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Ambivli Biodiversity Park
Introduction
The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) had done tree plantation on 40 acres of forest land in Ambivli to compensate for the trees being cut for Kalyan Ring Road Project, but the same could be converted into a biodiversity park instead. They planted about 12000 saplings that are now two years old. The plantation is largely monoculture with avenue trees both native and exotic species.
Despite the heavy plantation, there are still areas available where more plantation could be carried out. These areas have the potential to develop into thematic gardens such as bird, bat, butterfly, bee, medicinal and Nakshatra gardens. The current proposal plans to develop an ecosystem by planting biodiversity special plants that attract bees, birds, butterflies and bats. Additionally, since the undergrowth is missing in the existing plantation areas, hedge plantation will also be created along the pathway as well as between the plantation blocks. The plantation will be carried out along the boundary wall as well. Considering Polyculture, a mixed plantation of herbs, shrubs and trees of around 10,000 saplings will be done.
As KDMC intend to develop this park as an ecotourism site, three nature trails will be developed along with activity stations, exhibits and signages to enhance the educational value for the tourists and to boost tourism to the site. Awareness about the park will be created among the tourists as well as neighbouring schools and colleges. Capacity building and Training workshops for nature guides will be conducted and also for local youth who could conduct the nature walk post project.
This is an excellent way of habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Project Overview
Project Location: Ambivli, Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation KDMC, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Project Duration: April 2021-March 2024
Project Partner: iNaturewatch Foundation
Funding Agency: DCB Bank
Project Outcomes:
Environmental
- Increase in the green cover and local biodiversity.
- Climate change mitigation
- Natural regeneration and Improvement in the water and soil quality.
- Carbon sequestration.
- Fulfilment of Biodiversity Aichi Target no. 1, 7, 15
Economic
- Employment, Eco-tourism as alternative livelihood and ABS System (Access and benefit-sharing)
Social
- Availability and Accessibility to Green Zones
- Community Engagement
- Increased Awareness
- Positive Impact on local administration and corporate CSR.
Biodiversity Parks
· Biodiversity Parks are large areas, which are suited for recreation and sustainable tourism.
· They conduce to conservation, development or recreation of varied used landscapes and their biodiversity.
· "Biodiversity Park" and "National Park" are not the same.
· These park act as five intersecting areas of responsibility that enable nature parks to function as model regions for sustainable development.
· Visitors to the biodiversity park are motivated to consciously perceive the environment and during this process, various experience-oriented forms of knowledge transfer play a special role.
· Biodiversity parks comprised of signage, thematic nature trails, interpretation centre, tours and much more. This is an excellent way of habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Project Now Stands Complete
Conclusion of Ambivli Biodiversity Park
The journey towards establishing Ambivli Biodiversity Park was remarkable, marking a significant milestone for the communities of Kalyan-Dombivli. Through collaborative efforts and steadfast partnerships, we succeeded in providing technical inputs and creating the region's first biodiversity park, exemplifying our collective commitment to environmental conservation and community well-being.
The survival and growth of the planted saplings, along with the spontaneous regeneration of certain plant species, signified the successful transformation of once-barren land into a lush, vibrant green space. This not only enhanced the area's aesthetic appeal but also provided essential habitat and sustenance for a myriad of flora and fauna. Additionally, the thematic gardens within the park flourished, attracting diverse wildlife and creating a welcoming habitat for nesting birds. These gardens served as focal points for visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the local ecosystem's beauty and intricacy.
The establishment of Ambivli Biodiversity Park would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation and DCB Bank. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment was instrumental in driving the project's success.
Reflecting on this project's achievements, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals involved, from dedicated caretakers and laborers to visionary leaders and passionate volunteers. Together, we created a thriving green oasis that enriches the natural landscape and nurtures a sense of pride and belonging within the local community.
Project Interventions
Baseline Surveys
Ground Preparations
Ground Preparations
· Baseline Survey
· Seasonal Biodiversity surveys
· Soil and water analysis
Ground Preparations
Ground Preparations
Ground Preparations
· Formation of Butterfly, Bee, Bird, Bat, Medicinal, Pond and Nakshatra Van.
· Pathway Development
· Digging trenches and pits
· Installation of Irrigation System.
Plantation
Ground Preparations
Maintenance
· Boundary Wall - 1500 tree saplings
· Thematic zones - 500 trees, 5000 herbs and shrubs.
.Trail plantation- 3000 saplings
Maintenance
Maintenance
· Appointment of Security Guard and 3 caretakers.
· Security Cabin installed
· Watering, Deweeding, Mulching and Protecting the park from Vandalism.
Nature trails and Signages Development
Nature trails and Signages Development
· Natural Trails developed to enhance educational value.
· Bilingual Signages about local flora and fauna
· Incorporation of 10 field stations
· 10 Outdoor exhibits
Community Engagement
Nature trails and Signages Development
· Stakeholder Meeting
· Corporate Employees and Community Volunteers
· Nature Awareness Programmes
· Capacity Building of Forest Guards and Local Communities
Volunteering Programmes
Volunteering Programmes
Volunteering Programmes
- volunteering event with social distancing
- seed dibbling
- thematic biodiversity parks
Project Outcomes
Surveys
Ground Preparations
Ground Preparations
The site's biodiversity has flourished, with the total number of species sighted increasing from 322 to 471. Comparing the before and after scenarios of biodiversity survey depicted, there is an increase in species of 77% in plants, 26% in insects, 55% in birds, and 17% in herpetofauna. The overall species composition indicated plant diversity (37%) and insect diversity (36%) among the animals followed by birds (22%). We recorded five threatened species at the site. The project site has proven to be an essential habitat for various flora and fauna, playing a vital role in conserving regional rarities and supporting species facing challenges due to habitat loss and other threats. Species like Jungle Bush Quail and Giri’s Gecko have been observed, highlighting the site's ecological significance.
The sighting of breeding pair of Forest Owlet in Ambivli is extension of its range from its
known habitat in Satpura range in Central India. This could be published as a short note in a scientific journal. Additionally a day flying moth Orange Jewel Moth (Trypanophora semihyalina) has been recorded for its first sighting in Maharashtra as well as record of new hostplant. A short note has been submitted for
publishing in Bionotes
Ground Preparations
Ground Preparations
Ground Preparations
· Formation of Butterfly, Bee, Bird, Bat, Medicinal, Pond and Nakshatra Van.
· Pathway Development
· Digging trenches and pits
· Installation of Irrigation System.
Plantation
Ground Preparations
Maintenance
Increase in Forest Cover could be seen from satellite imagery that there is at least 80% increase in green cover. Out of the 11259 saplings planted at the site, a commendable number of 7823 plants successfully survived, resulting in a remarkable survival rate of 66.65%. This indicated the overall health and effectiveness of our plantation efforts.
It helped in restoring degraded ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and
providing habitat for various plant and animal species. This contributes to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems of Ambivli Biodiversity Park and its surrounding. Out of the 2000 trees initially planted, 1413 have survived. These surviving trees have an average girth of 10 cm. Consequently, the amount of carbon sequestered by each tree totals 9.37 kg, resulting in a cumulative sequestration of 13,240 kg of carbon for the entire park.This provides a measure of the project's contribution to mitigating climate change.
Plantation has helped in protected watersheds, maintain soil stability, and ensure a sustainable supply of clean water around the park. It has helped in improving air quality in surrounding areas and by reducing air pollution and providing shade to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Maintenance
Nature trails and Signages Development
Maintenance
· Appointment of Security Guard and 3 caretakers.
· Security Cabin installed
· Watering, Deweeding, Mulching and Protecting the park from Vandalism.
Nature trails and Signages Development
Nature trails and Signages Development
Nature trails and Signages Development
· Natural Trails developed to enhance educational value.
· Bilingual Signages about local flora and fauna
· Incorporation of 10 field stations
· 10 Outdoor exhibits
Community Engagement
Nature trails and Signages Development
Nature trails and Signages Development
574 participants were engaged in different volunteering activities at the project site. Local communities were involved in planning, implementation, and management. This fostered a sense of ownership and stewardship among community members, empowering them to take active roles in environmental conservation.
The project provided educational opportunities for both children and adults. We offered hands-on learning experiences through our activity stations, exhibits and signages about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, fostering environmental literacy and awareness.
Volunteer base
A volunteer base of 76 members from diverse walks of life have now become a strong supporter for Ambivli Biodiversity Park. The project provided rare volunteering opportunities which is otherwise unheard in Mumbai. We are helping in enhancing the scientific acumen in common citizens, thus creating new citizen scientists. We therefore get continued selfless support from these volunteers. They have enhanced our sphere of influence.
Nursery
The nursery has successfully nurtured more than 1000 saplings grown from seeds and cuttings available at the site.
Employment
Employment
The project has provided employment opportunities to a total of 34 individuals, including four caretakers, 25 laborers, and five vendors, who were engaged at our site. These job opportunities, whether direct or indirect, have had a positive socio-economic impact on the local communities surrounding the project area.