The Konkan coastline is almost a living, breathing entity. This paradise is slipping away from us like sand from our fists. Pollution by chemical companies, coal power projects etc. are engaged in destroying the delicate ecological balance of this beautiful region and also responsible for global warming. SNM plans to purchase 50 acres of land in the trust's name to build forest conservation model which will be replicated by private forest owners.
In last 2 decades forest cover of Ratnagiri district in Konkan has decreased by over 16%, ranking it at 3rd position among Western Ghats districts in terms of fastest deforestation leading to increased Human-animal conflicts. Once ubiquitous, marine turtle nesting sites have reduced to just 20 villages in this region. Birds like black woodpecker and great pied hornbill which were widely sighted in past have seen their numbers dwindle drastically.44000 trees are being uprooted for NH17 expanssion
Under "My Jungle" model, SNM plans to purchase forest land of 50 acre through a network of nature lovers like yourself, wanting to reverse the trend of destruction. This concept will then be implemented across various sites to instill the sense of conservation among the people at large & to develop such self-motivated people who can manage pockets of forest, both in quality and number. Local people will be engaged in conservation activities as a part of 'Livelihood Through Conservation' theme.
The expertise built will be used to extended model over 400 hectors in the next 3 years through local participation. People will be expected to shoulder the responsibility of conservation, monitoring and documentation. his would attach us back to the forests and devise ways to earn out of the conserved forest rather than falling or change of land usage.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
