This story is from May 22, 2024
Be part of the plan: Haryana’s collective efforts to preserve biodiversity on International Day of Biodiversity 2024
The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) is celebrated every year on May 22. This global event marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992. It provides a special chance to support the convention, its protocols and related action plans.
The theme for IDB 2024 — 'Be Part of the Plan' — calls on everyone to help stop and reverse biodiversity loss by supporting the Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Coordinated efforts
The theme emphasises the need for coordinated efforts among governments, organizations and communities, as well as individual contributions through sustainable practices.
The theme advocates for inclusive policymaking, increased education and awareness and innovative solutions to biodiversity challenges.
It calls for integrating conservation efforts globally and locally, promoting sustainable development and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Everyone has a role to play and therefore can 'Be Part of the Plan'.
India, a treasure chest of biodiversity, is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, hosting an impressive variety of plants and animals.
Despite covering only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India accounts for 7-8% of global species, including about 91,000 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants.
Remarkably, 12.6% of its mammals, 4.5% of its birds, 45.8% of its reptiles, 55.8% of its amphibians and 33% of its plants are endemic, found nowhere else in the world.
The ecosystems of the Himalayas, the Khasi and Mizo hills, the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and the Western Ghats are particularly significant, containing nearly 90% of the country’s higher plant species vital to traditional medicine.
Haryana, though a forest-deficient state, plays a crucial role in India’s biodiversity.
The forested watersheds of the Shivalik in northern Haryana and the Aravali in the south are essential for conserving flora and fauna, supporting millions of people.
Approximately 20% of Haryana’s forest area is protected, including Sultanpur National Park near Gurugram and Kalesar National Park in Yamuna Nagar.
Additionally, the state boasts seven wildlife sanctuaries, two conservation reserves, and one community reserve.
These protected areas are vital in maintaining the ecological balance and highlight Haryana’s commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage.
Despite its challenges, Haryana’s rich biodiversity is a testament to its crucial role in the broader environmental landscape of India.
In Haryana, biodiversity loss is primarily driven by intensive agriculture and urban infrastructure development.
The diversion of forest land for agriculture and the unscientific handling of flora, coupled with declining knowledge about proper species management, has led to the irreversible loss of many species.
Additionally, rapid urbanisation and development projects, such as highways, hotels, reservoirs and amusement parks in forest areas have caused significant habitat destruction.
These activities disrupt ecosystems and pose existential threats to flora and fauna.
Furthermore, Haryana’s deteriorating air quality and practices like crop burning contribute to the destruction of trees and associated biodiversity.
The rising concentration of toxic gases from urban areas not only jeopardises human health but also endangers various vertebrate and invertebrate species.
This habitat degradation accelerates biodiversity loss, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices and stringent environmental protections in the state.
The loss in biodiversity also hurts us in other ways.
Our cultural identity is deeply rooted in our biological environment.
Plants and animals are symbols of our world, preserved in flags, sculptures and other images that define us and our societies. We draw inspiration just from looking at nature’s beauty and power.
The forest department of Haryana is actively implementing several schemes to conserve biodiversity and promote a culture of plantation.
Initiatives like Jal Shakti Abhiyan for panchayats and PaudhGiri which provides free plant saplings to schoolchildren and free plant distribution to individuals aim to increase green cover and promote environmental awareness.
Urban green belt projects focus on planting forest and landscape species to enhance urban greenery.
Additionally, plantation on institutional lands is being promoted to mitigate industrial pollution.
The Village Wasteland Plantation Scheme addresses the restoration of wastelands and enhances groundwater recharge.
Prana Vayu among key schemes
The Prana Vayu Devta Pension Scheme is a unique initiative that provides annual pensions to conserve healthy trees older than 75 years, giving monetary recognition to conservation efforts.
The Van Mitra Scheme encourages community participation in tree plantation activities on non-forest lands, directly involving local communities in increasing tree cover across Haryana.
Endangered species like blackbuck, chinkara, vultures and Indian soft-shelled turtles species are being protected through conservation and breeding efforts in the state.
A notable success story is the Vulture Conservation efforts in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, highlighting the ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Citizens are a link
Systematic documentation of these efforts and projects, including the pressures on natural resources and strategies to address them must be integrated into government policies, academic curriculums, CSR investments and the ethos of our citizens.
Initiatives such as the Neighbourhood Trees Campaign and encouraging involvement in natural projects like bird watching, plant surveys and water quality testing are pivotal.
Developing mobile apps and online platforms for citizens to report natural observations and contribute to resource documentation is a key strategy.
Urban societies, especially in the NCR zone, should support creating and maintaining community nature parks and urban green spaces, incorporating concepts like Navgraha Vatika and Nakshatra Vatika, along with local nature reserves and interpretation centers.
Educational institutions should organise field trips and nature camps in areas like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore and Kalesar national parks to give students hands-on conservation experience.
Public campaigns highlighting specific conservation issues, like ‘Run for Save Aravali’ and ‘Run for Save Peacock’ can motivate citizens to actively participate in conservation efforts.
Ultimately, the decision-maker for biodiversity is the individual citizen.
In conclusion, this year’s International Day of Biodiversity theme, ‘Be Part of the Plan’, emphasises the crucial role of citizens and society in conserving our natural resources and biodiversity.
The increasing awareness of its importance and the high rates of biodiversity loss make it essential to quickly assess and conserve biodiversity at the Haryana state level.
Haryana’s ongoing efforts — such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, PaudhGiri initiatives, the Prana Vayu Devta Pension Scheme and the Van Mitra Scheme — show the state’s dedication to increasing green cover and protecting endangered species.
Moving forward, promoting citizen participation through various initiatives, regular volunteer events and using technology for documenting resources can greatly enhance conservation efforts.
Individual actions and sustainable choices will be key to the success of this year’s biodiversity day celebration, ensuring a healthier, more biodiverse future for everyone.
On this International Day of Biodiversity, let’s all commit to being part of the plan to protect and restore our natural heritage.
Now, more than ever, we need to build a collective spirit of conservation to ensure a sustainable future for all.
(Sunil kumar is an Indian forest service (IFS) officer and Alka Rao is scientific expert and member of National Biodiversity Authority, India)
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.
The theme for IDB 2024 — 'Be Part of the Plan' — calls on everyone to help stop and reverse biodiversity loss by supporting the Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Coordinated efforts
The theme emphasises the need for coordinated efforts among governments, organizations and communities, as well as individual contributions through sustainable practices.
The theme advocates for inclusive policymaking, increased education and awareness and innovative solutions to biodiversity challenges.
It calls for integrating conservation efforts globally and locally, promoting sustainable development and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Everyone has a role to play and therefore can 'Be Part of the Plan'.
India, a treasure chest of biodiversity, is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, hosting an impressive variety of plants and animals.
Despite covering only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India accounts for 7-8% of global species, including about 91,000 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants.
Remarkably, 12.6% of its mammals, 4.5% of its birds, 45.8% of its reptiles, 55.8% of its amphibians and 33% of its plants are endemic, found nowhere else in the world.
The ecosystems of the Himalayas, the Khasi and Mizo hills, the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and the Western Ghats are particularly significant, containing nearly 90% of the country’s higher plant species vital to traditional medicine.
Haryana, though a forest-deficient state, plays a crucial role in India’s biodiversity.
The forested watersheds of the Shivalik in northern Haryana and the Aravali in the south are essential for conserving flora and fauna, supporting millions of people.
Approximately 20% of Haryana’s forest area is protected, including Sultanpur National Park near Gurugram and Kalesar National Park in Yamuna Nagar.
Additionally, the state boasts seven wildlife sanctuaries, two conservation reserves, and one community reserve.
These protected areas are vital in maintaining the ecological balance and highlight Haryana’s commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage.
Despite its challenges, Haryana’s rich biodiversity is a testament to its crucial role in the broader environmental landscape of India.
In Haryana, biodiversity loss is primarily driven by intensive agriculture and urban infrastructure development.
The diversion of forest land for agriculture and the unscientific handling of flora, coupled with declining knowledge about proper species management, has led to the irreversible loss of many species.
Additionally, rapid urbanisation and development projects, such as highways, hotels, reservoirs and amusement parks in forest areas have caused significant habitat destruction.
These activities disrupt ecosystems and pose existential threats to flora and fauna.
Furthermore, Haryana’s deteriorating air quality and practices like crop burning contribute to the destruction of trees and associated biodiversity.
The rising concentration of toxic gases from urban areas not only jeopardises human health but also endangers various vertebrate and invertebrate species.
This habitat degradation accelerates biodiversity loss, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices and stringent environmental protections in the state.
The loss in biodiversity also hurts us in other ways.
Our cultural identity is deeply rooted in our biological environment.
Plants and animals are symbols of our world, preserved in flags, sculptures and other images that define us and our societies. We draw inspiration just from looking at nature’s beauty and power.
The forest department of Haryana is actively implementing several schemes to conserve biodiversity and promote a culture of plantation.
Initiatives like Jal Shakti Abhiyan for panchayats and PaudhGiri which provides free plant saplings to schoolchildren and free plant distribution to individuals aim to increase green cover and promote environmental awareness.
Urban green belt projects focus on planting forest and landscape species to enhance urban greenery.
Additionally, plantation on institutional lands is being promoted to mitigate industrial pollution.
The Village Wasteland Plantation Scheme addresses the restoration of wastelands and enhances groundwater recharge.
Prana Vayu among key schemes
The Prana Vayu Devta Pension Scheme is a unique initiative that provides annual pensions to conserve healthy trees older than 75 years, giving monetary recognition to conservation efforts.
The Van Mitra Scheme encourages community participation in tree plantation activities on non-forest lands, directly involving local communities in increasing tree cover across Haryana.
Endangered species like blackbuck, chinkara, vultures and Indian soft-shelled turtles species are being protected through conservation and breeding efforts in the state.
A notable success story is the Vulture Conservation efforts in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, highlighting the ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Citizens are a link
Systematic documentation of these efforts and projects, including the pressures on natural resources and strategies to address them must be integrated into government policies, academic curriculums, CSR investments and the ethos of our citizens.
Initiatives such as the Neighbourhood Trees Campaign and encouraging involvement in natural projects like bird watching, plant surveys and water quality testing are pivotal.
Developing mobile apps and online platforms for citizens to report natural observations and contribute to resource documentation is a key strategy.
Urban societies, especially in the NCR zone, should support creating and maintaining community nature parks and urban green spaces, incorporating concepts like Navgraha Vatika and Nakshatra Vatika, along with local nature reserves and interpretation centers.
Educational institutions should organise field trips and nature camps in areas like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore and Kalesar national parks to give students hands-on conservation experience.
Public campaigns highlighting specific conservation issues, like ‘Run for Save Aravali’ and ‘Run for Save Peacock’ can motivate citizens to actively participate in conservation efforts.
Ultimately, the decision-maker for biodiversity is the individual citizen.
In conclusion, this year’s International Day of Biodiversity theme, ‘Be Part of the Plan’, emphasises the crucial role of citizens and society in conserving our natural resources and biodiversity.
The increasing awareness of its importance and the high rates of biodiversity loss make it essential to quickly assess and conserve biodiversity at the Haryana state level.
Haryana’s ongoing efforts — such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, PaudhGiri initiatives, the Prana Vayu Devta Pension Scheme and the Van Mitra Scheme — show the state’s dedication to increasing green cover and protecting endangered species.
Moving forward, promoting citizen participation through various initiatives, regular volunteer events and using technology for documenting resources can greatly enhance conservation efforts.
Individual actions and sustainable choices will be key to the success of this year’s biodiversity day celebration, ensuring a healthier, more biodiverse future for everyone.
On this International Day of Biodiversity, let’s all commit to being part of the plan to protect and restore our natural heritage.
Now, more than ever, we need to build a collective spirit of conservation to ensure a sustainable future for all.
(Sunil kumar is an Indian forest service (IFS) officer and Alka Rao is scientific expert and member of National Biodiversity Authority, India)
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.
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