This week’s environment and conservation news stories rolled into one.
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“There is no fish in the ocean”
Declining fish catch since August 2019 is causing worry amongst fishers across the economic spectrum in southern Karnataka. Small-scale fishers are the most affected.
Bengal florican makes its case at the Convention for Migratory Species CoP?
On February 20, the Convention for Migratory Species unanimously voted for increased protection to the Bengal Florican, a little known bustard species found in north Indian grasslands.
Spillover: forest encroachments increase risk of diseases from animals
Kyasanur Forest Disease. Lyme Disease. Ebola. Forest encroachment increases spread of zoonotic diseases in humans, finds study.
Most Indian birds declining, finds new report using citizen science data
Researchers harnessed data contributed by more than 15,500 birdwatchers across the country (over 10 million bird observations), uploaded to the online platform eBird India.
[Photos] Home in Maharashtra, farm in Karnataka leaves flood victims nowhere
With Karnataka offering better compensation for flood-affected villages, the farmers want the Maharashtra government to step up its compensation — or incorporate their villages within Karnataka.
Small forest patches act as islands and corridors of biodiversity
Connecting smaller protected areas to larger ones can ensure movement of animals and the exchange of genetic material, which will ensure long term sustainability of populations.
Rebirth of dying Vembanad lake in sight with new court orders
As many as 625 large buildings including resorts and hotels have been identified to be violating the Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ) rules.
India urgently needs to streamline multi-billion rupees worth NTFP market
The tribal community of India collects non-timber forest products (NTFPs) worth around Rs. two trillion annually. However, these collections don’t translate into steady income for the communities.
Extreme weather events causing most migration
India is suffering the maximum brunt of rapid onset disasters. More than 2.7 million people were displaced in the country due to tropical storms and floods in 2018.
Growing trees on farms a win-win for farmers and sustainability
States such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh have a high percentage of households that extract fuelwood from the fringe forests in rainfed regions. Assam, Kerala, Meghalaya had the least percentage of households in that category. States like Punjab and Nagaland were bookended in the medium level of firewood extraction.
