Biodiversity

Have you noticed short trees or bushes along coastlines with a dense tangle of roots hanging out that makes them look like they are standing on stilts? These are mangroves. Mangroves can be trees, shrubs, ferns and palms that occupy the boundary between the land and the sea.

Ensuring water security Vs conserving biodiversity: The challenge

Freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, ponds cover only 0.8 percent of the Earth’s surface, but are incredibly biodiverse. They harbour around ~15,000 fish species, corresponding to approximately half of the global known fish.

Human activities such as water abstraction, diversion, damming, and pollution are posing a threat to the survival of fish.

The Western Ghats region of South India is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots, and the rainforests of this region are known to harbour 500 types of bird species, 225 reptile species, 219 amphibian species, and 133 mammal species.

Rivers, lakes, ponds and streams – natural freshwater ecosystems are a precious resource because of the rich biodiversity they support and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.

Rivers, lakes, ponds and streams – natural freshwater ecosystems are a precious resource, not only because freshwater is limited, but also because of the rich biodiversity they support and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.

While freshwater ecosystems in India are known to harbour rich biodiversity, their health is being increasingly challenged in recent years. And the East Kolkata Wetlands, one of the important Ramsar sites in India, and the largest wastewater fed aquaculture systems in the world that provide fish and support paddy and vegetable cultivation, are no exception.

Even before the monsoon sets in, collective stock in 130 major reservoirs 27 percent of total capacity

The Central Pollution Control Board, MOEF&CC, are offering an open and free-flowing discussion forum where you can share your valuable ideas, your thoughts, tell your stories and suggestions about 'Wetland Management and Biodiversity Conservation', its usage its value towards humankind (based on this year's theme- Ecosystem Restoration).

Coral reefs are said to be one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth and harbour a wide range of animals and plant species.