Biodiversity: An irreplaceable loss for the planet & mankind: Take action by supporting these 5 NGOs
Overview
1. Human activities have caused unthinkable damage to our biodiversity putting 1 million species at risk.
2. From ecosystem imbalance to loss of natural resources, our actions have brought us face to face with such consequences.
4. Read about these 5 Indian NGOs who are constantly working towards reversing the damage:
- Know how a 10-year-old prodigy named Prasiddhi is on a journey to craft a better tomorrow for all of us with her foundation called Prasiddhi Forest Foundation. From planting more than 1 lac trees to spreading awareness about biodiversity, this foundation is fulfilling its promise of making a difference.
- Learn how Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is working towards protecting and conserving the environment while promoting sustainable and fair development.
- Read about Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, who are working on encouraging responsible and sustainable ways of using resources to protect the environment.
- SankalpTaru Foundation embraces technology to reverse the havoc wrecked on biodiversity. The NGO runs its plantation drive is run on a digital platform allowing everyone to be a part of this mission.
- Know how Janmitram Kalyan Samiti works towards upholding biodiversity while improving the quality of lives of many marginalized groups.
Most of us have been studying the concept of biodiversity since the primary grades, yet we humans are responsible for causing almost irreversible damage to the biodiversity of our planet. Broadly speaking, biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems, found on Earth. It encompasses the incredible diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the complex interactions among different organisms and their environments. A rich biodiversity is integral to our existence.
We as humans often forget that our lives are interwoven with the lives of every living being on this planet. In our pursuit of development and growth, we have caused unthinkable damage to our biodiversity. Habitat destruction, sky-rocketing pollution and worsening climate change have put 1 million species at risk. However, what goes around always comes around. The loss of biodiversity has been affecting human beings too. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses – diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
However, at a global level, countries are recognizing the importance of preserving our biodiversity and the latest step in that direction is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, which saw all parties committing to setting national targets to implement it.
There were four overarching goals that were agreed upon including the imperative to halt the extinction of species caused by human activities, foster the sustainable utilization of biodiversity, ensure the fair distribution of benefits derived from nature, and prioritize effective implementation and financing.
This framework comes at a vital time when the world is waking up to the irreversible damage that humans have caused to the planet’s biodiversity. To put things in perspective 75% of the Earth’s land surface has been significantly altered by human actions, including 85 % of wetland area. Not just that, close to 90% of the world’s marine fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted. These are just a few examples of the damage that we have done and they will continue to get more severe in the coming years if we don’t take action. It is a warning for all of us to reverse our unsustainable lifestyle and do our bit towards preserving our precious biodiversity.
Many NGOs are coming forward to join this fight and reverse the damage that we have done. Let’s take a look at the impact that they are creating on so many lives.
Small Steps Creating Big Impact: NGOs upholding the spirit of biodiversity
Prasiddhi Forest Foundation
Started by the youngest fruit forest creator of India and Prime Minister National Child Awardee, Prasiddhi Singh in 2018 founded Prasiddhi Forest Foundation with a mission to preserve the biodiversity of this planet by planting one tree at a time. This 10-year-old social entrepreneur Prasiddhi has planted more than 1 lac trees until now.
The foundation has been vehemently working towards planting more and more trees, and working closely with local communities, farmers, government officials, schools and corporates to spread awareness at the root level about the importance of upholding biodiversity. Prasiddhi is also the founder of The Green Pillar, a global initiative offering exclusive climate courses for people to become climate-pro, learn, and act by devising strategies to combat climate and make an impact by bringing real environmental changes at a global level. You can plant a tree with Prasiddhi at https://prasiddhiforest.org/donate-now.php.
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE):
For nearly twenty years, ATREE has been focusing on both local and global issues that affect our society and the environment. Its goal is to create a world where we all work together to protect and conserve the environment while promoting sustainable and fair development. The organization collaborates with policymakers and environmental leaders, and it also educates and trains young people to become passionate advocates for the environment through academic programs, research, and workshops. You can donate to the cause right here – https://www.atree.org/mgdonate
Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group
Chintan is dedicated to making sure that everyone in society can grow and prosper in a fair and sustainable way. They focus on encouraging responsible and sustainable ways of using resources to protect the environment. Chintan works hard to reduce unnecessary waste, promote sustainable ways of using things, and help improve how we manage waste. Their aim is to create a better future for all by taking care of the environment and promoting responsible consumption. You can be part of this mission by donating here- https://www.chintan-india.org/donate
SankalpTaru Foundation
This organization has utilized digital platforms to safeguard and preserve the environment. SankalpTaru is an electronic non-profit organization (e-NGO) that focuses on promoting tree planting efforts nationwide. They conduct their tree-planting initiatives through a digital platform, which enables them to employ innovative technologies like GPS tagging. By using this approach, volunteers can easily monitor the growth and success of tree-planting campaigns. Since its establishment in 2013, SankalpTaru has successfully planted millions of trees. Be part of this change right here- https://sankalptaru.org/location/
Janmitram Kalyan Samiti
The Janmitran Kalyan Samiti, meaning “friends of the people” was founded in 2002 to collaborate with the government and community-based organizations in promoting community development. By partnering with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in their Wadi Development Program, they have achieved remarkable results, establishing over 900 orchards and effectively improving the livelihoods and fulfilling the basic requirements of the tribal population. You can contribute here- http://www.janmitram.org/financial.php
Mending Ways: Realizing the Importance of Biodiversity and Putting the right foot forward
The first step to reverse the damage we have done is to understand how crucial rich biodiversity is to our very existence. We often take the gifts of nature for granted. It is not until we are at the very brink of a crisis do we realise its importance. So what can we do now? Even the smallest action of planting a tree, forgoing plastics etc can have a significant impact on upholding our rich biodiversity. So what are you waiting for? Take action today!
