IIJS Signature launches sustainable initiative 'One Earth' to offset trade show carbon emissions

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Nov 25, 2022

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council has partnered with charitable organisation the SankalpTaru Foundation to launch ‘One Earth’. The sustainable initiative is designed to offset carbon emissions generated by upcoming trade show India International Jewellery Show Signature which runs in January, 2023. 

One Earth represents the first large-scale environment-focused project by the GJEPC, the traders’ body announced on its website. The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan for India to net zero carbon neutral country by 2070, according to the GJEPC. 
 
“With the support of IIJS Signature exhibitors, visitors and all partners and associates, we aim to contribute towards the plantation of trees to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the show,” said GJEPC chairman Vipul Shah, the GJEPC reported. “This is in line with the assurance of our honourable Prime Minister to become a net zero carbon neutral country by 2070.  I request everyone to come forward and join this initiative to make it a grand success.”

The SankalpTaru Foundation will have the trees planted, which offsets carbon emissions, and then enable farmers to gain regular income from the trees, contributing to their livelihoods. The cost of planting one tress is Rs 155 and farmers can earn around Rs 10,000 per tree over 20 years, according to the foundation. 
 
“GJEPC alone as part of shared responsibility would be contributing to plant 5000+ trees towards the “One Earth” initiative which is roughly two trees per stall at IIJS Signature 2023 and pledge to continue the initiative across all IIJS versions across the year,” said GJEPC convenor for national exhibitions Nirav Bhansali. “We urge our exhibitors to come forward and voluntarily contribute at least 1% of their booth cost or more. At the same time, I would also request each visitor to also participate in this noble initiative and help plant maximum trees across India.”
 
IIJS Signature will run from January 5 to 9 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The trade show will bring together Indian jewellery manufacturers and international traders.