In pictures (from left): Ms. Jhunjhunwala making presentation on the need for biodiversity conservation and measures to safeguard local biodiversity

An event, to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity was jointly organised by GIZ’s CMPA project and the Maharashtra Forest Department at Padle village, Maharashtra. The event was attended by the village members, teachers from the village body, high school, Forest Department and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB). Mr. Jambhale, Forester from the Maharashtra Forest Department, gave the welcome note, after which the discussion on the local biodiversity and its role in the well-being of people was highlighted in a presentation by Ms. Supriya Jhunjhunwala, Advisor & Coordinator, CMPA Project, Maharashtra. Ms. Jhunjhunwala also deliberated on the issues of effects of plastic pollution, and other measures that can be taken to safeguard the local flora and fauna.

Discussion on different aspects of biodiversity management

This was followed by a group discussion, led by Sarpanch of Aade, Ms. Akshata Humne and Mr. Dalvi, president of the Biodiversity Management Committee and the session was moderated by Mr. Abhinay Kelaskar and Mr. Mohan Upadhye, Project associates from the CMPA Maharashtra Project. The group discussion saw a lively discussion on topics related to the goals and operation of the Biodiversity Management Committee, and its roles in the topics presented in the earlier presentation. The following question and answer session was coordinated by Mr. Dalvi, Forest Guard from Maharashtra Forest Department and Mr. Dhadve, vice-president of the village body. The event saw participation from teachers from the village body, high school, forest department and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.

Photo Credits: Maharashtra Forest Department, Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM), and GIZ's CMPA project, Maharashtra

Nature Trek, and a Visit to the Velas Turtle Conservation Area and Vulture Cafe
22 May, Anjarle Vilage, Maharashtra

In pictures (from left): Red Wattled Lapwing and Intermediate Egret. Photo Credit: Indo-German Biodiversity Programme

“Intermediate Egret, Red Wattled Lapwing, Purple Sunbird, Common Sand Piper, Small Green Bee- Eater, Magpie Robin” are just a few of the 21 birds that were spotted during a nature trek organised for a group of more than 20 participants on the occasion of International Day for Biodiversity. The nature trek was a part of a special programme, jointly organised by Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) and GIZ’s CMPA project to increase understanding and create awareness on biodiversity issues amongst people in the Anjarle village (Maharashtra) on 22 May, 2016.

The participants, comprising of youngsters and tourists had gathered at 7 in the morning for the trek, which was guided by Mr. Sadaf Kaduekar, an SNM member from Chiplun. The trek covered a patch of deciduous forest and mangrove between Anjarle and the neighbouring village-Murdi. The group also observed pugmarks of civet, common fishes in the mangroves, butterflies like small orange tip and plants etc.

In pictures (from left to right): Participants observing birds during the nature trek. Mr. Sadaf Kaudekar explaining difference between poisonous and non-poisonous snake bite

Besides the nature trek, the group was also introduced, through the medium of presentations to various conservation efforts being conducted by GIZ’s CMPA project along with SNM in Velas and Anjarle. A session, dedicated to the various species of snakes (poisonous and non-poisonous snakes), was also conducted by Mr. Sadaf Kaudekar. The presentation on conservation efforts in Anjarle was made by Mr. Abhinay Kelaskar and on turtle tourism in Velas by Mr. Mohan Upadhye.

In pictures (from left to right): Mr. Mohan Upadhye presenting on turtle tourism in Velas. Mr. Atharva Soman presenting on amateur bird photography

Final presentation in this session was done by Mr. Atharva Soman, a differently abled youth from Dapoli, who is also an amateur bird photographer. Atharva shared some important tips for bird photographing like timing, dressing, appropriate places and equipment for photographing arboreal birds, water birds, birds of prey etc. The presentations were followed by a field visit to the Velas Turtle Conservation Area and Vulture café.

Photo Credits: Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM), GIZ's CMPA project, Maharashtra, and Indo-German Biodiversity Programme

A Discussion on Biodiversity Management and Protection of Ecological Resources
22 May, Anjarle Vilage, Maharashtra

Officials from the Maharashtra Forest Department discussing biodiversity management

The celebrations for International Day for Biological Diversity at Anjarle focused on the integration and extension of the efforts of the Maharashtra Forest Department through the several interventions planned under GIZ’s CMPA Project. Protection of ecological resources is one of the key objectives for the Forest Department. Mr. Raj Varak, Range Forest Officer of the Maharashtra Forest Department, during the meeting highlighted the steps taken by the local administration towards protection of biodiversity. He further stressed on ways in which community members in the village can actively participate and complement forest department’s efforts through Biodiversity Management Committees.

Representatives from the Forest Department, Mr. Jambhale, Mr. Nimkar and Mr. Dalvi also presented the department’s perspective and ways to support the project objectives. The meeting saw participation from the members of the village and the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC). The event ended with takeaway message from Project Associates of the CMPA Project on the working of the BMC.

Presentations made by Project Associates of the CMPA project, Maharashtra

Photo Credits: Maharashtra Forest Department, and GIZ's CMPA project, Maharashtra