Industry Focus - Brazil is exploring a new oil frontier to replenish its declining reserves [1] - Concerns arise among locals regarding drilling activities near a biodiverse and under-studied region [1] Environmental Impact - Drilling near one of the world's least-studied and most biodiverse regions raises environmental worries [1]

We are here at the Magdalena River, one of the most endangered ecosystems in Colombia. There is less than 15 percent left of its original 4,000 square kilometers. Many species only live here, so if these forests disappear, they will disappear from the world.We cannot solve a problem if we cannot measure it. We know that for biodiversity experts to work, they need data. They need to go into the field, install new camera traps, install new acoustic devices, and then come back, sometimes finding out that the c ...

Brazil is betting on oil from a new frontier to revive its depleting reserves. But locals are worried about drilling near one of the world’s least-studied and most biodiverse regions https://t.co/hxiqZOG7it ...

[Music] He say in mother F. Love the forest, respect the forest, and care for the forest. I was born in a large family of 14 children and many cousins.My mother and my father, they were farmers. This is the house where I grew up with my elder sister when I was three. she took me when she got married is a cultural practice.When the elder goes can take with her the junior and the junior becomes the first son or the first daughter of the new family of the elder. That's how I grew up. I was in this house.The fi ...

Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the sound of a million flippers thuing softly against the sand. The moonlights reflecting off countless of determined creatures, each following an ancient instinct, an instinct that's older than civilization itself.This is the Ariada, the great arrival of the olive ridley turtles on the coast of Odisa, India. For three years, I call that coastline home. And as a child, I would stand barefoot in the cool sand, watching the turtles come ashore in waves so synchronized, it ...

Environmental Impact & Challenges - Western Ghats, a 1,600 kilometer mountain chain, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich biodiversity, but faces threats from deforestation, mining, and encroachment [3][4][5] - Forest cover in western Maharashtra districts has fallen to 1869%, and in Nashik district, it is at 716%, leading to rising heat, drier summers, and crop losses [5] - Loss of forest cover results in water scarcity, nutrition insecurity, and threats to livelihoods, highlighting the interconnectedness of forests, rivers, and human well-being [6][7] Conservation Efforts & Initiatives - Raha Foundation has created conservation structures holding up to 1 billion liters of water annually, benefiting 110 villages and reducing the distance tribal citizens walk for water to 15 minutes [9] - The organization aims to create a green eco-corridor on the Western Ghats, linking wildlife sanctuaries and national parks through ecological restoration [10] - The organization planted 2,500 native indigenous species on a 10-acre barren field, leading to ecological succession and biodiversity recovery [14] Project Outcomes & Community Involvement - An 81% increase in vegetated area has been observed in the working area, positively impacting farmers by raising water levels in wells and enabling multiple crop cycles [22] - The organization conserves 3,000 acres across 13 villages and has planted 300,000 saplings of native indigenous varieties [21] - The organization emphasizes community involvement, creating leaders and stewardship within the community to ensure the long-term survival and thriving of the forests [19][20] Future Goals & Vision - The organization aims to conserve and perform ecological restoration on 50,000 acres in Western Ghats by 2030, aligning with the Green India Mission [25]

Biodiversity and Conservation - Globally, over 20,000 butterfly species have been identified, highlighting the extensive biodiversity [1] - In India, more than 1,500 butterfly species are found, showcasing the country's rich natural heritage [1] - Even in the tough conditions of Rajasthan, 80 butterfly species have been recorded, demonstrating the adaptability of these insects [1] - The conservation of butterflies is crucial as they are an important part of the ecosystem, supporting its overall health [1] - Protecting butterflies also aids in the conservation of birds, as butterfly caterpillars are a vital source of high protein for young birds [1] Habitat and Environment - Wild plants and shrubs are essential habitats for butterflies and other insects, often overlooked in favor of trees [2] - The natural growth of wild plants is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, supporting various insects and animals [2] - The industry should prioritize preserving naturally grown plants and avoid unnecessary removal during development projects [4] - Integrating nature and culture, such as creating gardens based on Vedic traditions, can help connect people with the environment [4] Initiatives and Projects - A butterfly park was established in Patna in 2016, marking a significant step towards insect conservation [1] - The Flying Colors of Patna Zoo book documented 102 butterfly species within the zoo, supported by the Forest Department and the Chief Minister of Bihar [1] - An eco-system was developed in Muzzafarpur, Bihar, preserving existing wild plants and creating natural spaces for children to learn [2][3]

Insect Decline & Importance - Insect populations are declining globally, with many common species disappearing [3] - Loss of insects leads to loss of opportunities to connect with nature and impacts mental health [4][5] - Insects play crucial roles in cities, including pollination (berries, mangoes, chocolate) and waste management [7][8][10] - Insect conservation is vital, as insects comprise 75% of animal species [14] Insect Biodiversity & Research - Vast knowledge gaps exist regarding insect ecology, creating opportunities for discovery [15][16][17] - Citizen science initiatives, like iNaturalist, are valuable for collecting data on insect distribution and behavior [23][24] - Community observations have rediscovered six types of Christmas beetles unseen for decades [28] Conservation Actions - Planting native flowers provides critical nutrition for insects and improves pest management [30][31][32] - Eliminating insecticide use in gardens supports predatory insects and maintains a healthy ecosystem [32][33][34]

Environmental Degradation & Restoration - The Grag grasslands, vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and supporting communities, are under increasing threat from land conversion, urbanization, overgrazing, invasive plants, and climate change [1] - Invasive plant species like Chromolaena and Mikania are choking native grasses, leading to significant degradation of the grasslands [1] - Restoration efforts are often misused, equated with simple tree planting or monoculture plantations of non-native species, which have limited benefits for biodiversity, soil, or dependent communities [1] - Effective restoration requires careful planning tailored to the specific needs of the site, thoughtful execution, and an understanding of ecosystem complexity [1] Restoration Strategies & Outcomes - A restoration project in Manas National Park, Assam, focused on bringing back native vegetation to revive the ecosystem [1] - Initial efforts involved manual removal of invasive plants, which proved to be an ecologically effective approach [2] - After the first year of removing invasive plants, native grasses were slow to return, but by the second year, signs of recovery were observed [2] - Approximately 500 hectares (1235.5 acres) of grasslands have been revived through continued efforts, leading to the return of natural vegetation and herbivores [2] Community Engagement & Data-Driven Approach - Restoration efforts were guided by data collection to quantify baselines and vegetation status, as well as the spread of invasive species [2] - Community consultations were conducted to incorporate the observations, lived experiences, and stories of people who have known the grasslands for generations, adding depth to the understanding beyond data alone [2] - Local communities and forest staff were involved in selecting the right species for planting to help the ecosystem regain its balance and accelerate natural recovery [2]

“Welcome to the most biodiverse place on the planet.” Sharon Balding of the Millennium Seed Bank shows @AinslieJstone how their collection is stocked, on “Babbage” https://t.co/FWLdmKjRjm ...