On 12^th July, 2017, Godrej and Boyce, a subsidiary of Godrej Group, launched Asia’s first Mangroves Mobile App which covers twenty-two mangroves and associated species found in Maharashtra. Launched by Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, the key beneficiaries of the app are teachers, students, Forest department of Maharashtra and other coastal states, NGOs involved in biodiversity research, conservation and awareness, mangrove researchers, nature enthusiasts and photographers participating in nature trails. The app is available on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.

Mangrove app users have a choice to identify the species based on leaf shape, flower colour and name of the species. Besides identification feature, the app offers other interesting information such as description of every plant species and its uses, mangrove distribution and ecosystem, plant adaptations, faunal biodiversity in mangroves, current threats and conservation measures, role of stakeholders, glossary of technical terms and information about mangroves in Vikhroli.

During the launch, Godrej and Boyce also signed a LoU with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Skill Development Department of Maharashtra for skilling and empowering women in the state. Through this LoU, the signatories intend to explore areas of collaboration in the framework of the UNDP implemented project, ‘Creating Opportunities for Employment and Entrepreneurship for Women in India’, which has been duly endorsed by the Department of Economic Affairs, Union Ministry of Finance. This multi-state initiative is funded by the IKEA Foundation and supported by Xynteo, an international advisory firm which will help build partnerships with the business sector, and India Development Foundation (IDF) which is responsible for concurrent monitoring and research. The pilots under this LoU shall focus on holistic models of skilling by linking skills to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.