Biodiversity Park at the Shivaji University

Shivaji University is situated in the Western Ghats, an important area of biological resources. Biodiversity is a biological capital of any region. Significant contributions have been made by Shivaji University towards documentation, bio-prospecting and conservation of biodiversity especially of rare, endangered and threatened (RET) plant species. University is best situated and well equipped with basic infrastructure as well as manpower and proposes to establish BIODIVERSITY PARK on the University campus with strong support from State Government.

The mission of the Biodiversity Park is to serve as a repository and heritage of Biodiversity of Western Ghats with ecological, cultural and educational benefits to the society and to conserve important bio-resources of the region. Like any fast developing urban center Kolhapur is bound to have an adverse impact on the local biodiversity components. (e.g. Delhi lost more than 50% of its Floral and Faunal representation within 30 years, between the year 1970 to 2000 and same is the case of Pune city to-day.) Hence Shivaji University’s Department of Botany has proposed to establish Biodiversity Park to conserve the native biodiversity and to make the public aware of the varied natural heritage and ensure quality life to its people. The project will be completed within ten years period. The total cost of the project is Rs. 12crores.

Biodiversity Park has following features

• Biodiversity Park is different from conventional urban park as it provides opportunity for the diverse biodiversity components to establish and flourish in natural conditions.

• The park will represent distinct biotic communities known from the region to provide life like situations for diverse biotic components to flourish. In a way Biodiversity Park will act as repository for all those biotic components that are under stress and also function as refuge for all those components that are vulnerable or endangered today.

• Biodiversity Park when developed will function as a mini ecosystem having capacity to render all ecological services in limited form.

• It will be an asset to the University and function as an open air laboratory for the beginners to get acquaintance of the nature in the vicinity and for serious researchers to pursue higher studies within the campus itself.

• It will function as an ideal training center for individuals and organizations involved in eco-restoration and conservation programmes.

• It will serve as an ideal destination for the local communities to be with nature and will provide an opportunity for organizing environment awareness programmes.

• Biodiversity Park will be planned as community participatory Programme, providing opportunity to the local community to get involved and have better understanding of the importance of Biodiversity and its conservation.

• With fast growing Kolhapur city, the Biodiversity Park will serve as green lungs.

• The well developed park will have positive impact on amelioration of the local climatic conditions.

• The park will be a single window display for local community to see regional biodiversity at a glance. ( Large Faunal components will have limitations)

• Kolhapur being in close proximity of Western Ghats, the proposed park will ensure space for all important plant communities to ensure protection to important species.

• Biodiversity Park will serve as an ideal destination for eco-tourism and recreational center.

• Biodiversity Park is unique concept of conservation where an Ex-situ conservation strategy transforms into In-situ conservation Programme.

• In future the Biodiversity Park will be an important and authentic source for material and training in conservation of regional plant diversity.

• It will be an important hub for environmental education for the school and college students.