Campaign Calls Citizens to Pitch in for Wildlife
A wave of conservation awareness is set to sweep through the city as a collaborative campaign embraces the year 2024 with fervor. Spearheaded by WWF-India’s Karnataka State Office alongside The Real Elephant Collective, this initiative seeks to ignite a dialogue on the importance of preserving urban wildlife. Throughout this week-long celebration, striking life-size elephant sculptures crafted from the invasive Lantana plant will grace several prominent shopping malls in the city.
These eye-catching installations are more than just art; they serve as a compelling call to action, inviting mall-goers to sign a petition and commit to conserving the biodiversity thriving within urban settings. This movement is a clarion call emphasizing that the guardianship of biodiversity is essential, transcending beyond the boundaries of forests and famous species like elephants and tigers.
Rahul Sunderajan, State Director of WWF-India in Karnataka, articulates this viewpoint: “It is crucial for us to appreciate that the mantle of protecting wildlife isn’t limited to forests or iconic fauna such as elephants and tigers. Equally important is the need to accommodate, safeguard, and coexist with other species that contribute immeasurably to the vitality of our ecosystem, such as butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and even squirrels.” This diverse spectrum of fauna is vital not only for ecological well-being but for humanity’s health as well.
Intriguingly, a recent study unveiled that Bengaluru has lost an astounding 93 percent of its lakes and forest cover over the past five decades, largely succumbing to urban expansion. The petition associated with the campaign urges residents to pledge to restore the city’s natural landscapes, encompassing lakes, wetlands, and verdant spaces. These are not mere patches of green but are crucial sanctuaries for an array of species, from birds and snakes to fish.
Moreover, citizens are incentivized to convert their immediate surroundings, such as gardens and even balconies, into miniature ecosystems. By doing so, they can provide refuge to local wildlife and curb plastic use, an effort crucial to minimizing environmental harm.
The campaign is not merely confined to petitions and pledges. It spreads its wings further in an engaging city-wide endeavor. A mobile photography and storytelling session will unfold at the picturesque Jakkur Lake in conjunction with Jalaposhan Jakkur. This venture invites the public to immerse themselves in nature observation, capturing the essence of their encounters through photography and narration.
Emphasizing education, government school students will be invited to the Bannerghatta Biological Park, providing them with a hands-on experience in conservation. A guided tour of the zoo will introduce them to the rich tapestry of wildlife, fostering an understanding of conservation practices through interactive activities specifically designed for their engagement.
Through this multifaceted approach, the campaign endeavors to etch a deeper connection between citizens and the wildlife inhabiting their urban backdrop. It seeks to inspire a community-wide movement, championing biodiversity conservation as an everyday responsibility rather than a distant endeavor.
In summary, this innovative campaign does not just ask citizens to protect wildlife; it involves them in creating a conducive environment for various species to flourish. The vision is clear: a harmonious coexistence within the urban scenery, benefiting not just the species that inhabit it but the citizens alike.
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