Gupteswar Forest being declared a Biodiversity-Heritage Site in Odisha:

The Gupteswar Forest, spread over 350 hectares in Odisha's Koraput district, has recently been declared as the state's fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS). This pristine forest is located adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva temple. As per India's 2002 Biological Diversity Act, state governments can designate unique and fragile ecosystems having rich biodiversity as Biodiversity Heritage Sites. The aim is to boost conservation efforts while also strengthening cultural connections. The Odisha state government has allocated Rs 35 lakhs to prepare a conservation plan and conduct community awareness activities in Gupteswar Forest. Overall, this BHS declaration will lead to protecting the precious flora and fauna of this region.

What are Biodiversity-Heritage Sites?

As per Section 37 of India's Biological Diversity Act 2002, state governments have the authority to designate specific areas as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) after consulting local governing bodies. The objective is to identify and conserve fragile ecosystems showcasing rich native biodiversity and unique natural landscapes.

Some characteristics of areas declared as Biodiversity Heritage Sites are:

Abundance of threatened, endemic, rare or evolutionarily significant floral and faunal species

Presence of keystone species crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance

Natural habitats of ancestors of domesticated plant and animal varieties

Fossil beds indicating past biological richness

Significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic value for local communities

Areas representing important evolutionary phenomena

BHS can be of different types - terrestrial, inland aquatic, coastal, marine, cold deserts, etc. The aim is to cover diverse ecosystem types. Apart from ecological importance, BHS also aim to preserve the cultural diversity of indigenous communities inhabiting such areas over centuries. Overall, the BHS tag mandates higher conservation, research and monitoring efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems.

Biodiversity of Gupteswar Forest

Surveys conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board reveal that the Gupteswar Forest harbors rich biodiversity spanning various taxa:

Flora

• 182 tree species
• 76 shrub species
• 177 herb species
• 69 climber species
• 14 orchid species
• Threatened medicinal plants

Fauna

• 28 mammal species including mugger crocodile
• 188 bird species like black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malabar trogon etc.
• 18 amphibian species such as sacred grove bush frog
• 48 reptile species including kanger valley rock gecko
• 45 fish species
• 141 butterfly species
• 8 bat species out of 16 found in southern Odisha. Two species are classified as near-threatened.

The limestone caves provide habitats for specialized fauna like bats. Several agriculturally and industrially useful microorganisms are also found here. Overall, this ancient forest has outstanding ecological diversity spanning lower to higher order plants and animals.

Efforts are required to thoroughly document the biodiversity and maintain updated inventories. Monitoring of threatened species needs focus to prevent local disappearances. Steps also need to ensure habitat protection of ecosystem-engineering species like fig trees, fruit bats etc. responsible for maintenance of this biodiversity.

Appropriate conservation planning is the need of the hour to preserve this natural heritage.

Conservation Steps for the Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)

Several measures need implementation for conservation of biodiversity in the Gupteswar BHS:

Habitat Protection

Strict protection of core forest areas to minimize habitat loss and land conversion threats. Guards need deployment to curb encroachment and illegal tree felling.

Afforestation

Native species plantations in adjoining degraded areas to serve as biodiversity refuges and increase forest connectivity.

Eco-sensitive Zoning

Demarcating zones within the BHS based on ecological sensitivity for differential conservation strategies. Core, buffer and transition zones should get identified.

Fire Management

Controlled cool fires mimic natural ecology yet prevent destructive blazes. Fire lines, watch towers, beat patrols etc. will help mitigate this threat.

Water Conservation

Watershed management, de-silting of ponds, gully plugging etc. to conserve moisture and recharge groundwater.

Sustainable Use

Promoting sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products by locals under cooperatives to supplement livelihoods.

Eco-tourism

Regulated tourism to generate income for the area while minimising disturbance to habitat and wildlife.

Research

Support research on biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate resilience etc. to guide conservation policies.

Community Stewardship

Sensitize villagers about ecological importance via education programs and social forestry. Seek cooperation in protection initiatives.

Way Forward

Going forward, the principal focus must remain on safeguarding the outstanding natural heritage of Gupteswar Forest. Best practices being followed in conservation of biodiversity-rich protected areas across India should get adapted locally. Policy, management and community awareness need alignment towards long-term ecological security.

The conservation action plan mandated by the Biological Diversity Act requires urgent formulation in consultation with experts comprising foresters, ecologists, sociologists etc. This must clearly define conservation targets tailored to the area along with responsible agencies, monitoring benchmarks, review timelines and funding requirements.

Researchers need support to thoroughly document and analyze biodiversity data for insightful management. Promoting sustainability science will uncover complex ecosystem linkages and also build climate resilience.

In parallel, public outreach programs should communicate the ecological sensitivity of this region to visitors and locals alike. Grassroots conservation education will help the indigenous community realize non-monetary benefits from this forest such as fresh air, water security, fertile soils etc. Eco-tourism can generate livelihoods once sustainability mechanisms are firmly in place.

The Odisha state government has kickstarted the journey by allocating initial funding. But much remains to be done towards nurturing this one-of-a-kind forest ecosystem bestowed upon the local landscape. The aim should be to balance human development with environmental conservation through participatory planning.

Hopefully, the BHS tag for Gupteswar will Stir coordinated action across government agencies and researchers so that its biodiversity riches remain perpetually protected. With sincere efforts, this forest can become a shining example of community-driven conservation.