Banarpal: India is known worldwide for its rich biodiversity. Rural areas, in particular, are home to diverse ecosystems, plant and animal species, traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. However, rural biodiversity is increasingly coming under threat from human activities.
To promote its conservation, sustainable use and importance among future generations, Anugola-based environmental organisation Sathi Parivar has launched a Rural Biodiversity Journey programme.
The programme began in Rautal village under Banarpal block. During an inaugural meeting, participants discussed surveying, documenting and creating awareness about the village’s forest biodiversity, agricultural biodiversity, ecosystems, wildlife, domestic animal resources and cultural biodiversity, as well as traditional practices and livelihoods of villagers.
The initiative aims to document the biodiversity and traditional knowledge of the village for conservation and sustainable use.
As part of the programme, participants later visited nearby forests to collect information and resources related to forest biodiversity. Village elders identified and documented more than 200 wild plant species from the village’s reserve forest.
The survey included more than 100 tree species, over 40 shrubs, more than 20 creepers and at least 15 grass species.
Village committee president Niranjan Sahu, along with Pabitra Sahu, Kandarpa Biswal, Ramesh Biswal, Kusha Biswal, Kalandi Mahalik, Bulu Biswal, Debashis Sahu, Indra Sahu, Alok Biswal and Sunil Sahu, participated in and helped organise the programme.
Gurudev Sahu, Sipun Sahu and Subrat Kumar Pradhan of Sathi Parivar also took part in the initiative.