ECO WHISPER
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , June, 2014
Agro-diversity Wild Mushrooms Maasai Mara A Miraculous Plant Intergenerational partnerships Inland Mangroves Climate Vulnerability Kedarnath Rehabilitation Earth Colours
Society for Conserving Planet And Life (COPAL) Srinagar Garhwal, 246174, Uttarakhand, India www.copal.org.in
Š 2014, EcoWhisper COPAL Publications
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EcoWhisper the Environmental magazine contains material protected Copyright Policy of Govt. of India. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without express written permission from the publishers.
Eco Whisper
ECO WHISPER
Volume 1, Issue 1. June, 2014 EcoWhisper is published by Society for Conserving Planet And Life (COPAL)
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Society for Conserving Planet and Life (COPAL) was
founded
because
of
the
need
for
environmental conservation and protection of many
neglected
natural
resources
and
Address: Society for Conserving Planet And Life (COPAL) Badrinath Road, Srinagar Garhwal, 246174 Uttarakhand India.
landscapes. The mission of COPAL is to initiate
Website: www.copal.org.in Webpage: www.facebook.com/copal.org Blog: http://copalindia.blogspot.in/
managing natural resources. Our process of
Editor in Chief Dr. D. Dhyani, India
resources follows sound ecological principles
Copy Editors Dr. Kausik Banerjee, India Dr. Anurag Dhyani, Ethiopia Sri. D. P. Dhyani, India Design and Layout Dr. D. Dhyani, India Cover Photo Dr. Vikram S. Negi, India Publisher COPAL publications
the process of responsible thinking followed by responsible actions by incorporating science and societal
participation
conservation
coupled
with
and
in
conserving
management
traditional
and
of
and
natural
indigenous
knowledge, scientific technology and community involvement. After years of working in various ecologically important landscapes, discussions and having more like minded individuals joining the forum the organization was registered in August, 2010 as a Public Trust and Society.
(i)
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
In SiGHT 1
(1-5)
2 3 4
(6-11)
Glimpses of wild mushroom: A walk in the forest of Garhwal, India – Dr. K.C. Semwal
(12-15)
Unusual Treasures From Natural Trails - Dr. Shalini Dhyani
(16-17)
5
(18-19)
6
(20-28)
7
(29)
8
(30-32)
9
Women attributes in Conserving Traditional Agrodiversity of Himalayas- Dr. Vikram S. Negi
(33)
Fostering a vision for a just conservation through intergenerational partnerships-Catie Burlando, Melanie Zurba and Elaine Hsiao Saussurea gossypiphora D. Don: A Miraculous Species- Dr. Manohar Lal Wild Harmony- Kareff Rafisura Impact of climate change disabilities - Koisani Peter
on
people
with
Kedarnath Disaster: Plan to rehabilitate -Dr. D. Dhyani Earth Colours: An initiative to link conservation with livelihood
(ii)
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Editorial Dear Readers, I enthusiastically welcome and invite you all to read our first and inaugural issue of Eco Whisper, an environmental magazine by Society for Conserving Planet and Life. It is a great pleasure to launch our inaugural issue on 5th June, 2014 on World Environment Day with a clear theme “Lets raise our voices, not the sea level�. EcoWhisper is for all, no matter they belongs to scientific society or not. We have tried to make it a mass magazine so, that they can connect themselves with it. EcoWhisper is a whispering voice of you all who think, love, act and live environment inside their soul, mind and heart and want to be the change they want to see. We have aimed to bring a articles that initiate a responsible thought process and understanding our responsibility towards environment. Some of them provide you an overview of about diverse nature like one on Glimpses of wild mushroom: A walk in the forest of Garhwal, India gives a vibrant insight to the magnificent world of mushrooms. An excellent article on Saussurea gossypiphora D. Don: A Miraculous Species throws light lesser known and threatened biodiversity profile of a high altitude plant. You all are going to enjoy the diversity of our nature through them. A tale of Unusual Treasures From Natural Trails takes you to remote deserts of India with rich cultural heritage sites like one discussed on inland mangroves; a rare phenomenon. Wild Harmony is a beautiful picture story from Maasai Mara and an added beauty to this magazine and gives the magazine a global touch. Women attributes in Conserving Traditional Agro-diversity of Himalayas and Kedarnath Disaster: Plan to rehabilitate are going to a must read and appreciable stories from Indian Himalayan Region that was recently hit by Himalayan Tsunami and caused massive disaster and loss of life, nothing but an indication towards our changing climate. Fostering a vision for a just conservation through intergenerational partnerships and Impact of climate change on people with disabilities are new perspectives to ponder more and act more upon and I am sure is going to provide more that what our readers are expecting from our first issue. Last but not the least I hand this issue to you all to have an overview and please get back to us with your feedbacks regarding our first issue that are surely going to motivate us for our forthcoming issues. Happy Readings..!! Dr. D. Dhyani Editor in Chief (iii)
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 Vol. 1. PERSPECTIVE Issue 1. , 2014
Eco Whisper
Women attributes in Conserving Traditional Agro-diversity of Himalayas Vikram S. Negi
The traditional crop diversity and their
sustainable landscape development, the
landrace in agricultural land use in
on-farm conservation of traditional
Himalayas have great significant for
crop
long
agro-
Women in central Himalaya always play
ecosystem along with conservation and
a significant role in managing and
management surrounding landscape.
operating most of the household and
Traditional crop varieties and races,
agricultural
which evolved over time through trial
considered as the backbone of hill
and error, not only provide basic
agriculture. Hill/mountain women with
nutritional requirements, but also food
extensive knowledge of practices still
security. Loss of crop biodiversity has
trying mixed farming with traditional
taken place over the years, principally
seeds to increase on-farm diversity.
and inadvertently related to changing
They are also recycling the resources on
lifestyle
a
term
and
sustainability
growing
of
demand
of
cash crops in the regional market. For
diversity
mixed
is
urgently
activities.
system
needed.
They
through
are
animal
husbandry, annual crops and other tree
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
components.
Women
particularly
those living in rural areas or mountain areas have special relationship with the environment. They are more close to the nature than men and this close relationship
makes
them
perfect
managers of an eco-system. Women indicated that special incentives and ecological compensation are necessary to promote profitable conservation of local and traditional crop varieties because traditional crops or local crops are hardier with an ability of coping with the adverse climatic condition. Inclusion of these crops into the cropping system will therefore produce the required food security, particularly to those communities who live in the fragile ecosystems like Uttarakhand. Agricultural practices are the main stay of the people in Uttarakhand and about 80% of the population is actively engaged in agricultural variations
activities. in
climatic
Due
to
conditions,
unavailability of reliable market
accompanied by large family size on small fragmented farms on small terraces covered on steep slopes have led
the
farmers
to
adopt
the
subsistence farming systems which are
characterized
by
substantial
diversity and also high degree of selfreliance. The farming of crops is mostly
traditional
and
overall
cropping pattern of the mountain region
of
typically
central of
an
Himalaya
is
underdeveloped
agricultural economy. The change from
traditional
agriculture
to
subsistence cash-crop-based
agriculture has been advancing in the last three decades.
Many
traditional crops have thus totally vanished; some others are at the brink of extinction and subsequently decreased the area under traditional crop. Consequently, the ecological and
economic
security
of
the
traditional agro-ecosystem of this region appears to be in jeopardy. It is only women farmer who are still
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
trying to conserve traditional agro -
and
diversity
coracana,
Setaria
Amaranthus
spp,
with
indigenous
their
practicing
extensive knowledge
food
processing.
Elusine elatica,
Chenopodium
through promotion to traditional
album,
crops
Fagopyrum esculentum, Hordeum
cultivation.
developed knowledge
tataricum,
They
have
refined
this
vulgare, Pisum arvense,
technique
over
mungo,
and and
Fagopyrum
Macrotyloma
Vigna
uniflorum,
centuries by carrying out farming
Phaeolus vulgaries, Glycine max,
under diverse, uncertain and fragile
Perilla frutescens, cleome viscose,
ecological condition. Women are
Cajanus cajan, Vigna angularis,
heavily involved in subsistence crop
Vigna unguiculata constitute the
production. The extent to which rural
principal traditional crops along with
women are involved in agricultural
two main cereals Triticum aestivum
production is a function of numerous
and Oryza sativa of Uttarakhand.
interlinked
crop
Applying farm yard manure (FYM)
production, women work long hours
by women farmer is one of the most
as comparison to men in sowing,
useful and significant indigenous
transplanting, fertilizing, weeding,
methods practiced almost in all the
thinning, harvesting, threshing and
villages of the region which is an
winnowing,
post-
excellent resource for organic crop
harvest activities such as bagging,
production and supplies nutrients
sorting, grading, cleaning, storage
and organic matter, stimulating the
factors.
and
in
In
many
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
biological processes in the soil that
which is an important part of crop
help to build fertility. Application
rotation. On the production front
of FYM is a practice which involves
women often consider nutritious
using of fully decomposed organic
aspects while making crops choices.
matter of livestock dung, straw,
The richness of crop diversity in the
grasses,
etc.
region is apparent from the fact that
According to the women farmers,
women traditionally harvest more
application of farm yard manure is
than twelve grains and pluses in one
mandatory for the maintenance of
year under mixed cropping system
crop productivity. Crop rotation is
which locally known as Barahnaja
an important feature of the system
and have evolved a very effective
and help to maintain the diversity
mechanism to prevent total crop
of
the
failure to ensure food security. These
distribution of crop in the growing
women farmers of the region have
period and management of soil
realized that their crops have unique
fertility.
selling
left
species
(legumes)
over
grown,
Importance as
a
feed
as
of
“Soil
is
pulses Fertility
Maintainer� cannot be ignored
prize
as
a
bio-products
because they don’t use chemical fertilizer during cropping, The
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
products cultivated through organic
sustainability
farming known as organic product
maintain a symbiotic relationship
and they are gaining worldwide
with natural resources. However, all
popularity due high nutritional value
these
and having no harmful effect on
support. Himalayan women have the
human
necessary
beings.
Women
farmers
of
efforts skill
the
need and
region
to
institutional (indigenous)
supplying organic products, found
knowledge and sharpness to utilize
their goods to be in high demand and
this opportunities. The only necessity
have created
marketing network
is to evolve a community based
through various NGOs and trade
institutional mechanism to utilize
fares. Proper processing and selling
these wisdoms into policy making. A
through organized channel could
participatory
enhance
institutional and policy support is
market
value
of
their
through
products. These platforms enable
required
women farmers to access quicker
strategies and approaches for land
benefits. Interestingly, it is being
utilization with the participation of
now realized that traditional crops
women at ground level. Capacity
have importance as a health food,
building and skill development of
largely
women groups through training/live
due
to
their
nutritive
for
approach
developing
new
composition, including high dietary
demonstrations/field
fibre apart from their traditional role
new technological interventions is
as a staple food under the marginal
urgently
agriculture. The above illustration
imperative need to give special
shows that women by their share
attention for making them an equal
inventiveness
associate in the policy framing or in
have
successfully
shown how to preserve traditional
needed.
exercises There
is
of an
program implementation.
crops and agro-diversity or can say ecosystem Dr. Vikram Singh Negi currently works with G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Uttarakhand. He has enormous experience of working in a variety of issues at different altitudinal zones of Central Himalaya His work includes a variety of themes including NRM, ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, land rehabilitation, climate variability, agro-biodiversity.. His work exemplifies an interdisciplinary approach where he used both the tools of natural science and social sciences to analyze interlinkages and interdependencies of domestic and natural ecosystems. He brings with him extensive work experience of Capacity Building for Entrepreneurship Development and Self Employment in the Himalayan Region.
5.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 TRAVELOUGE
Glimpses of wild mushroom
A walk in the forest of Garhwal, India K.C. Semwal
Garhwal Himalaya is located in the
Interdependent
Uttarakhand state of India. This part
relationship, the host tree or plant
of North-western Himalayan range
receives more nutrients from the soil
bestowed with dense forests, high
since it increase the area to uptake
peak
peculiar
nutrients with the help of extended
topography. The Himalayan range
fungus mycelium, increases tolerance
starts with the lower Shiwalik area to
to stresses, and the fungi obtain
alpine zones with snow covered high
carbon compounds from and shelter
peaks.
from the host tree.
mountains
This
region
and
of
Garhwal
Himalaya received good rainfall in
mutualistic
the monsoon season and it creates a
Walk Observation….. During the different phases of wild
favourable humid condition to grow
mushroom study in the Garhwal
fleshy fungi. They are decomposers,
Himalaya, India, the virtuosity of
pathogens and the most amazingly
wild mushrooms are fascinating. In
form “mycorrhizal association” with
Garhwal Himalayan forests various
the rootlets of the trees. In this
kinds of wild mushrooms
grow
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
during the rainy season. Different
forests, on rotting wood. Xylaria
kinds of shapes and growth patterns
(Fig. 5) is found growing on decaying
of those always gain attention of the
wood,
visitors of forest. The diversity of
Dipterocarp
wild mushroom is amazingly huge in
Himalayan tropical climatic zone.
these
regions
Appearance of Sparassis Sp. gives
(dominant with Shorea robusta tree
impression of “Cauliflower” (Fig. 6).
species),
subtropical
It is a parasitic mushroom, grows as
forest (dominant with exclusively
a pathogen on coniferous trees. It is
Pinus
moist
easy to identify on field due to its
forest
morphology. It is very delicious and
tropical
foothill
coniferous roxburghii),
broadleaved (dominant
temperate with
leucotrichophora)
Oak-
nutritious.
forest
The
occurred in
in lower
“Wood
Ears”
temperate
(Auricularia sp., Fig. 7) is another
coniferous forest (dominant with
fungus also known as jelly fungi
Cedrus deodara) regions. These
grows on the live or dead wood
various kinds of fungus creatures
trunks, and grouped in decomposers.
include “Bird Nest” fungus (Cyathus
This fungus
Sp.,
these
delicious. People in the oriental
creatures, forest travellers need keen
countries like Tibet and China are
eyes because their size is always
used to eat it in rainy season. In
small. These fungi are found in soil,
Garhwal Himalaya, Tibetan refugees
near dung, on twigs or near stone
introduced it to local people to
slits etc. “Clubs & Coral Fungi”
consume. Tibetan refugees tell this
resembles broadened stick and ‘coral
mushroom
reefs’ found in the oceans. They can
language. Hydnum (Fig. 8) is a type
be identified with their unique club
of fungi in which a tooth like
shaped structure. Clavaria (Fig. 2)
projection is found in the place of
grows in damp soil among moss
gills or pores (underside to cap). It is
preferably in coniferous woodland.
one of the most delicious edible
Dacryopinax (Fig. 3) grows on
fungi, prized for their good sweet in
decaying
on
the world, but not in Garhwal
sometimes
Himalaya. Coprinus species (Fig. 9)
Fig.
1).
To
wood,
to
Quercus
generally
observe
generally
broadleaved
trees,
colonized
fired
on
wood
is
Muro
edible
in
and
Tibetan
also.
is commonly known as “Inky caps”.
Ramaria (Fig. 4) grows on ground in
The name Inky caps is only due to its
both coniferous and broadleaved
property to turn as ink after decaying
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8.
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9
11
13 & 14
16
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
10
12
15
17
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
or produce ink in water. They are also saprophytes, help in decomposition of dung, wood, and litter. Sometimes in an open grassland and open canopy site of the forest some ‘fungus circle’ observed during the visit. Generally these fungus circles are known as “fairy ring”. In Garhwal Himalaya two species founds to form fairy ring, one is Agaricus sp. (Fig. 10) and other is Lepiota species. They occur in open grass lands and outskirts of forest grasslands. It is a peculiar type of growth habit of fungi. Another star shaped creatures commonly known as “Earth Star” (Geastrum sp. Fig. 11) is easy to see on forest floor due to its shape. “Stink horn Fungi” (Mutinus sp. Fig. 12) is named because it produces an unpleasant smell similar to that of rotten meat. The flies attract on this horn helps in dispersal of spores. These creatures were found among
leaf
litter
of
planted
Eucalyptus sp. in Garhwal Himalaya.
During the course of forest forays in the
high
altitudes
of
Garhwal
Himalaya a well known but under threatened species of fung were observed, vernacularly known as “Caterpillar
fungus”
or
“Keeda
Ghas” (Cordyceps sp. Fig. 13). It is commonly known as Yartsa gunbu or “summer grass-winter worm” in Tibet,
Bhutan
and
China.
The
property of this fungus is to invade the
insect
larva
killing
it
and
producing a fruiting body out of its head. This fungus has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and in traditional Tibetan medicine. To protect it to being extinct or to prevent
overexploitation,
the
government of Uttrakhand state has the policy to collect these medicinally important fungi in particular timings in
high
Himalaya.
altitude A
of
specific
Garhwal and
less
encountered species, locally known as “Guchhi” or Morels (Morchella sp., Fig. 14 & 15) observed in MarchApril spring season, especially after
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Lightening and thundering. Morels
fan- shaped appearance, with glossy,
founds
brightly
especially
in
temperate
reddish
brown
cap.
It
Coniferous woodland. Two types of
colonizes the rooting tree trunk. It is
Morels were observed during the
not soft as other mushrooms; rather
forays, the first one was black morel
it is hard and leathery in consistency.
and the second was yellow morel.
Ganoderma lucidum is one of the
Black
in
most precious mushrooms known for
coniferous woodland during March-
their medicinal properties. It is
April while yellow morel observed in
cultivated in orient countries and in
Apple orchards during late rainy
India as well.
morel
was
observed
season in October in forest sites. This mushroom is famous for its delicacy
Threat possibilities
and high priced value.
The mushroom species encountered
Local people collect and dry
during the forest forays in the
these prized mushrooms and sell in
Garhwal Himalaya assumed as there
open market with a price tag of Rs.
are
12,000-16,000 per Kg., (Fig. 16).
extinction for some species at some
Colorful mushrooms always attract
extent, because among these some
visitors and they include “Yellow
are over exploited to earn easy
Chanterelles� (Cantharellus sp., Fig.
money by the local peoples. The
17) and Milky cap (Lactarius indigo,
major threat is recognised only for
Fig. 18); edible wild mushroom
two
collected by the local people in the
Cordycepys
Uttarakhand Himalaya. However, L.
groups have high value due to its
indigo is not collected by local people
taste
but it is consumed in other countries.
respectively.
possibilities
groups
and
of
threat
Morchella
species. medicinal
These
to
and both
properties
Ganoderma (Fig.19) is a species with
Dr. Kamal C Semwal, a mycologist, presently working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Botany, Mekelle University, Ethiopia. He has vast experience of wild mushroom of North-Western Himalaya particularly fungal diversity, taxonomy and ecology. He has published more than a dozen research papers in peer reviewed national and international research journals. He has recorded many interesting mushroom species new to Science from India from Garhwal Himalaya with his co-workers. Some species are under study to be proposed as new to the scientific world.
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 INSIGHT
Unusual Treasures From Natural Trails Shalini Dhyani
During my stay in Kachchh part of
at
Gujarat last year I had a very
story behind the place is that during
privileged opportunity to visit once
Ramayan era, the famous character
Asia’s biggest grassland “Banni” in
“Shravan Kumar” who carried his
Kachchh and adjoining areas. The
parents on “Kavda”- a similar to
unique natural treasures lie scattered
balance came to this place to quench
like oasis in arid deserts of Gujarat.
thirst of his parents from the water of
These unique sites and areas make
this well - so, “Shravan Kavadia” is
the state a rich bio diversity and
the name given to this hermitage.
cultural hot spot. Spread over 7506
Amazing and interesting part of this
sq.
Wildlife
journey was to visit this Inland
Sanctuary of Gujarat alone hosts
mangrove site of Shravan Kavadia, a
several
and
biodiversity heritage site in Gujarat.
among
It is the one of the only inland
many such treasures is the existence
mangrove patches in India, (for
of a unique Inland mangrove grove
information: there are also a few
km,
the rare
ecological
Kachchh
archaeological
wonders.
One
Shravan Kavadia. Mythological
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Inland Mangrove patches present in Peru, South America).
Shravan
Kavadia is far away and entirely cut off from the sea and over 45 km inland of it. Shravan Kavadia is a land locked mangrove patch of just 0.7 hectare; previously the area was reported to be about 1.5 ha. Only single mangrove species Avicennia marina can be seen in this stand. Avicennia
millennia. Land, like a port at
marina mangroves stand high in a
Sindree, has sunk below sea level; or,
cluster, resembling banyan trees in
like the Shravan Kavadiya area near
height
on
Bhuj may have raised above it. The
underground supply of saline water,
unique inland mangrove patch is an
which in turn is dependent on the
evidence of the ancient shoreline
annual influx from the sea. Shravan
proving the historical evidence for
Kavadia is located on the fringe area
geomorphologic change in the region
Amazingly,
and
the
are
dependent
is obvious due to the Holocene transgression of the sea. Most of the trees of this site were badly damaged during
a
1998
cyclone.
The
remaining and partially damaged majorly top broken surviving trees count very less. However, in 19982000, when the area was demarcated as an inland mangrove site, about of
Banni
grassland
(once
this
grassland used to be the biggest grassland in entire Asia and habitat
100
mangroves
were
reported
surviving. Next to this temple is a dense
of Cheetah). Kachchh, is a high risk
forest
of
Prosopis
juliflora,
earthquake zone and seismologists
Salvadora persica, S. oleoides and
had always been expressing their
its associate species. This unique
concerns about the danger, basing
stand of inland mangroves is about a
their view on mountain-building
kilometer inside this forest and not
activity in the area. The area has
visible from the road head. “Shravan
been driven by seismic activity for
Cheriya (mangrove) is very rich in its
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EcoWhisper
avi
faunal
mammals
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
diversity like
and
jackals�
small
declared as biodiversity heritage site
informs
by state forest department and ban
Radha Ben, a local resident of
imposed
Kunarai village. Lot of dead and
biomass from this stand is also major
decaying necromass (both standing
factor.
and fallen) lies scattered on the forest floor.
in
collection
of
any
Coppicing/stump regeneration (a form of regeneration in trees where
Locals of nearby villages have
sprouting happens from cut stumps)
never collected these huge dead and
in some trees has also been observed
decaying biomass of Avicennia for
that indicates slow regeneration. The
firewood purpose. Lack of moisture
area is not swampy or marshy still
and increased desert temperatures
rhizophores are present and most of
during
rhizophores seem to be rudimentary
day
decomposition
time very
makes
slow.
“We
showing
adaptations
and
cannot take the wood for personal
transformations for being on land for
use
millennia.
of
this
sacred
Cheriya
Though,
Shravan
(mangrove) otherwise the deity will
Kavadia is first of a kind inland
curse us� informs Haider Bhai of
mangrove site in Gujarat but there
Jawahar Nagar, a nearby village.
was no doubt in finding a few other
This unique mangrove site has been
inland
mangrove
sites
in the
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
desert of Gujarat lying unnoticed and
much as in the Himalayas.
unreported due to transgression of
“It had taken the Himalayas over 40
sea. Hence, while our regular field
million years to rise to its present
trips we could discover second site in
height and that it had taken about
Kachchh Gujarat at village Guneri in
two million years for the hills to rise
Lakhpat Taluka of Kachchh. The
in Bhuj to about 400 metres” points
inland mangrove site at Guneri
Dr. Karanth. The unique inland
village is even smaller than this
mangrove patch is an evidence of the
patch and only few mangrove trees
ancient
are present.
historical
Geological ambiguity
geomorphologic change in the region
Earthquake in Kutch, north-western
at a rate of 1.3 cm/year is obvious
India, is one of the most noteworthy
due to the Holocene transgression of
events to have occurred in a plate-
the sea.
interior setting. Dr. R. V. Karanth of geology
department
at
MS
shoreline
proving
the
evidence
for
There is a need to conserve such unique
sites
from
natural
and
University, Baroda, had pointed out
anthropogenic interference, if any, so
the danger in one of her research
that our coming generations feel
papers last year, asserting that the
proud after seeing
earthquakes in the area were fallout
treasures of India.
such natural
of mountain – building in the area,
*The views expressed are of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of her employer.
Dr. Shalini Dhyani is an ardent ecologist presently working as a Scientist with CSIR-NEERI. She has extensive work experience in Western Himalayas, Deserts, Coasts & mangrove ecosystems of Kachchh, Gujarat and Western Ghats on a variety of issues. She is invited member of specialist group Commission on Spiritual Values of Protected Areas (CSVPA) of Commission on Ecosystem Economic and Social Policy and Commission of Ecosystem Management (CEESP) in IUCN and Core Group of IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) South Asia. She was selected among 100 women for their exceptional work in Asia by Asian Rural Women’s Coalition (ARWC), Malaysia for her work on Fodder Bank to reduce drudgery of rural women in Himalayas.
15.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 PARTNERSHIP
Fostering a vision for a just conservation through intergenerational partnerships Catie Burlando, CEESP Youth Newtork Advisor Melanie Zurba, Intergenerational Partnership for Sustainability Co-Convener and CEESP member Elaine Hsiao, WCPA Young Professionals Co-Vice Chair & CEESP member
Envionmental,
community leaders, practitioners and
Economic and Social Policy (CEESP)'s
researchers to launch and promote the
mission is to contribute to the IUCN
Intergenerational
Mission by providing insights and expertise
Sustainability
and promoting policies and action to
experiences.
harmonize the conservation of nature with
Many
The
Commission
on
Partnership
and great
share
for
on
their
outcomes
were
the crucial socioeconomic and cultural
achieved at the 2012 Congress, including
concerns of human communities. Since
those that involved youth in leadership
2011, the CEESP Youth Network has been
positions (see In Interactive report). Jeju,
contributing to CEESP's priority areas by
the IUCN Congress asked CEESP to lead
recognizing
emerging
discussions for the development of two
leaders in the structures, policies and
new knowledge products that will focus
activities
the
on the social aspects of conservation and
young
that are explicit aims of the IUCN 2013-
professionals within CEESP, and fostering
2016 Global Program. CEESP's Theme on
cross-commission collaboration.
Governance, Equity and Rights and the
and of
involvement
supporting
CEESP—promoting of
youth
and
Opportunities and experiences have not been lacking! For example, at the World Conservation Congress held in Jeju in 2012, the CEESP Youth Network worked with all I U C N Commissions to bring young
Theme on Environment, Conflict and Security,
in
collaboration
with
ELC/WCEL, are developing the Natural Resources Governance
Framework, to
assess effectiveness of legal, political and institutional arrangements which impact
16.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
use of natural resources and to promote
on protected areas and set the agenda for
governance
protected areas conservation for decades to
that
enhances
the
of
biodiversity
to
contributions
come.
Parks
Canada,
IUCN
World
sustainability. The Theme on Sustainable
Commission on Protected Areas Young
Livelihoods
and
the
Sustainable
Use
Professionals Group, IUCN Commission on
developing
the
Education and Communications (CEC),
Nature
and IUCN Taskforce on Intergenerational
Framework to quantify the nature and
Partnership for Sustainability are co-
scope
leading the “Inspiring a New Generation”
Specialist
Group
Human
Dependency of
are
household
on and
community
reliance on nature (or wild resources), and
stream.
to provide better data and tools to
forward-looking multi-media workshops,
policymakers and communities on how
presentations
ecosystem services are part of livelihood
innovative
strategies. These tools will go side by side
public’s discovery of and connection to
with
IUCN
nature, and will bring the powerful voices
knowledge products such as the IUCN Red
of today’s generation of young leaders
List of Threatened Species, Protected
within
Planet (powered by the World Database on
community to the Congress. As we prepare
Protected Areas), Key Biodiversity Areas
for
and the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. Also
tremendous opportunity for young people
on this front, young CEESP members have
and youth organizations or networks to be
been active participants.
involved and help in creating bridges
internationally
renowned
Finally, the World Parks Congress, to be held in Sydney between November 12
The
stream and
programs
the
Congress,
parks this
will
encourage
discussions
on
to
the
and will
support
conservation represent
a
towards the governance of a sustainable and just conservation.
to 19, 2014, is a landmark global forum For information on how to get involved with the CEESP Youth Network, please contact Catie Burlando: catie.burlando@gmail.com. For information on how to get involved with the WCPA Young Professionals SG, please contact Elaine Hsiao and Sudeep Jana: citizenof1world@gmail.com, janasudeep@gmail.com.
Catie Burlando is main author of this article. She has completed her Ph.D. at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba in 2012. Catie is currently located in Northeastern Italy where she is collaborating with a Local Action Group on mountain development planning efforts within the context of Europe 2020. Catie has been a member of CEESP since 2010, and was invited to join the Steering Committee in September 2011 as the CEESP youth and intergenerational partnership advisor. In this role, Catie will continue on her efforts to support intergenerational partnerships within CEESP, including by promoting youth's participation at the World Parks Congress in 2014, and in cross-commission efforts
.
17.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 BIODIVERSITY
Saussurea gossypiphora D. Don: A Miraculous Species Manohar Lal
Asteraceae is forth largest family of
workshop held at Shimla from 22-
vascular plants in the globe. In India,
25th May 2003 on “Conservation
the family is estimated to have about
Assessment
900
Prioritization�, status of Saussurea
species
under
167
genera.
and
Saussurea, a large genus of annual,
gossypiphora
biannual
Himalayan
or
perennial
herbs
is
in
states
Management Northwestern of
Jammu
&
distributed in the temperate and
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and
arctic regions of Asia, Europe and
Uttarakhand was assessed based on
North America.
In the world 456
population reduction due to habitat
species belong to this genus. About
loss and harvesting. According to
61 species are reported from India, of
this report, status of Saussurea
which Saussurea costus (Kuth) and
gossypiphora in Jammu & Kashmir
Saussurea
(Brahma
is Near Threatened, in Himachal
Kamal) are Critically Endangered
Pradesh, Critically Endangered and
and
in
obvallata
Saussurea
simpsoniana
(Maana) is Endangered. During the
Uttrakhand,
Vulnerable.
Astonishing beauty of Saussurea
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
gossypiphora (Ghughi) inspired me
medicine systems it is used to cure
to write short note on this species.
gynaecological,
During last seven years, I gave
menstrual disorder, promoting the
frequent visit to the alpine zone up to
blood circulation, healing asthma,
5300m and only once I came across
cuts, bruises, cough and hysteria. In
this plant. I found it 600m away from
Kullu and Lahaul Spiti districts, the
Rohtang pass at an altitude 4100 m.
plant is offered for worship at
It is short, stout, erect, 15-20 cm in
shrines, put in caps as blessing of
height
astonishing
God and to guard against evil spirits.
appearance. The whole plant was
Traditionally, it is believed that it is
covered with soft cottony white hairs;
miraculous
if
Saussurea
radical
gossypiphora
and
Saussurea
and
with
leaves
an
sessile,
remotely
mental
and
toothed and narrowed towards the
simpsoniana are found together. The
base;
by
Himalayan musk deer extensively
matted white hairs and rarely occurs
grazes the flowers of Saussurea
in dry rocky alpine zone of the Indian
gossypiphora.
Himalaya from Kashmir to Sikkim,
grazing cause reduction in species
between 3800-5600m. In Xizhang,
density and frequency. Like other
China, Dr. Been successfully cultured
medicinal and threatened plants
it from leaf segments on MS medium.
“Snowball� also need to undertake an
But, in India such studies have not
in depth scientific exploration and
been done so far. The species possess
investigation for in-situ and ex-situ
some
conservation.
cauline
leaves
medicinal
Chinese and
covered
properties.
Tibetan
In
Harvesting
and
traditional
'
Dr. Manohar Lal, an ecologist by profession currently works with GB Pant institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. He has worked for various threatened plants including medicinal and aromatic plants on a variety of ecological zones. He has also worked on Morphological and ecological characterization, germplasm collection and propagation of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae L.) in cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh. He has published more than 30 research papers including book and scientific reports.
19.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 PHOTO FEATURES
Wild Harmony Kareff Rafisura
Wild harmony
is the
of her lifestyle and buying decisions.
phrase that comes to my mind when I
Coming
recollect my visit to Maasai Mara
beautiful, strong, yet fragile animals
National Park- a wildlife sanctuary in
urged me to live simply. Even though I
south-western Kenya in February 2012
life halfway across the world, the
and July 2013. Nature can be fickle so I
decisions that I make could potentially
didn’t really have a high expectation.
contribute to the pressures that affect
However
wildlife
the
universe
must
have
face
to
– climate
face
with
change,
these
human
conspired in my favour because I
conflicts, pollution, habitat destruction.
witnessed a lion kill - with all the gore
Every decision to buy a new cell-phone,
and drama – during my first game
computer or car contributes to the drive
drive! I share my story through this
to explore fragile ecosystems to open up
photo essay. Hope you will enjoy it.
new mining frontiers, find new energy
This experience has changed me from
sources, and lands that ultimately affect
someone who just loves nature trips to a
these animals and their habitats. One
person who has become contemplative
doesn’t need to be a conservation activist in order to realize that we have to re-examine our lifestyles in order to live in harmony with the wild
20.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
It was around 7.30 AM when my guide and I spotted a pride assembled just opposite to grazing buffaloes. They were observing the buffaloes so keenly. It was quite obvious that they are going for a kill.
Then the female lions started advancing one by one. The advance was so slow and methodical - as if following a carefully planned tactical formation.
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Another lion advancing towards the buffaloes.
While the rear-guards were waiting for their turn. At this point, we can already see their targets - a mother and a baby buffalo who were grazing away from the rest of the herd. I learned that unlike tigers, lions are not fast runners. Hence their strategy is to isolate the prey before launching an attack
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From their initial position, they all moved to a slightly higher ground as if doing a reconnaissance
She was clearly outnumbered but she put up a really good fight
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
In a matter of seconds, the first group of lions (mostly females) ferociously attacked the mother buffalo. I was cursing her for straying from the herd but I realized that she was probably trying to protect her baby. (I got this and the next photo from another tourist. I stopped taking photos as soon as I saw the lions pounding the poor buffalo because I couldn't stand the goriness of it all)
With 5 to 6 lions pounding the buffalo, I thought that was the end of it. But when she was very close to defeat, a hundred or so buffaloes launched a counter-offensive - almost out of nowhere
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
They successfully rescued the mother buffalo and more than a hundred of the chased the lions away.
Sadly however the baby buffalo got killed. The lions had her/him for breakfast
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
The buffaloes turned their attention to the lions who were eating the baby buffalo. But I observed that unlike their daring rescue operation earlier, the buffalo attack this time was calculated and tentative. I was also surprised that the lions did not even attempt to fight back.
And this is the end of the 45-minute drama that changed the way I look at buffaloes. Whatever they lacked in strength, they made up for numbers and teamwork. These guys deserve more respect and a Disney movie!
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Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
I felt that the lions gave up too easily on the mother buffalo. But maybe that's the real law of the jungle even if you are powerful, you should also know when to cut losses and walk away. — at Masaai Mara.
Still looking hungry and probably going for another kill tomorrow. — at Masaai Mara.
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EcoWhisper
.
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
Kareff Rafisura, presently working with the UN and is based in Bangkok after serving in Nepal and Ghana. Besides, she has also worked with various international research organisations. She has a vast research experience on Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 climate, participatory governance, and environmental management issues. Kareff holds a Masters in Climate and Society from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University, New York, with graduate-level coursework in International Studies completed at De La Salle University in Manila. Kareff loves travelling to wild places, is a avid reader and an excellent nature photographer.
*The views expressed are of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of her employer.
28.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 Reader Writer
The impact of climate change on people with disabilities Koisani Peter
Due to existing inequities and disparities, people with disabilities will face a disproportionate impact due to climate change. People with disabilities and their families need adaptation and coping strategies and robust systems and mechanisms that can mitigate and minimize the harmful effects of climate change, and promote sustainable access to basic necessities, secure livelihoods, health care, and social and civic participation. Last year, I met a friend and a group of his
school mates and they shared their stories with me on how climate change has affected them and their contribution in the mitigation processes. It is therefore, our responsibility to share information and knowledge about the needs of people with disabilities and good practices for inclusion in situations such as natural and man-made disasters, emergencies, violence and conflict, scarcity of resources, and development efforts, all of which will be affected by climate change.
“It Is tIme to make a dIfference, and If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleepIng wIth a mosquIto.” Author voice:
“I
belong to Kajiado region in Kenya where lion has been a
part of Maasai community. But due to the climate change, lions have run away due to drying up of shrubs where they used to live. Now the whole world is facing a drastic change in climate we, the young, are facing challenge of support from government and other institution, but thanks to all who brought their support to the whole world. I would like to thank personally COPAL, India for the great inspiration to us and whole world. COPAL is providing all interesting information related to every possible field of environment and nature including climate change.”
Koisani Peter, is a young environmental enthusiast from Africa. He is dedicatedly working for climate change in Kenya. Presently, he is working with young generation to build the capacity by raising awareness on climate change and it’s severe effects on human beings and it’s environment. Besides, he and his group are also working on various conservation issues of wildlife including prevention of killing and poaching of elephants and other wild animals in Africa.
29.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 Vol. 1. Issue INSIGHT 1. , 2014
Eco Whisper
Kedarnath Disaster: Plan to rehabilitate D.Dhyani
What to say natural or man-made?
from Chorabari Tal or Gandhi Tal
We only know that this all have
down Mandakini river and
jeopardised
washed all the constructed buildings
our
mountains,
its
resources and people. A very drastic
and other structures in its path.
incident took place on 16th and 17th
The next day on the 17th of June
June of the year 2013 at Kedarnath
at about 6:40 of the morning, water
town. Torrential rain, cloud burst
rushed down river Saraswati and
and moraine dammed Chorabari taal
from Chorabari Tal bringing along
(also known as Gandhi sarovar) just
with its flow huge amount of silt,
at the top behind the sacred shrine
rocks and boulders. A huge boulder
Kedarnath, washed away an about 20
got stuck behind Kedarnath temple
km area of Kedarnath, Rambara,
and save it from the flood's fury. The
Gaurikund and Sonprayag. All these
upper Kedar valley was the worst
areas were situated on the bank of
affected by the floods. Thousands of
river Mandakini. On June 16, 2013,
people were feared, killed and many
at
thousands
about
7:30
pm
a
landslide
of
others
(mostly
occurred just behind the Kedarnath
pilgrims) were reported missing in
temple with loud thunder followed
this
by gushing of huge amount of water
worst natural calamity in the history
disaster.
This
was
the
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
of Uttarakhand. Due to huge loss of
Using big boulders and Seabuckthorn
human and animal lives, loss of
plantation. Seabuckthorn is a wild
biodiversity and various geographical
edible fruit plant having a wonderful
terrains
networks,
attribute to bind soils in nature. Plant
Uttarakhand Government
has a highly developed root system and
including
the
road
to
therefore, presents an excellent biotic
Kedarnath would not be possible for
choice for holding the soil on a fragile
next two to five years.
slope. A five year old Seabuckthorn
announced
that
pilgrimage
Meanwhile, some rehabilitation
plant with a root system and extension
work will be conducted by government
of 4.5 m, taproot with a depth of 2.5m
and Non Governmental organisations.
is a good choice. Due to such huge and
Till now they are only working on the
wide spread root system, it makes plant
development of pathways and other
more resistant towards drought, cold
concrete constructional work. I hereby
and
propose a rehabilitation plan for
environmental stress conditions. It has
Kedarnath shrine that is cost effective
an extraordinary capacity to grow and
other
adverse
extreme
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
survive under adverse conditions (-
minerals anti- oxidants
40 to 40ยบ C). Since 1982 over
106 bio-substances, hence can be
300,000 ha of sea buckthorn have
utilised for making local value added
been planted in China.
products.
This figure can be more. One of
and
other
Ministry of Environment and
the most promising tools to control
Forest
(MoEF),
Government
land degradation is re-vegetation and
India, is also running a green India
Seabuckthorn is one of the species
mission programme under NAPCC
which can be used successfully on a
under which Seabuckthorn plant has
large scale. It can help to control
to be planted in million hectares of
desertification, conserve land, and
barren/ waste or degraded lands.
integrate economic exploitation with
Hence, the state government and
ecological rehabilitation. Besides, in
other organisation should have to be
high altitude of Kedarnath its dry
given
branches can be utilised as fire/ fuel
Seabuckthorn
wood. The fruit berries of plant is
Kedarnath Valley.
responsibility plantation
of
for in
also valuable source of vitamins, , Dr. Deepak currently works on linking conservation with livelihood to answer long term conservation goals in Himalayas and developing a seed bank of wild edibles, underutilised lesser known plant species by active support of RSGP, UK. Deepak has proven record of endurance of working in tough conditions of fragile and undulating terrains of Central Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas and arid deserts of India. Dr. Dhyani brings with him vast work experience on issues related to integrated natural resources management coupled with strong understanding of fields. His extensive experience on conservation and management of wild natural resources of Central Himalaya and generating wild resource based livelihood incentives for hill locals is important. He has more than 50 international and national research contributions.
32.
EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014 INITIATIVE
Earth Colours: An initiative to link conservation with livelihood
“Earth colours� is an initiative to promote the value added products, and skills of locals dwelling in remote areas of the country. This is an important goal oriented projects of COPAL that aims linking conservation with livelihood to target long term conservation goals. Have a look buy local, use local. Here is the link: www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-Colours-Bhoomi-Ke-Rang
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EcoWhisper
Vol. 1. Issue 1. , 2014
“InvItatIon” FOR NEXT ISSUE OF ECOWHISPER
You are cordially invited to send submissions to EcoWhisper Magazine, including articles, photographs, Photo feature, graphic artwork, etc. If you would like to contribute, please familiarize yourself with our Article and Photo Guidelines below, and then send us your article Manuscript/ Article Articles should be written in a journalistic style must be concise, objective, technically accurate in order to be easily understood by all readers. Unfamiliar terms, language and jargon should be avoided or explained for the benefit of the lay reader. We are interested in articles dealing with environmental issues, current environmental thought and action, and the dynamics of the movement. We are also interested in articles that explore the connections between environmental and other social change/humanitarian issues. The manuscript should be in double space with 12 point size and Times New Roman font.
Photographs Authors are encouraged to submit photographs and original artwork of professional quality to accompany the text. Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to use such materials. Captions and a credit line identifying the photographer must accompany each photograph. The editorial and graphics staffs determine use of all photographs based on relevance, aesthetic value, and space availability. Maps and figures also are encouraged but may be redrafted to match EcoWhisper style. Good colour photographs that pertain to a submitted paper will be considered for use on the cover. A good resolution JPEG image (.jpg) with 300 dpi is preferred for EcoWhisper.
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Submission of an article implies that it has not been previously published and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere; and further, that if accepted, it will not be published elsewhere. Manuscripts of all categories are to be submitted online at copaloffice@gmail.com
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