The State of Madhya Pradesh encompasses parts of India's rich biogeographic realms and includes biological hot spots like Pachmarhi and Amarkantak but the flora and fauna of the state is more threatened today than ever before. Terrestrial loss of bio-diversity in various ecosystems is a major concern and overall habitat losses are acute. Unsustainable practices are considered as one of the major underlying cause for loss of bio-diversity. EPCO is attempting to address these issues both at policy and at field level.
Bio-diversity Strategy and Action Plan
EPCO has formulated State Bio-diversity strategy and Action Plan for the department of Bio-diversity and Bio-technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The document highlights importance of preservation of best remaining habitats and how they can cope with anthropogenic and climatic factor and alien species invasion. The document has identified areas of concern and has suggested major strategies and action, which can be projectised into schemes and programmes for field level implementation. We at EPCO believes that three cardinal points of bio-diversity conservation can be addressed by strict protection, involvement of people, combining livelihoods and social well being. The document has been prepared under the over all umbrella of National Bio-diversity Strategy and Action Plan.
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Government of India has designated Pachmarhi area as Biosphere Reserve in 1999. Spread over in about 5000 sq. km covering three wildlife conservation units this area exhibits variety of geological rock and soil formations. It is a natural junction of two most important timber species viz. Teak and Sal and is often referred as express highway of species diversity between Eastern Himalyas and Western Ghat, the two biological hot spots of India. Pachmarhi remained small and un-spoilt long after independence, somehow escaping the feverish, chaotic development that overtook all the Himalayan hill stations. Together with the adjoining sanctuaries and the nearly contiguous tracts of forest this area forms one of the largest and best tiger habitats in India. Ironically, as its reputation as an unspoilt wilderness grows, the pressures on the region to "develop" into a tourist haven are beginning to spiral beyond control. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has made EPCO Nodal Agency for management of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Under this project besides conducting studies on environmental and ecological issues, EPCO is formulating various small schemes for overall improvement of the area. EPCO has also prepared project document for Amarkantak and efforts are afoot to notify this area as second Biosphere Reserve of the State.
The State of Madhya Pradesh encompasses parts of India's rich biogeographic realms and includes biological hot spots like Pachmarhi and Amarkantak but the flora and fauna of the state is more threatened today than ever before. Terrestrial loss of bio-diversity in various ecosystems is a major concern and overall habitat losses are acute. Unsustainable practices are considered as one of the major underlying cause for loss of bio-diversity. EPCO is attempting to address these issues both at policy and at field level.
Government of India has designated Pachmarhi area as Biosphere Reserve in 1999. Spread over in about 5000 sq. km covering three wildlife conservation units this area exhibits variety of geological rock and soil formations. It is a natural junction of two most important timber species viz. Teak and Sal and is often referred as express highway of species diversity between Eastern Himalyas and Western Ghat, the two biological hot spots of India. Pachmarhi remained small and un-spoilt long after independence, somehow escaping the feverish, chaotic development that overtook all the Himalayan hill stations. Together with the adjoining sanctuaries and the nearly contiguous tracts of forest this area forms one of the largest and best tiger habitats in India. Ironically, as its reputation as an unspoilt wilderness grows, the pressures on the region to "develop" into a tourist haven are beginning to spiral beyond control. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has made EPCO Nodal Agency for management of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Under this project besides conducting studies on environmental and ecological issues, EPCO is formulating various small schemes for overall improvement of the area. EPCO has also prepared project document for Amarkantak and efforts are afoot to notify this area as second Biosphere Reserve of the State.
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