I have been working in the development sector for six years, longer if you include student life in my alma mater’s rural management program. So would you believe that I have never, not once, had a meeting with an ecologist? I had only attended a small talk by Mr. Pankaj Sekhsaria in the early monsoon of 2011.
I accompanied office colleagues to a meeting at the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. We met Mr. M. Shah Hussain, Scientist In-charge, and Ms. Aisha Sultana, Field Biologist. It was a worthwhile experience to understand the technical process that went into setting up the whole park. The ecological conservation and restoration started in 2004 and 450 acres (a total area of 700 acres) have been completed by now. The whole area was Acacia acacia-dominated forest with mesquite (Vilayti Babool trees) as a dominant species. The team of ecologists replaced mesquite with forest communities present in the Aravali range in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Their efforts have converted open mining pits into microhabitats through landscape management.
Good park management has increased from 50 to 200 bird species, and 25 to 50 butterfly species with even flourishing of jackal and blue bull. Conservation efforts are being carried out in all forms through action research, education models, and awareness building.
They also suggested that any new area for bio-diversity conservation efforts needs brief profiling, area identification, and legal acquisition. The acquisition of land for conservation is the toughest part and needs the patience to navigate legal and government machinery. Once acquired, land must be fenced and compartmentalized in small habitats. Stage-wise restoration is a better strategy even if the land mass for conservation is huge.
Additional Suggestions from our team:
1. There must be a feasibility analysis on connecting the underpass between Aravalli Biodiversity Park, JNU, and Sanjay Van. This underpass can provide a corrugated landscape for migration of the animals within large areas.
2. The promotion campaign required for community awareness is a bit missing. There is a heavy emphasis on protecting biodiversity and securing ecosystem services. But, there is less emotional connection between the surrounding colonies (posh) except considering the whole area as a jogger park. There must be the introduction of concepts like Shinrin Yoku in the park.
3. The economic value of the park in terms of reducing CO2 emissions isn't used in spreading awareness. This park is an open facility without any fees to the visitors leading to a financially unsustainable model. There must be the concept of a polluter's fee for conservation efforts.
Thanks Note: Nature requires the interpreter to understand the whole ecological balance. It was my honor to be educated on conservation, flora, and fauna by Mr Shah & Ms Aisha. Hats off to the team behind Aravalli Biodiversity Park for their passion and commitment.
Enjoy a video that took 7 years to make!
