The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
JAMNAGAR, FEB 26, 2024
In a landmark move towards wildlife conservation, Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation have launched the Vantara (Star of the Forest) programme, marking a significant step towards the comprehensive rescue, treatment, care, and rehabilitation of injured, abused, and endangered animals, both nationally and internationally.
Situated within the sprawling 3000-acre expanse of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara is poised to become a global leader in conservation efforts. By collaborating with leading experts in animal welfare, Vantara has transformed this vast space into a lush jungle environment, meticulously designed to provide a nurturing habitat for rescued species.
Under the visionary leadership of Anant Ambani, Director of RIL and Reliance Foundation, Vantara represents a pioneering initiative in India. Shri Ambani, who is also spearheading Reliance’s ambitious renewable energy business in Jamnagar, is dedicated to steering Reliance towards achieving its goal of becoming a Net Carbon Zero company by 2035.
Vantara is committed to implementing best-in-class animal conservation practices, including state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, research centers, and academic institutions. The programme also emphasizes collaboration with esteemed international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) to drive impactful conservation efforts globally.
Over the years, Vantara has successfully rescued and rehabilitated over 200 elephants, along with thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds from precarious situations. Notably, Vantara has extended its reach beyond Indian borders, participating in rescue missions in countries like Mexico and Venezuela, underscoring its commitment to global conservation endeavors.
Speaking on the occasion, Anant Ambani expressed his passion for wildlife conservation, stating, “Vantara represents a culmination of my lifelong passion and our dedicated team’s mission to protect endangered species native to India and beyond. Our collaboration with top zoological and medical experts, along with government bodies and educational institutions, underscores our commitment to leading-edge conservation efforts.”
Inspired by the philosophy of compassion combined with modern scientific expertise, Vantara houses state-of-the-art facilities for various species, including elephants, lions, tigers, crocodiles, leopards, and more. The Centre for Elephants, spanning a significant portion of the premises, boasts advanced shelters, hydrotherapy pools, and a specialized hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the well-being of over 200 elephants.
Additionally, Vantara’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, spread over 650 acres, provides a safe haven for animals rescued from distressed environments worldwide. With a staff of over 2100, the Centre has rescued and cared for numerous animals, including leopards, crocodiles, and exotic species from across the globe.
Furthermore, Vantara is actively engaged in conservation breeding programs for endangered species, aiming to establish viable reserve populations and contribute to repopulating native habitats to prevent extinction.
Vantara’s commitment to conservation is underscored by its collaboration with international organizations and esteemed institutions across India, fostering knowledge exchange and awareness among youth and children.
In alignment with its conservation goals, the Vantara programme is complemented by ongoing greening initiatives across Reliance’s refinery areas, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
With its multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation and care, Vantara stands as a beacon of hope for endangered species, embodying the ethos of compassion and scientific excellence in protecting our planet’s precious biodiversity.
