Conservation of indigenous rare, endangered genetic resources of plant species and biodiversity with the active participation of various stakeholders, particularly the students and the local communities, particularly the local poor women is though most important but very challenging.
Action Research project on “Conservation of indigenous rare, endangered genetic resources of plant species and biodiversity” – Raising tall seedlings of indigenous rare, endangered plant species by establishing and developing a Unique Nursery and Eco-clubs of the school students at Jawli (Taluka-Phaltan, Satara Dist.), Maharashtra, India and ensuring the planting of such rare tall seedlings, doing their geo-tagging, and ensuring their protection, further nourishment, growth and good health in the field, till these plants become Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE), give fruits and their seeds germinate for the next generation. Ensuring active and willing participation of young school students throughout the process of raising seedlings till they become MAMOTREE, give fruits and their seeds germinate.
Our genuine works on the ground, through this project, are unique, very important and for the long-term sustainable benefits of many over tangible results for a short term. We work patiently and persistently and achieve participation of the young students, to contribute significantly to Environment Amelioration and Biodiversity, Soil & Water conservation.
1. One of the main objectives of SIA is to work in the furtherance of ecologically sustainable human development through environment protection and amelioration and conservation of biodiversity, soil & water. To attain this, we are doing the unique and difficult work of raising and distributing the precious seedlings of indigenous rare, threatened plant species; that are very important from an ecological and medicinal point of view. Such species of immense environmental and human well-being value cannot be conserved without the active participation of the youngsters and the prime stakeholders including the farmers and the industrial corporations. Hence, we are undertaking educational and mass awareness programs, activities, etc. on these aspects. Establishing Eco-clubs in Schools/Colleges/Institutions/Academies for educating and motivating young students. We are trying our best to seek willing support and active participation from local communities.
2. We have undertaken this ambitious long-time Action Research project of “Conservation of indigenous rare, endangered genetic resources of plant species and biodiversity”. We designed a well-thought unique project to achieve assured results. This action research project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing some of the most pressing challenges our planet is facing.
3. Raising tall seedlings of endangered rare indigenous plant species of immense environmental, medicinal, and human well-being is in itself a very difficult, costly, and time-consuming process. Equally challenging is to get proper places for not merely planting but also protecting and achieving proper growth of such seedlings till they become healthy and matured middle-aged mother trees. Failure of plantations is a common feature, and we cannot afford any damage to such precious and important plants. Conservation of such rare genetic resources by protecting such plants cannot be achieved without the participation of the landholders, youngsters, and other stakeholders.
4. Planting small seedlings of one/two years of age on public/community/private areas is a futile exercise, resulting in a wastage of time, money, and resources. Further, protection of the tall seedlings after their plantation in the field and further nourishment till they grow and become matured middle-aged mother trees remains a dream only without community participation. Young plants in the fields are like open treasure and their protection and further growth has always remained a big challenge. Hence, based on our long experience in various sectors, particularly forestry and rural livelihood, we have designed the said ambitious action research project that aims to address these issues. One of the most important features of our project is that it incorporates cultivating the young minds, educating and motivating the young students and ensuring their participation not only in nursery activities but also in future plantations and nourishment of the seedlings in the field; involving the local tribal communities for planting the tall seedlings in their targeted areas; undertaking education and awareness campaigns on conservation of biodiversity, soil and water and environment amelioration in school students and the local communities with emphasis on conservation of rare genetic resources of indigenous rare plant species in their areas.
5. Hence, in the first phase, we carefully selected this place at Jawli (Taluka-Phaltan, Satara Dist.), Maharashtra, India in 2021 itself. We worked diligently to establish and strengthen the nursery here in a very tough and challenging area. It is all around murumy, rocky and degraded areas having stunted growth of certain shrub species. There is a huge population of goat and sheep being reared by the shepherd communities residing here. Entire all around area has very high biotic pressure and is heavily browsed and grazed, keeping the areas barren most of the time. Scanty rainfall further aggravates the situation. Most of the people here purchase drinking water and the situation is so serious that the students of ZP govt school drink hard water in the school. These students are from poor and most deprived families. Considering many compelling factors including environmental, education of children belonging to most poor and deprived families, water scarcity, need of livelihood to the poor women, loss of ground flora and biodiversity because of extreme biotic pressure and climatic conditions, scanty rainfall and severe shortage of water, degraded and barren rocky area all around, absence of subsoil moisture/underground water, etc. we thoughtfully accepted the challenge and selected tough area for such work. At this nursery, we have raised more than three lacs seedlings in a phased manner. They include 28 species of rare, endangered trees which are indigenous. The areas surrounding this nursery need critical interventions, for livelihood support to local poor women; and soil, water and biodiversity conservation works. Hence, we resolved to raise tall seedlings of certain rare indigenous plants’ species to be planted in the surrounding areas. We have established here two Eco-clubs; one at the Govt’s Zilla Parishad School and another at Private English medium school to not only motivate the young students for the cause of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation but also to conserve the biodiversity by planting the tall seedlings in the surrounding community and private areas owned by the parents of these kids. We continuously motivated the students and conducted awareness and education campaigns on conservation of such rare genetic resources and biodiversity and ensured that the students actively participated and nourished the seedlings.
6. We started this project in 2021 and have been working diligently and have raised seedlings of certain rare, endangered plant species, in a phased manner. Apart from other tree species of immense medicinal and ecological values, more than 2,00,000 seedlings of 28 endangered indigenous tree species have been raised and nourished here. Most of these seedlings are very slow growing and long living endangered tree species. The schools here have more than 800 students. We have conducted many awareness and education campaigns, and established here Eco-clubs to not only motivate the young students for the cause of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation but also to ensure their active participation in nourishing the seedlings, and to ensure conservation of the biodiversity by planting the tall seedlings in their surrounding areas. Students are enthusiastically participating in raising the seedlings of endangered indigenous plant species at this unique nursery.
1. We have selected this target area as it needs urgent interventions for soil, water and biodiversity conservation works.
2. We have selected this target area as it needs urgent interventions for livelihood support to local poor women particularly the families from deprived marginalized communities. Such women here remain unemployed for a major period of the year and genuinely need work to earn some money to meet their family’s needs, hence, providing them livelihood support to and boost their economy.
3. We have ensured active participation of school students in nursery activities to ensure proper use of tall seedlings in future for planting.
4. We have involved the local communities, particularly the rural women mostly from most disadvantaged, marginalized and poor families for raising tall seedlings to be used for plantation in their targeted areas in future.
5. We are undertaking skill development trainings of such poor women in various aspects of nursery techniques and management to enable them to become self-reliant, competent and professional in raising such endangered tree species seedlings, form their self-help groups, and earn their livelihood by selling these high-value seedlings in the open market.
6. We are undertaking various women empowerment activities; on women’s labour and community welfare activities, initiatives for cleanliness, health, and hygiene for women and adolescent girls, environmental campaigns and providing sanitation equipments, such as dustbins, in schools, village areas, government schools etc.
7. We are conducting awareness and education campaigns on importance of environment protection, conservation of biodiversity, soil & water and specially, conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species in these targeted areas.
8. We are establishing more Eco-clubs in Schools/ Colleges/ Institutions/ Academies for educating and motivating the young students and ensuring their participation not only in nursery activities but also in future plantations and nourishment of the seedlings in the field.
9. We are seeking willing support and active participation of local communities, particularly the women for making their areas Green and Clean.
10. By focusing on the above key aspects, we are enhancing the quality of life for women and their families, foster community well-being, and promote a healthier, cleaner environment ultimately achieving the objective of environment amelioration and biodiversity conservation.
11. We are conducting awareness and education campaigns on importance of environment protection, conservation of biodiversity, soil & water and specially, conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species in these targeted areas.
12. Our endeavors aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing some of the most pressing challenges our planet is facing. By prioritizing the principle of “Sustainable development and the local communities and the public interest first” we contribute to the UN goals for good health and well-being, gender equality and decent work and economic growth.
13. We have created a kind of model nursery and eco-clubs, so that similar activity can be replicated at other schools. We expect visits of other schools’ children here to attend the eco-classes where the students at this school itself will explain the silviculture and nursery techniques of rare tree species being raised by them. Thereby, motivating the visiting students to learn and execute similar plans in their schools. Active participation of school students in nursery activities will ensure proper use of tall seedlings in future for planting. It is a solid work on ground for conservation of rare genetic resource of indigenous tree species. Further, we will ensure the planting of such rare tall seedlings, do their geo-tagging, and ensure their protection, further nourishment, growth and good health in the field, till these plants become Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE), give fruits and their seeds germinate for next generation.
14. We have already selected various places and are identifying more areas in this region for undertaking planting of such tall seedlings of indigenous rare, endangered species being raised in our nursery. We have strategic plans and hence, we will be able to utilize the potential of barren and over grazed land holdings in the surrounding areas by undertaking plantation activities in phased manner. Huge land holdings, most of it barren and over grazed, is the biggest strength of the areas surrounding this nursery and such areas are most deserving for undertaking plantation activities in phased manner. If the local communities decide to plant, protect and nourish the rare and endangered indigenous tree species of immense environmental, medicinal and human well-being; we can achieve the desired results of conservation of biodiversity. Hence, we have involved the local communities and the school students. We have not only undertaken the awareness and education campaigns but also cultivated the minds of young students that they are the owner of these rare seedlings, and they will insist their parents to not only plant these seedlings raised by them, but also will protect and nourish them, like their children, till they become Mother trees. This strategy is bound to bring success in conservation of biodiversity in this area.
15. We are convincing the local communities to plant, protect and nourish the rare and endangered indigenous tree species of immense environmental, medicinal and human well-being; and to achieve the desired results of conservation of biodiversity.
16. Apart from other tree species of immense medicinal and ecological values, 29 endangered indigenous plant species are being raised and nourished here. Students are highly motivated and have enthusiastically participated in the activities and very happy. Once the plants grow taller, the parents, relatives and other interested people will be motivated to plant the tall seedlings in their fields and community land. We will do Geo tagging of the plants and ensure protection and good health and growth of these plants in the field, till these plants become Mother trees for next generation. We are doing and will do our best and ensure community participation in this endeavour.
17. Before planting the seedlings taking drives for eradication of exotic, particularly Lantana, Congress grass, Subabool, Glericidia and other weeds.
18. Undertaking drives for soil, moisture and water conservation works.
19. Establishing and maintaining the activities for collection and proper disposal of non-bio-degradable wastes in the villages.
20. Establishing and maintaining the activities for sanitation, health and hygiene in the villages.
21. Undertaking cleanliness drives and removal of garbage in the villages and discourage use of plastics and other non-bio-degradable wastes.
22. Undertaking activities in the villages of management and use bio-degradable wastes.
23. Undertaking the awareness and education campaigns and cultivating the minds of young local students that they are the owner of these rare seedlings, and they will insist their parents to not only plant these seedlings raised by them, but also will protect and nourish them, like their children, till they become matured middle-aged Mother trees.
24. Not only to address the issue of conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species but also to do policy advocacy to the government on this aspect.
25. We are enhancing the quality of life for women and their families, foster community well-being, and promote a healthier, cleaner environment ultimately achieving the objective of environment amelioration and biodiversity conservation.
26. Ultimately, ensuring genuine works on ground on conservation of rare genetic resources of indigenous tree species.
27. Achieving the ultimate objectives of environment amelioration, biodiversity conservation, providing livelihood support to local poor women from the deprived and marginalised families, and active participation of the students, youth and the local communities.
28. It’s not a mere nursery or planting activity. This long term ambitious project needs lots of patience and persistence. Out of various components, the core Research activity is one of the most important aspects of this project.
29. We are committed to the cause of ‘Harmonious Co- existence’. The genuine works on ground, through this project are unique, very important and for the long term sustainable benefits of many over tangible results for a short term. We work patiently and persistently and achieve participation of the communities, to contribute significantly for Environment Amelioration and Biodiversity, Soil & Water conservation; Women Empowerment; Providing livelihood support to women from the marginalised poor families.
It’s not a mere a planting activity. Conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of endangered, indigenous plant species is a unique, tough, challenging, difficult, time consuming and costly endeavour. This long term ambitious project incorporates various components. Out of these, the component of core Research activities needs lots of patience and persistence.
Some of the most important activities pertaining to research this part include the followings:
1. Collection of seeds of various rare and endangered plant species from various parts of the country.
2. Ascertaining seeds viability of these species in various conditions including preservation through indigenous traditional methods, freezing, deep freezing, etc.
3. Different trials of seeds germination.
4. Identification of pests, fungi attacking the seeds, germination process; species wise.
5. Different trials of impact of certain organic pesticides, fungicides.
6. Different trials of growth stimulating organic fertilizers (growth stimulation of roots, shoots and leaves).
7. Identification of pests, fungi on the plants at its various stages of growth.
8. Different trials to understand the growth pattern of the seedlings, in different growing area/containers of different species.
9. Collection of soil samples from the natural habitat of different species and analysis to understand the microbiology and chemistry of the soil around the trees of these endangered tree species.
10. Research and documentation on pressure of industries, particularly the cosmetic and ayurvedic industries on these endangered species, through collection of various parts of the trees (roots /bark/ leaves/ flowers/ fruits/ seeds/ wood/ rhizomes, etc.) for various commercial purpose.
11. Research and preparation of capacity building modules for training of local communities for conservation of such endangered species existing in their localities.
12. Research on medicinal value of different parts of these endangered species and the support they provide to different fungi, insects, birds etc.
13. Research and preparation of capacity building modules for training of tribal communities for management of areas under FRA, particularly the area under their control in the name of holding Community Forest Rights over the forests land, for sustainability through conservation of such endangered species existing in their localities.
1. Environment amelioration and biodiversity conservation particularly, conservation of indigenous rare genetic resource of threatened and endangered tree species having immense ecological and medicinal value; through active participation of the students, youth and the local communities.
2. Active participation of school students in nursery activities to ensure proper use of tall seedlings in future for planting.
3. Planting, protection and nourishment of the plants in the field till they achieve maturity and become Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE), give fruits and their seeds germinate to continue the rare genetic resources in the nature.
4. Education and awareness in the young generation, school children through their visits to this nursery for Eco-classes.
5. Providing huge employment to the rural poor women, from most disadvantaged and marginalized rural families, for boosting their economy. The women from the poor families insist on providing them some work even in severe summer, as they remain unemployed for a period of about seven months in the year. They genuinely need livelihood opportunities to support their families, for medical needs and for the education of their children. This endeavour will immensely benefit them.
6. Skill Development of Women from most disadvantaged and marginalized rural families: Imparting of training, in various aspects of nursery management, to the women employed in nursery work. Since endangered rare species will be raised, women will get trained in the treatment of seeds, germination techniques, preparation of medium, pests/fungal attacks on particular species and its control using biological organic products, organic fertilizers, soil treatment and so on. Ultimately, some of these trained women will become competent, proficient and professional in nursery techniques to raise such rare seedlings, form their self-help groups, raise seedlings of some endangered tree species and earn their livelihood by selling these high-value seedlings in the open market. Hence, enabling such poor women to become self-reliant in this particular field.
7. Community participation, especially involving rural poor women in raising the seedlings and through that, various women empowerment activities.
8. Environmental amelioration campaigns and providing sanitation equipment, such as dustbins, in schools, village areas, government schools etc will make the residents health and hygiene conscious.
9. Activities of collection and proper disposal of non-bio-degradable wastes; cleanliness drives and removal of garbage and discourage the use of plastics and other non-bio-degradable wastes will ensure sanitation and hygiene in the villages.
10. Activities of sanitation and hygiene in the villages will help in ensuring good health of the residents.
11. Activities related to women labour & community welfare activities, cleanliness: women, adolescent girls health and hygiene related activities and material; environmental campaigns, sanitation equipments and dust bins in the schools and village campus, govt. school, etc. will benefit many a lot.
12. Creating kinds of model nurseries and eco-clubs at regional and district level in the long run, so that similar activities can be replicated at other schools. Visits of other schools’ children to attend the eco-classes where the students at the local schools will explain the silviculture and nursery techniques of rare tree species being raised by them will motivate and inspire the visiting students to learn and execute similar plans in their schools. Active participation of school students in nursery activities will ensure proper use of tall seedlings in future for planting.
13. Drives of eradication of exotic, particularly Lantana, Congress grass, Subabool, Glericidia and other weeds will help a lot in conservation of indigenous rare plant species, and immensely benefit the farmers and the environment as such.
14. Drives for soil, moisture and water conservation works will help a lot in conservation of indigenous rare plant species, and immensely benefit the farmers and the environment as such.
15. On the basis of genuine works on ground of such immense importance, anticipated support from the corporate world, for such delicate work, in future will enable likeminded dedicated NGOs to establish more nurseries and eco-clubs for students, particularly in dry, arid and other deserving regions.
16. Not only addressing the issue of conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species but also to doing policy advocacy to the government on the basis of results of genuine action research works on the ground.
17. Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals for good health and well-being, gender equality and decent work and economic growth; by prioritizing the local communities and the public interest.
18. All tangible and intangible educational and health benefits, and mental well-being of students and the communities here.
19. It’s not a mere a planting activity. The core Research activity is one of the most important aspects of this project. The genuine works on ground, through this project are unique, and the research findings will be most useful for Environment Amelioration and Biodiversity, Soil & Water conservation; Women Empowerment; Providing livelihood support to women from the marginalised poor families; and the long term sustainable benefits of many over tangible results for a short term.
20. We are committed to the cause of ‘Harmonious Co- existence’ The genuine works on ground, through this project are unique, very important and for the long term sustainable benefits of many over tangible results for a short term. We work patiently and persistently and achieve participation of the communities, to contribute significantly for Environment Amelioration and Biodiversity, Soil & Water conservation; Women Empowerment; Providing livelihood support to women from the marginalised poor families.
1. SIA is dedicated to the mission for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. SIA needs to remain committed to keep working tirelessly, persistently and patiently.
2. This ambitious project is multidimensional, multitasking and entails a long-term commitment.
3. Conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of endangered, indigenous plant species by raising nurseries of such species is though unique, challenging, difficult, time consuming and costly endeavour; however, it’s tangible and intangible benefits are immense.
4. Conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of endangered, indigenous plant species by raising nurseries of such species in such tough areas is a unique, challenging, difficult, time consuming and costly endeavour. However, considering many compelling factors including environmental, education of children belonging to most poor and deprived families, water scarcity, need of livelihood to the poor women, loss of ground flora and biodiversity because of extreme biotic pressure and climatic conditions, scanty rainfall and severe shortage of water, degraded and barren rocky area all around, absence of subsoil moisture/underground water, etc. SIA is dedicated to this mission. We will maintain this unique nursery and establish more nurseries of endangered indigenous tree species and develop more Eco-clubs in various institutions/schools/colleges to motivate the young students for the cause of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation; continue mass awareness and educating the communities on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation issues.
5. The project has very high potential of providing livelihood support to the rural poor women, from most disadvantaged and marginalized rural families, and this will boost their economy to support their families, for medical needs and for education of their children. This endeavour will immensely benefit them.
6. It focuses on cultivating the minds of young students that they will insist their parents to not only plant these seedlings raised by them, but also will protect and nourish them, like their children, till they become Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE).
7. This ambitious, long-term Action Research project aims to address not only the issue of conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species but also to do policy advocacy to the government on this aspect.
8. This project aims to address not only the issue of conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species but also to provide livelihood support to the needy rural poor women from the disadvantaged families.
9. This ambitious, long-term Action Research project aims to address not only the issue of conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species but also to do policy advocacy to the government on this aspect. We will strive hard, do our best and get willing support of the farmers, young generations, students.
10. It focuses on the willing support of the local communities, farmers, young generations, students.
11. The activities of the project also ensure convincing various institutions to plant such species on their land and ensure their protection and promoting their growth and nourishing them to ultimately develop into healthy Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE).
12. This ambitious, long-term Action Research project aims to address not only the issue of conservation of rare genetic resources and biodiversity of indigenous rare plant species but also to provide livelihood support to the needy rural poor women from the disadvantaged families and also do policy advocacy to the government on this aspect. Though it is a herculean, time taking, costly, delicate and tough task; we are committed to keep working tirelessly, persistently and patiently. We will strive hard, do our best and get willing support of farmers, young generations, students and those engaged in goat and cattle rearing to ensure the conservation of such rare genetic resources. We will also convince various institutions to plant such endangered tree species on their land. To enhance our efforts, we will do geo-tagging of such precious and important tall seedlings planted in the field, ensuring their protection and promoting their growth until they attain a height that safeguards them from damage by the cattle, goats, etc. and ultimately allowing them to develop into healthy Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE), give fruits and their seeds germinate to continue the rare genetic resources in the nature.
13. While it is challenging to quantify the benefits of our efforts in absolute terms, we are dedicated to establishing more nurseries and eco-clubs for students across Maharashtra and Rajasthan, particularly in dry and arid regions. We will also intensify our efforts to ensure the proper planting, protection, and growth of such plants; ultimately allowing them to develop into healthy Middle Aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE), give fruits and their seeds germinate to continue the rare genetic resources in the nature.
14. This is high time to establish such unique nurseries of endangered indigenous tree species and develop more and more Eco-clubs in various institutions/schools/colleges to motivate the young students for the cause of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation; create mass awareness and educate the communities on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation issues.
15. We are committed to maintain this unique nursery and establish more nurseries of endangered indigenous tree species and develop more Eco-clubs in various institutions/schools/colleges to motivate the young students for the cause of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation; continue mass awareness and educating the communities on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation issues.
16. It’s not a mere nursery and planting activity. This long term ambitious project needs lots of patience and persistence. Out of various components, the core Research activity is one of the most important aspects of this project. We are committed to the cause of ‘Harmonious Co-existence’ The genuine works on ground, through this project are unique, very important and for the long term sustainable benefits of many over tangible results for a short term. We work patiently and persistently and achieve participation of the communities, to contribute significantly for Environment Amelioration and Biodiversity, Soil & Water conservation; Women Empowerment; Providing livelihood support to women from the marginalised poor families.
We are fully confident that this Action Research project will be immensely beneficial; it will significantly contribute to environment protection and conservation of soil, water and biodiversity while also providing livelihood support to many, particularly the marginalised poor families.
Founder member and full-time director of our NGO, Mr. D. R. Parihar is an Ex-IFS (Indian Forests Service) and he has served in various government departments in various capacities in a career spanning more than 3 decades and has diverse, rich experience. He has served in Govt of Maharashtra; as Joint Director in Tribal Research and Training Institute, Dy Secretary School Education Dept.; as Professor in YASHADA (an apex and nodal Administrative Training Institute of the Govt. of Maharashtra in General Administration Dept.) known for providing quality trainings and collection and dissemination of information in development; as Director General of BARTI (an Autonomous Institute Govt. of Maharashtra in Social Justice Dept.); as first Managing Director (post superannuation) of SARTHI (an Autonomous Institute of Govt. of Maharashtra in Planning Dept.). He is dedicated to the cause and working full-time in SIA.
We are committed to the cause of ‘Harmonious Co-existence’.
1. Humans must develop a constant awareness of caring for natural objects, at least for our own existence. By nature, animals are intellectually inferior to human beings, but this distinction holds true only as long as humans use their wisdom and uphold moral standards for their survival—let alone for happiness and good health. However, driven by a misconception of their superiority, humans often attempt to overpower other organisms. This misconception has been placing a big question mark on maintaining our health, happiness, and ultimately, our existence.
2. To establish a sustainable co-existence and harmonious co-existence, in biodiversity, morality matters a lot. If someone harms or cuts a tree, even for genuine reasons or necessities, they must acknowledge that this act has led to the loss of a vital source that absorbs a significant part of carbon emissions from factories, industries and other sources. Such acts must be accompanied by replanting and nurturing new trees. Therefore, harmonious co-existence demands not only genuine interpersonal relationships but also honest interactions between humans and nature.
3. When human beings—superior to other organisms—adopt the wrong approach, it becomes impossible to maintain harmony, happiness, and peace in the system due to their dominating tendencies. Obviously, good physical and mental health, peace and happiness, and prosperity cannot be expected in such societies. Therefore, human beings have the responsibility to establish peaceful co-existence with nature and their fellow beings.
4. It is very important and urgent that we must use our intelligence to foster ‘living together’, which also implies co-residence and a harmonious life. Living together means the network of relationships in which we live. A system in which we are supposed to generally interact with other living beings, requires some basic principles and disciplines to institute a harmonious existence. It is possible only if there is cooperation. It is impossible to sustain in a society without cooperation. For our own harmonious sustenance, we must set aside and sacrifice much of our egocentric ideals. Unfortunately, because of ignorance and the unrestrained desire for ‘ease, comfort, selfishness, profit-making’; we are continuously harming natural life-supporting systems and interpersonal trust.
5. SIA's logo is based on the above fundamental principles of the Law of Nature, the supreme law on our planet. SIA, short for Sanchi Integration Association, features a highly endangered bird, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), at its centre and the most important phrase “Coexist Harmoniously” at the bottom. The GIB is at the apex of the grassland ecology. The GIB is at the apex of the grassland ecosystem, on which many species, including humans, depend directly or indirectly for survival. The existence of the GIB is a reflection of the harmony between humans and nature. Peace, happiness, and prosperity are natural by-products of our harmonious co-existence with nature and fellow beings. This theme is central to our mission, and our logo embodies this vision with the GIB and the phrase “Coexist Harmoniously.”
6. Nature, defined as the original form of anything and everything without human intervention, is equivalent to the Sanskrit word Prakriti and the Pali word Pakati. Pakati also refers to habit, as in the expression “human-nature”. These terms convey two interconnected ideas: material nature and natural law. For our survival and existence, it is imperative that we use our wisdom to understand and respect the basic principles and rule of law of nature. Humans have severely damaged their own life-support systems and have polluted the air, soil, water, and peace. This damage has reached an almost irreversible stage, endangering our very existence. Therefore, it is urgent and essential to take every possible action to improve the environment, conserve biodiversity, and promote peace by embracing the principle of harmonious co-existence.
Let us Co-exist Harmoniously for Benefit of Most Deprived and Conservation of Natural Resources.