Urban park breathes relief into Lohegaon region of Pune

In June 2023, the Microsoft Pune Cloud Operations + Innovation team collaborated with nonprofits Acacia Eco and One Tree Planted to plant 1,000 trees as part of an urban park in the Lohegaon region of Pune, India. Oxygen parks like these are high-density forest pockets (this one hosts 25,755 trees) and are a refuge for both residents and the region’s fauna. The project will provide improved air and water quality, shade, reduced noise pollution, and a useable green space for recreation.

Citizens of Pune are familiar with rising temperatures and a lack of natural green spaces around their homes. Increased urbanization in recent years has contributed to increased air pollution and heat stress in Pune that’s felt by residents and native species alike.

In the Lohegaon area, more than 40 types of native species and approximately 6,000 nearby residents will enjoy the benefits that the park will provide.

Thanks to local partnerships and volunteers, Pune will have more urban forested areas that will increase quality of life for many years to come.

Read more about how “oxygen parks”—thoughtfully placed high-density forest pockets—are providing communities with improved air and water quality, shade, and more in this impact report.