1 First UNESCO-Designated Biosphere Reserve
- The Nilgiris Biosphere, the first to be declared a UNESCO biosphere in India, spans over 5,500 square kilometers across three states: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- It features diverse elevations, from the high peaks like Doddabetta at 2,637 meters to the deep Moyar Gorge at 260 meters, which contribute to its rich biodiversity.
- Endemic Species:— This biosphere is home to unique flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else in the world, such as:
- Baeolepis nervosa:— A medicinal plant used by the indigenous Irula tribe.
- Nilgiri Chilappan:— A rare bird species.
- Star-eyed bush frog:— Another unique species to the region.
2. Growing Human Activity and Emerging Challenges
2.1 Economic Transformation
- Agriculture and Tourism Boom:— The Nilgiris, traditionally known for tea plantations from the colonial era, has expanded into agriculture and tourism, which have become major sources of livelihood for local communities.
- Tourism Impact:— Increasing tourism, especially short-term visits, has brought about concerns of unsustainable practices. Issues such as increased waste and traffic are straining local resources and infrastructure.
2.2 Environmental Impacts of Agriculture
- Pesticide and Fertilizer Use:— Modern agricultural practices, involving heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers, are contaminating natural water sources, impacting the region’s previously pristine environment.
2.3 Community-Based Sustainability Initiatives
- Civil Society Efforts:— In response to these environmental challenges, local organizations have spearheaded sustainability projects:
- Clean Coonoor:— This public-private partnership initiative promotes a circular economy to manage solid waste effectively.
- Keystone Foundation:— Focuses on empowering indigenous communities, enhancing their resilience to climate change, and encouraging sustainable practices.
- State and District-Level Initiatives:— The State government and local administration are also working toward long-term conservation goals, including:
- Carbon Neutral Goals:— Aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of major hill stations like Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri.
- Plastic Waste Reduction:— Ongoing efforts to eliminate plastic waste to protect the region’s biodiversity.
- Conservation of Endemic Species:— Efforts to protect the Nilgiri tahr in its high-altitude shola grasslands.
- Control of Invasive Species:— Programs to reduce invasives like Lantana camara and pine trees, which threaten native shola ecosystems.
2.4 Cultural and Historical Preservation
- Indigenous Communities:— The Toda community, one of the indigenous groups residing in the Blue Mountains, has a rich cultural and ecological heritage. Unfortunately, their numbers have dwindled, yet their unique ecological knowledge remains invaluable.
- Tourism Focus on Indigenous Culture:— Tourist interest in the Nilgiris increasingly includes visits to Toda settlements, recognizing their historical significance.
3. Conservation Successes and Wildlife Adaptation
3.1 Wildlife Flourishing in the Nilgiris Biosphere
- Protected Areas:— The Nilgiris has several protected areas, such as Mudumalai and Muhurthi, contributing to its status as the largest forested region in India.
- Increased Wildlife Populations:— Conservation efforts have seen wildlife numbers grow and expand into new areas, sometimes even close to human settlements.
3.2 Adapting to Changing Ecological Niches
- Changing Habitats:— Animals are now frequently seen outside traditional habitats, adapting to human-altered landscapes.
- Human-Wildlife Encounters:— Increased interaction between people and wildlife has led to some unusual incidents, such as leopards preying on domestic animals, Indian gaurs grazing in tea plantations, and wild pigs scavenging in garbage dumps.
3.3 Case Study: Sloth Bear Encounter
- An Unusual Visit:— A sloth bear was recorded by CCTV exploring a house in the Nilgiris. Finding no food, it left by jumping off the first-floor balcony. This encounter exemplifies the blurred lines between wild spaces and human habitats in this shared wilderness.
4. Envisioning a Collaborative Conservation Future
4.1 Moving Beyond Hard Boundaries
- Integration of Habitats:— Instead of relying solely on physical barriers like fences, conservationists propose a more holistic approach, where humans and wildlife coexist in a shared ecosystem.
4.2 Leveraging Emerging Technologies
- Technology in Conservation:— Advanced tools such as sensitive cameras, satellite imagery, sensors, and AI are increasingly used to monitor and manage biodiversity. These technologies can aid in tracking species and understanding ecosystem dynamics both inside and outside protected zones.
4.3 Engaging Citizens in Conservation Efforts
- Community Participation:— Encouraging citizens across India to take an active role in preserving the Nilgiris’ biodiversity by promoting community-based conservation initiatives.
5. Storytelling: A Vital Tool for Conservation Awareness
5.1 The Power of Storytelling
- Historical Significance:— Storytelling has deep roots in the Nilgiris. The ancient rock art of Sigur and Vellerikombai reflects an early understanding of humans’ relationship with animals.
- Modern Storytelling:— Today, storytelling continues through documentaries, digital media, and educational campaigns, connecting people with nature and inspiring conservation efforts.
- Purpose:— Created by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Felis Films, this documentary aims to highlight the unique biodiversity and conservation efforts within the Nilgiris, dedicating the film to the local communities and forest departments safeguarding the biosphere.
- Goal:— The film seeks to spark a greater sense of responsibility and community among viewers, demonstrating the Nilgiris as a shared wilderness that requires collective care.
6. Celebrating Biosphere Reserves
- International Day for Biosphere Reserves:— Recognized on November 3, this day celebrates the conservation and sustainable management of biospheres like the Nilgiris, emphasizing their importance for ecological and cultural heritage.
- Legacy of the Nilgiris:— As the first biosphere reserve in India, the Nilgiris continues to play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, supporting both wildlife and human communities who rely on its resources.
7. A Model for Sustainable Coexistence
The Nilgiris Biosphere represents a model of shared wilderness where humans and nature can coexist through collective effort and sustainable practices. The region’s conservation success lies in the unity of its community organizations, local government, and the active engagement of citizens. This unique biosphere reminds us that humanity’s future is closely tied to the preservation and regeneration of our natural landscapes.
Source:— The Hindu
#Nilgiris Biosphere
#Nilgiris Biosphere
