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IIJS Signature 2023 Launches “ONE EARTH” Initiative For A Greener Planet

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

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24th November 2022, Mumbai: In a major step towards sustainable development goals, IIJS Signature 2023, scheduled from 5th – 9th January 2023, is launching the “ONE EARTH” initiative in association with SankalpTaru Foundation. This is the first such large-scale pro-environment initiative by a gem & jewellery trade organisation in India. The tree plantation drive is aimed at offsetting carbon emissions generated by IIJS Shows with added benefit of contributing to the livelihood of farmers.

In 2021, global CO2 emissions grew 4.8%, reaching 34.9 billion tonnes of CO2. The increase in carbon emissions has only added to the climatic change, causing extreme weather conditions like tropical storms, wildfires, severe droughts, and heat waves, negatively affecting crop production and causing disruption to the natural habitats.

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Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “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. This is in line with the assurance of our Hon’ble 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.”

Appealing to the visitors and exhibitors to contribute to the One Earth initiative by IIJS, Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC said, “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. 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.”

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It will cost just Rs. 155/- for one tree, and the proceeds would directly go to SankalpTaru Foundation. They will, in turn, utilize the fund to generate income for a farmer, enabling him to earn approximately Rs. 10,000 per tree over 20 years. The tree plantation drive will be instrumental in securing the future of lakhs of farmers thus ensuring food security and clean environment in India. Carbon emission is a major issue which needs to be tackled for a sustainable earth and this tree plantation drive will help in contributing to this effort. GJEPC plans to continue such initiatives in all its IIJS shows, which will go a long way in reducing carbon emissions.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision is to become a net zero carbon neutral country by 2070, and through such initiatives GJEPC will promote responsible environmental practices, reduce carbon footprint, and offer protection against future ecological degradation. Through the initiative, we aim to plant thousands of trees and rebuild the natural ecosystem, increase green cover, and improve water table levels.

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DiamondBuzz

Botswana At 60: Diamond Leadership Takes Its Place On The World Stage

Diamond Embedded World Athletics Relays Medals Connect Botswana’s Natural Diamond Provenance, Local Enterprise, Creative Industry and Sport Diplomacy.

Published

4 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

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The Government of Botswana, in collaboration with the Diamond Sector, today launched the 60 Years of Diamond Leadership Initiative and unveiled the diamond-embedded medals for the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 at the Botswana National Museum.

This moment marks a defining shift in Botswana’s diamond journey: from resource extraction to global reputation; from mineral value to public value; and from provenance to purposeful international engagement through sport, culture, tourism, and local enterprise.

The initiative brings together key players across the diamond value chain, including Okavango Diamond Company, De Beers Group, Debswana Diamond Company, Diamond Trading Company Botswana, Lucara Botswana, and KGK Diamonds, working through the House of Botswana. Within this collective effort, ODC’s partnership with Ankit Gems and SRK, who covered the cost of polishing the Botswana natural diamonds, alongside Nungu Diamonds, demonstrates how collaborative investment can connect diamond polishing, jewellery-making capability, creative industry development, and sport-for-development impact.

“Today, Botswana stands as a benchmark for ethical luxury, where diamonds are valued for their integrity, their traceability, and their contribution to national development.” — Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy, said:

Botswana’s next chapter is anchored on advancing provenance, deepening socio-economic impact, expanding citizen participation across the value chain, and accelerating downstream development.

In remarks delivered at the event, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, reflected on the broader national significance of diamonds, noting their contribution to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and Botswana’s global standing. The President positioned the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 as a platform of resilience, growth, and excellence, and as a moment through which Botswana can host the world with confidence.

The unveiling of medals featuring Botswana’s natural diamonds, sponsored and produced through ODC, provides a powerful symbol of this ambition. The medals connect the excellence of athletes with the discipline, resilience, and value of natural diamonds, allowing Botswana’s story to travel globally through sport. The sponsorship reinforces ODC’s commitment to ensuring that diamonds do more than shine: they must create visibility, build enterprise, support national development, and open new pathways for economic impact.

The launch also foregrounded Botswana’s creative economy. The Main Gallery featured artworks by local artists, giving the event a distinctly Botswana visual language and affirming that diamond leadership must also create space for culture, creativity, and local talent to be seen on national and international platforms.

One of the initiative’s enterprise-development highlights is the Tokafala-supported Leteise Tote Bag project. Through the programme, Debswana has supported the training of 34 textile operators across Botswana, the majority of whom are women, including participants from mining communities such as Boteti. Curated by AfroFusion, the tote bags will represent Botswana’s heritage at international trade fairs and global engagement platforms.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Hon. Jacob Kelebeng, Minister of Sport and Arts, acknowledged the collective effort behind the moment and the significance of bringing the world to Botswana. He thanked Batswana, the diamond sector, sponsors, organisers, and partners whose support continues to strengthen sport as a platform for national pride, unity, and international visibility.

The diamond sector’s contribution to the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 reinforces a broader national principle: mineral value, when managed with intention, can be transformed into public value, supporting sport development, local enterprise, tourism linkages, creative industry growth, and Botswana’s global positioning.

As Botswana marks 60 years of independence and diamond leadership, this initiative signals a more confident and coordinated approach to telling the country’s story: one that links origin to impact, natural wealth to shared progress, and Botswana’s diamonds to the world’s imagination.