Apollo Tyres and UNDP India host national quiz finale to boost biodiversity awareness among young people
Chennai, December 2025: Apollo Tyres, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India, hosted the 8th Environment and Nature Quiz Grand Finale 2025 in Chennai. The initiative encourages young people to understand how nature supports everyday life and to make choices that help protect India’s biodiversity and environment.
Twelve finalist teams from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Kerala competed for the national title after a series of regional rounds. St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad won the national title, while Madras Christian College, Chennai was judged the first runner-up and St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru was the second runner-up.
A discussion titled In Harmony with Nature – From the Earth, For the Earth brought together environmental experts to highlight the urgent need for preserving biodiversity and nurturing a harmonious relationship with nature.
Speaking on the occasion, Mita Banerjee, Principal Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board, said “Forests give us clean air and climate stability, yet they are under severe pressure. Protecting biodiversity is not the job of Forest Department alone, we need communities, partners like Apollo Tyres and especially youth to act.”
Rinika Grover, Head, Sustainability and CSR, Apollo Tyres Ltd said, “Through this platform, we aim to engage and empower the younger generation to understand, appreciate and act for biodiversity. Our collaboration with UNDP reinforces our shared commitment towards building a more sustainable and ecologically balanced future.”
Dr Ruchi Pant, Head, Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Biodiversity, UNDP India, said, “Our collaboration with Apollo Tyres on the 8th Edition of the Environment and Nature Quiz is a powerful example of how the private sector and development organisations can jointly inspire action. By engaging thousands of young minds, this initiative is helping build a generation that understands biodiversity not as a distant concept, but as a daily responsibility.”
This quiz is part of Apollo Tyres’ ongoing sustainability and community engagement initiatives, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental conservation, education and youth empowerment.
UNDP India supports sustainable natural resource management by helping protect biodiversity, promote sustainable land and water use, and build institutional capacity for climate resilient and inclusive development. The organisation works with governments and communities to strengthen water governance, conserve ecosystems, restore degraded landscapes, and support nature-based livelihoods, especially for vulnerable and rural populations. Through this work, UNDP aims to safeguard ecosystems that sustain livelihoods and wellbeing, while advancing long term environmental resilience across the country