Mumbai Hosts Biodiversity Workshop for World Wildlife Week

Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to host a comprehensive workshop focusing on biodiversity conservation at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, the event coincides with World Wildlife Week and aims to enhance awareness and develop strategies to protect native plant and animal species throughout Mumbai.

The workshop, organized in collaboration with the World Resources Institute, will take place from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm in the zoo’s 3D auditorium. Under the leadership of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Amit Saini, the initiative seeks to outline actionable steps for preserving the city’s ecological diversity.

Officials from various civic and state agencies, including the garden department, environment department, and the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, will participate in the workshop. The event will also feature presentations from experts in biodiversity conservation, providing invaluable insights into local strategies aimed at protecting Mumbai’s green spaces.

Jitendra Pardeshi, Superintendent of Gardens, emphasized the importance of the workshop, stating, “This initiative will help shape local strategies for conserving Mumbai’s ecological diversity.” He noted that the focus would be on practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by the city.

In a parallel effort, the forest department of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) conducted an interactive awareness session for students at Aarey Colony High School, located near a forested area. This initiative served as an ideal platform to educate children about coexisting with local wildlife, particularly leopards and snakes, which are frequently spotted in the vicinity.

The Leopard Awareness session was led by Manasi Warde from RESQ Charitable Trust. She utilized visuals and shared real-life experiences to inform students about essential dos and don’ts when sharing spaces with big cats. Meanwhile, Raj Jadhav from the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust guided students on how to remain calm and safe during potential snake encounters.

Additionally, forest officials introduced students to the Aarey camera-trapping team, which collaborates with SGNP to monitor leopard movements in the area. Warde highlighted the significance of educational initiatives, stating, “These programs are vital in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and fostering respect for the animals we live alongside.” The RESQ team regularly conducts such sessions across schools in Mumbai and Pune, free of charge, to promote awareness and encourage coexistence from a young age.

Through these efforts, both the BMC and local educational initiatives are working to create a more informed community, ultimately aiming to safeguard Mumbai’s rich biodiversity for future generations.