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Updates from the Projects |
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A collective effort by people can help rebuild their bond with nature
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| Since centuries, forests have played a major role in maintaining the ecological balance, contributing to biodiversity conservation, food security, protection of soil and water resources, mitigation of global warming and combating desertification. More than 1,70,000 villages in India are close to forests (FSI, 2000) and these forests provide a source of income and well-being, particularly to the forest-dependent communities. These communities also receive numerous Forest Ecosystem Services (FES) which provide a safety net, especially in times of crisis. However, the communities must also play their part to protect and conserve these forests for a sustained flow of FES which will continue to secure their livelihoods. Sustainable forest management practices, restoring damaged ecosystems and other nature-based solutions are vital to building upon the progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the 2030 agenda and Global Forest Goals and targets. |
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(Re)Emerging infectious disease outbreaks in India
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| In January 2001 patients with high fever and altered sensorium (inability to think or concentrate) were admitted to hospitals in the town of Siliguri situated in the foothills of Northern West Bengal. The doctors initially suspected Japanese encephalitis, endemic to the area. But the disease primarily affects children. Subsequently, they checked for other diseases due to variations in the epidemiological features of the disease and the affected age groups. By 23 February 2001, 45 patients, mostly hospital staff or primary caregivers, had died due to this unknown disease with a very high case fatality rate of 74%. Available samples were collected and checked for Malaria, Dengue, and other bacterial diseases; West Nile Virus, and Hanta Virus. What unfolded next was the startling identification of the first Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak in India. |
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What can you do if you receive an unwanted visitor?
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Rapid urbanisation and habitat modification has redefined the lines between cities and forests. Consequently, wildlife living in proximity to such expanding areas has to adapt in order to survive in urban habitats. Habitat fragmentation causes these mammals and reptiles to stray into and adapt to an urban environment due to easy access to prey/food and shelter.
Which (wild) animals do you see in your day to day life? Have you had an unexpected visitor? A monkey entering your home? A snake in your bathroom or a bird in your living room? Have you seen an injured animal on the street?
Do you know what to do in such a case? |
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| Malabar Pit Viper caught in an inhabited area ©GIZ/Mira Amtmann |
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Experiences from Partners and Beneficiaries |
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“We now look forward to a successful bamboo plantation and reduced water scarcity in the area after the project activities”
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| Read the story of how the residents of Kharota in Himachal Pradesh, a demonstration site of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystem Services (HP-FES) project, were encouraged to revive their old nature-based practices and focus on Forest Ecosystem Services by enhancing a good stock of local bamboo plantation which they raised and protected to attain raw materials sustainably. |
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United Nations Summit on Biodiversity, 30 September 2020
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Wildlife Week in India, 1-7 October 2020
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GLF Biodiversity Digital Conference: One World - One Health, 28-29 October 2020
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