Inland Mangrove Guneri Gujarat’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-01-31 12:12:55 |

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The Gujarat Biodiversity Board has recently designated the ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri’ in Kutch as the state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This declaration marks a significant step in Gujarat’s ongoing efforts to conserve its rich biodiversity. Spanning 32.78 hectares, this unique mangrove ecosystem is remarkable for thriving in a non-tidal environment, unlike typical mangroves that depend on coastal tidal waters. The recognition of this site highlights its ecological significance and underscores the state's commitment to environmental preservation.

Biodiversity Heritage Sites are designated areas known for their exceptional ecological importance. These sites encompass diverse ecosystems, including terrestrial, coastal, and inland water bodies, and are protected under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. The selection and management of such sites are guided by the National Biodiversity Authority, ensuring that these areas are preserved for future generations.

What makes the Inland Mangrove Guneri particularly distinctive is its location and habitat conditions. Situated 45 kilometers from the Arabian Sea, it flourishes in an inland setting without the influence of tidal water inflow. Spreading across a flat terrain, the site supports a dense forest-like mangrove ecosystem that serves as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, contributing significantly to regional biodiversity.

The designation of this site as a Biodiversity Heritage Site aims to strengthen conservation efforts while fostering a harmonious relationship between nature and society. The initiative seeks to instill a strong conservation ethic among local communities, enhance biodiversity protection, and improve the overall environmental quality of the region. It also addresses the growing concern over biodiversity loss due to intensive land use practices.

The management of BHS falls under the jurisdiction of the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), which is established at the local level. This committee is responsible for developing and implementing a long-term management plan, typically spanning five to ten years, to ensure the sustainable preservation of the site. Local community representatives play an integral role in these conservation efforts, ensuring that traditional knowledge and sustainable practices are incorporated into the management strategy.

Local communities are actively engaged in the conservation process through the preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Register, a comprehensive record of biological resources in the area. In alignment with the Nagoya Protocol, the BMC facilitates access to biological resources while ensuring fair benefit-sharing mechanisms. This approach allows indigenous and local communities to continue their traditional practices while participating in conservation initiatives.

To further strengthen conservation efforts, the Gujarat government is launching training programs aimed at educating and involving local residents and forest department personnel. These capacity-building initiatives focus on empowering indigenous communities to take an active role in protecting their natural heritage, ensuring that conservation efforts are both effective and sustainable.

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