Jacqueline takes the lead in wildlife conservation

Jacqueline Fernandez is all up for protecting endangered animals and plant species with the Bio-Bridge project in Garo Hills, Meghalaya.

It is a CSR initiative by The Body Shop that has pledged to help protect the endangered Indian Elephant and Western Hoolock Gibbon by constructing the Bio-Bridge with every transaction during a three months long campaign commencing from this month. This Bio Bridge will protect habitat for some of the world's most threatened species, by planting one square metre of habitat against every transaction at the brand in India.

"Bio-Bridge perfectly demonstrates how The Body Shop is committed to making a positive long–term impact in the community where it operates. It's very encouraging to see a beauty brand taking a lead in wildlife conservation and community development. I extend my full support towards the Bio Bridges Project. I request you all to join hands and help protect these endangered species," said "A Gentleman" star. The India Bio-Bridges programme is a part of the brand's existing commitment to protect and regenerate 75 million square metres of habitat as part of its Enrich Not Exploit Commitment, launched last year. Partnering with World Land Trust (WLT) and its local partner Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), The Body Shop will build a Bio-Bridge in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya state in India, protecting and regenerating a corridor of land for endangered animals to pass through safely.

Shriti Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer of The Body Shop India said, "We are very happy that Garo Hills has been selected as one of the project locations. Having a project in India is a great platform not only to benefit the Garo Hills Biodiversity but also to raise consumer awareness about the rich biodiversity of the area and encourage them in the conservation efforts."

Speaking on the initiative, Sunil Kyarong, Joint Director and Head-Wild Lands, Wild Life Trust of India said, "The Garo Green Spine is critical in North East India supporting about a 1000 elephants connecting two treasure houses of biodiversity - the Nokrek and the Balphakram National Park. The Garo Community, with our support, takes it upon themselves to stitch together this landscape by demonstrating the finest examples of community-led and owned conservation initiatives."