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Understanding Biodiversity and Its Conservation Efforts in Madhya Pradesh
– Authored by Senior Journalist
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Everything—visible or invisible, living—in our natural surroundings and environment is a symbol of biodiversity. Everything that exists and is sustained by nature on this Earth is a part of biodiversity.
Water bodies, forests, animals, rivers, mountains, seas, swamps, deserts, greenery, trees and plants, flowers and fruits, herbs and grasses, animals, birds, and humans—yes, all of these are part of biodiversity.
Biodiversity is a broad and dynamic subject. It includes the number and variety of species on Earth, the genetic diversity within species, and the variety of ecosystems. This includes forests, grasslands, and marine ecosystems.
At the Earth Summit organized by the United Nations in 1992, it was stated that “biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources.” This includes terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, as well as the ecological processes of which they are part.
Biodiversity includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.
The United Nations, in collaboration with various national and international organizations, continues to work for the conservation of biodiversity. In India too, successful programs are being conducted at governmental, non-governmental, community, and social levels for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with other related departments, is coordinating and running various special biodiversity conservation schemes across states and union territories.
Biodiversity is deeply connected to nature, the environment, animals, humans, and other living entities. It provides vital ecosystem services such as air and water purification, soil formation, and climate regulation.
It is also essential for food security as it offers genetic diversity in crops and livestock. Moreover, biodiversity is a source of medicinal resources, including plants and animals with ecological significance.
India is considered very rich in terms of biodiversity due to its geographical and climatic diversity. The country hosts various types of ecosystems—forests, grasslands, deserts, and marine ecosystems.
India is home to around 18,000 plant species. The Biological Diversity Act and Biological Diversity Rules were notified on 17 December 2004. Consequently, the Madhya Pradesh State Biodiversity Board was formed on 11 April 2005. Its objective is to conserve biodiversity in Madhya Pradesh, ensure its sustainable use, and equitably share benefits arising from the commercial use of bio-resources and knowledge.
Madhya Pradesh is considered the heartland of India and has been abundantly blessed by nature with rich natural resources and diverse flora and fauna. There is a strong link between forests and rivers in the state, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Rivers like the Son, Narmada, Tapti, Chambal, Ken, Betwa, Mahi, Pahuj, Shipra, Kali Sindh, Parvati, and Nevaj that originate from forest areas enhance biodiversity and support life.
The mountain ranges and their catchment areas in Madhya Pradesh are also significant from the biodiversity point of view.
There are tropical dry deciduous forests rich in teak and sal trees in districts like Mandla, Dindori, Seoni, and Balaghat. In the Chambal region—Gwalior, Shivpuri, Bhind, and Datia—scrub forests are found. In Betul, Harda, and nearby areas, valuable teak forests grow. These forests provide timber, bamboo, and a wide variety of minor forest produce and medicinal species, all of which are part of biodiversity.
Notably, the Forest Department in Madhya Pradesh was established in 1860, and scientific forest management began thereafter. Madhya Pradesh was possibly the first state in India to prepare working plans based on India’s first forest policy starting in 1994.
Scientific forest management here aligns with the Government of India’s current objectives and policies for conserving and enhancing biodiversity.
Various biodiversity documentation and research projects are being conducted in collaboration with colleges and NGOs. In 2024-25, a total of 24 projects were run, which also included awareness campaigns.
To raise awareness among school students, the Mowgli Bal Utsav is organized annually by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the State Biodiversity Board, the School Education Department, and other agencies. The 2024 State-Level Mowgli Utsav was held at Pench Tiger Reserve, Seoni District, from November 11 to 13, 2024.
Students (242) and teachers (108) from all 52 districts participated.
Programs like nature trails, treasure hunts, habitat searches, Spark Safaris, biodiversity exhibitions, and mobile biodiversity science exhibitions are conducted to increase public awareness about biodiversity conservation.
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Amitabh