities and school students. It will also conduct live demonstrations on topics such as renewable energy, circular economy practices, waste management, sustainable food systems, and sustainable living. Visitors can participate in ecological activities—such as wetland restoration—including tree planting, biodiversity monitoring, composting, permaculture gardening, planting native reeds, removing invasive species, and creating habitats for local wildlife. Powered by solar energy, the center incorporates rainwater harvesting and soil conservation techniques.
This center in Chennai builds upon the success of two existing environmental action and learning centers supported by Accenture in India. Over the past two years, more than 30,000 people—including school students, local community members, and Accenture employees—have visited the centers at Manchar (Pune district) and Nrityagram (Bengaluru). Together, the Manchar and Bengaluru centers are home to over 27,000 trees and more than 200 species of flora and fauna. Quotes:
Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture in India, said, “At Accenture, responsible stewardship is rooted in our commitment to our people, communities, and the planet. We believe that education and engagement help turn awareness into action. By enabling people to experience sustainability firsthand, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and encourage the next generation to embrace environmental responsibility.”
Manisha Bhattacharya, Corporate Citizenship Lead – Asia Pacific, Accenture, stated, “From Manchar in Pune district and Nrityagram in Bengaluru to the new environmental action and learning center in Chennai, these spaces are rooted in the environmental priorities of their respective communities, making sustainability tangible, relevant, and accessible. Just as local communities learn from these centers, they also contribute to them through biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts. This helps these spaces grow and thrive over time.”