Conservation of wildlife is not a recent concept in India. Further the preservation of all forms of life both great and small has formed a part of our cultural ethos. Wildlife, especially our major glamour species have been given varying degrees of protection over several centuries for a variety of reasons. Thus moving from wildlife protection into the broader concept of biodiversity conservation should have been a very natural process. However this has usually been restricted to useful species of plants and animals. Conservation of all species as part of our life support systems has not been sufficiently addressed.

The over 45000 plant and 77000 animal species that have been recorded in India make up 7% of the total plant and 6.4% of the animal species found in the world.

The enormous variation in landscapes based on climate and topography has created different ecosystems that support and nurture this biodiversity, which is among the country’s most distinctive features. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the lush tropics of the south, the precious natural resources of the subcontinent are found in forest, grassland, desert, island, coastal belt, and marine ecosystems.

Industrialization and modern ways of life are pillaging these resources and posing a monumental threat to the natural world. It is estimated that as many as 50% of the earth’s species are likely to become extinct during the next two decades.

The range of genetic material found in the world’s living organisms is enormous. A species can have more or less genetic diversity, which is a characteristic of the species. An individual plant or animal varies genetically from another individual of the same species. Genetic diversity is based on a comparative scale. As the population of a species decreases due to human activities the genetic diversity of an individual species goes on decreasing. The individuals are thus converted from heterozygous individuals to homozygous individuals.

We are highly promoting nature conservation and environment protection and wildlife preservation as part of our natural heritage. We are dedicated to the enhancement of nature and the spirit of all living beings through action based on education, research, and public awareness.

We are sorry to say that we understand very little about the ways of our fellow living beings of the animal world with which we have shared this planet earth for last 15000 years. We shall not save all we should like to, but we shall save a great deal more than if we had never tried. Let us stop the decline of our natural world due to our folly, greed and neglect.

For environmentally and socially responsible waste disposal, emphasis is laid on waste minimization, segregation at source and training of health care workers at every level. It is unfortunate that even educated people have to be told something as basic as “Do not litter, it is bad for our health and health of our environment”.

The ozone layer plays a vital role for the life on the earth. It absorbs the harmful ultra-violet rays thereby shielding the earth from damaging effects of these rays. Over the years human activities have resulted in the release of certain chemicals in the atmosphere, which react with the ozone molecules thereby destroying them. We should buy CFC-free refrigerators. We must handle refrigerators and air-conditioners with more care so that minimum repairs are needed. As far as possible the CFC in the compressor should be recycled and should not be allowed to release in the air.

The ecosystem here is being destroyed by non-biodegradable waste thrown indiscriminately by numerous careless people. Many areas are scattered with polythene bags, which prove to be most disastrous to the flora and fauna. We should avoid Styrofoam cups and plates during parties and other functions. Leaf plates or reusable steel or glass plates and cups should be used.

We kindly request you to use less plastic bags and start using recycled paper bags or jute carry bags. Please re-use envelopes and covers also. Please do not throw away empty print cartridges; keep it aside, we will collect it and return it to recycling plants for re-manufacturing. We also insist you to try recycled tank and toner cartridges.

Please support us in our efforts to save our forests, fresh-water resources, oceans and species. Please contribute in our constant endeavor in creating awareness. Let us make this world a better place to live.

The Great Indian Bustards need our help. The Great Indian Bustard is on the brink of extinction. It is locally extinct from almost 90% of its former range and ironically it has disappeared from three sanctuaries made especially for its protection. Poaching and habitat destruction, mismanagement of the habitat, sentimental protection of certain problem animals, and general apathy are creating havoc with this endangered species. Just as the tiger is the spirit of the Indian forests, the Great Indian Bustard is the symbol of Indian grasslands.

To save the bustard, we must prevent habitat destruction and habitat deterioration, disturbance during breeding season, poaching and ensure clear-cut land-use policy and domestic animal grazing policy.

Project Tiger and Project Elephant have shown that by identifying an indicator species and focusing attention on it and its habitat, an array of threatened species and their habitats can be protected. Bustards can be considered as indicators of grassland ecosystems and by conserving them and their habitats, a very large number of Indian grassland species will also be protected. Protection and proper management of these grasslands would also benefit the local communities. Therefore, the government of India should start Project Bustard off the lines of Project Tiger.

Project Bustard Objectives:
1. To conserve all the four species of bustards in India.
2. To conserve the habitat of Indian bustards and their associated species.
3. To establish bustard sanctuaries, with the cooperation of the state government and local people.
4. To supervise and coordinate management of bustard conservation areas.
5. To coordinate long-term studies on bustards and their habitats in different states.
6. To produce educational and publicity material for decisions makers, stake holders, and students.
7. To integrate bustard habitat conservation with national grazing policy and over-all land use pattern.

If you wish to join in this mission, please write a polite appeal to:
Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India
PARYAVARAN BHAWAN, C. G. O. COMPLEX
LODHI ROAD, NEW DELHI, 110003, INDIA
Fax: +91 (11) 24363918
E-mail: mef@menf.delhi.nic.in