There is a need to make conservation of biodiversity a people’s movement. With the aim of doing this, the Forest Department of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, volunteers, civil society groups and nature enthusiasts will be setting up eco and nature clubs.
These clubs will be established across the district and their aim will be to conserve and document biodiversity with participation and involvement of people.
Sharing details about this initiative, Anant Shankar, Visakhapatnam District Forest Officer and Curator of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park said that the Forest Department will provide infrastructure facilities for such clubs. The objective is to promote People’s Biodiversity Registers with the local urban bodies for protection of the environment in the region.
Through this initiative, the clubs and the Forest Department will organise marine exploration trips, trekking and nature walks in forest areas.
Involvement and contribution of the people in such clubs will be as per individual talent and interest. Shankar said people can participate in activities that involve photography, study of varied birds, and conservation of butterflies, plants, trees and wetlands. The activities and programmes of the eco clubs will be documented.
Shankar informed that the focus of the project will be to involve educational institutions including schools and colleges, resident welfare associations, railways, doctors’ associations, and the Navy among others.
The Department has invited suggestions from different NGOs for starting these clubs.
