The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is advocating for a legal framework to protect India’s grasslands. According to a report by the Deccan Herald, the BNHS is seeking to establish a robust conservation policy for the country’s grasslands, which are facing numerous threats, including habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation.
Grasslands are one of the most neglected ecosystems in India, despite their importance in maintaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and regulating the climate. These ecosystems are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including many endangered species, such as the Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican, and the Wolf.
The BNHS has emphasized the need for a comprehensive conservation policy that addresses the specific challenges faced by grasslands. The organization has pointed out that the current conservation efforts are largely focused on forests, and grasslands are often overlooked. As a result, many grassland ecosystems are being converted into agricultural land, urban areas, or other uses, leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The BNHS has recommended that the government establish a separate conservation category for grasslands, which would provide a legal framework for their protection. The organization has also suggested that the government identify and notify grasslands as “conservation reserves” or “community reserves,” which would provide a higher level of protection and management.
In addition, the BNHS has emphasized the importance of community involvement in grassland conservation. The organization has pointed out that local communities have traditionally managed and conserved grasslands, and their involvement is essential for the success of any conservation effort. The BNHS has recommended that the government engage with local communities and involve them in the conservation and management of grasslands.
The BNHS has also highlighted the need for research and monitoring of grassland ecosystems. The organization has pointed out that there is a lack of scientific data on grasslands, which hinders conservation efforts. The BNHS has recommended that the government establish a research program to study the ecology, biodiversity, and conservation status of grasslands, which would inform conservation policies and management practices.
Overall, the BNHS is seeking to raise awareness about the importance of grassland conservation and to advocate for a comprehensive conservation policy that protects these ecosystems. The organization’s efforts are crucial for the long-term conservation of India’s grasslands and the many species that depend on them.