Context:
The Odisha government added Gupteshwar forest division to the Biodiversity Heritage Site making it fourth in the biodiversity heritage site from the state.
Gupteswar Forest in Odisha Declared as Bio-Diversity Heritage Site
The state govt has asked the Odisha Biodiversity Board to prepare a long-term plan for intensive conservation and development of the forest.
- An amount of Rs 35 lakh has been provided to prepare an action plan and awareness-building activities in the localities.
Gupteshwar Forest
- About:
- Located adjacent to Gupteshwar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraput district.
- Significance: Along with natural diversity, it is also worshiped by the local community due its sacred grooves.
- Flora and Fauna:
- Flora: Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, Garlic pear tree, Indian jointfir.
- Fauna: Mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, etc are found.
- Other Biodiversity Heritage Site in Odisha: .
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- Mandasari (Kandhamala district)
- Mahendragiri (Gajapati district)
- Gandhamardan (Baragarh and Bolangir district.)
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What Is a Biodiversity Heritage Site?
- Biodiversity heritage site is a unique conservation approach recognized under section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites are well-defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems.
- They are spread over terrestrial, coastal, inland, and marine waters having biodiversity as well as:
- Domesticated species
- High endemism
- Rare and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of domesticated/ cultivated species.
- Fossil beds Cultural, ethical, or aesthetic values for maintaining cultural diversity, with or without long human association with them.
Criteria For Identification of Biodiversity Heritage Site
- Areas that contain a mosaic of natural, semi-natural, and manmade habitats, which together contain a significant diversity of life forms.
- Areas that contain significant domesticated biodiversity components and or representative agro-ecosystem with ongoing agricultural practices that sustain this diversity.
- Areas that are significant from a biodiversity point of view as also important cultural spaces such as sacred groves/trees and sites, or other large community conserved areas.
- Areas including very small ones that offer refuge or corridors for threatened and endemic fauna and flora, such as community conserved areas or urban greens and wetlands.
- Areas that provide habitats, aquatic or terrestrial, for seasonal migrant species for feeding and breeding.
- Areas that are maintained as preservation plots by the research wing of the Forest department.
- Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas.
Significance of Biodiversity Heritage Site
- Ecological Security: Loss of biodiversity and bioresources show an increasing trend mainly due to human activities.
- Therefore, it is necessary to instill and nurture conservation ethics in the community.
- To Combat Climate Issues: BHS plays a crucial role in conservation which is particularly important in the face of increasing threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.
- Cultural Heritage: BHS is associated with traditional knowledge and practices. Recognizing and protecting these sites helps to preserve cultural heritage and traditions.
- Maintenance of Ecosystem Services: BHS provides a range of essential ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, pollination, and flood control.
Biological Diversity Act 2002
- Origin: It traces its origin from the 1992 Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro
- Aim:
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- Provide a legal framework for conservation of biological diversity
- National Biodiversity Authority: Established in 2003 under section 8 of the act to perform facilitative, regulatory, and advisory functions for the govt.
- National Level: The NBA implements the BD act at the national level
- The second and third tiers constitute the state biodiversity boards at the state level and biodiversity management committees operating at the local levels.
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