Uttarayan, a 35+ yr old NGO working with people and ecosystem has been steadily building robust ecology across South Bengal. It being part of Pallisree, the largest nursery organisation in West Bengal makes it easier to work on ecological restorations. We are partnering with Rainmatter Foundation for Forest and landscape restoration in a participatory mode.
2 DAYS IN-HAND BEE STATION SETUP TRAINING – UW - RM AT PURULIA. Expert team from NatureMates
Location: Gar Panchkot ,Purulia, West Bengal
Subject: Bee Station Setup Training
Introduction: From 30th March to 31st march, 2024, our NGO Uttarayan Wildlife conducted a training session on Bee Station Setup in Purulia, West Bengal. The objective of this training was to educate members of our NGO and local stakeholders of lands(restoration working areas like – Ranibundh, Garshika) about the establishment and maintenance of bee stations, aiming to promote beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option and to contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Participants: The training session was attended by 10 to 12 members of our NGO, including UW’s project head Atin Chatterjee , volunteers and staff members. Additionally, local farmers and community members interested in beekeeping also participated in the training.
Trainer – MD. Ariful Islam from Madhuvan swanirbhar moupalak gosthhi (Barasat).
Training Content:
- Introduction to Beekeeping: First day the training began with an introduction to beekeeping, about the classification and types of bees , highlighting its importance in agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and economic sustainability. Participants were educated about the role of bees in pollination and its impact on crop yields.
- Bee Station Setup: A detailed session was conducted on setting up bee stations, including the selection of suitable locations, construction of bee boxes, and installation of necessary equipment such as frames, hives, and protective gear. Practical demonstrations were provided to ensure a clear understanding of the setup process.
- Bee Management Techniques: Participants were trained on effective bee management techniques, including hive inspection, pest and disease management, and honey harvesting practices. Emphasis was placed on sustainable beekeeping practices that promote the health and well-being of bee colonies.
- Environmental Conservation: The training underscored the importance of beekeeping in environmental conservation efforts, emphasizing the role of bees in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity. Participants were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly beekeeping practices to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
Practical Demonstration: On day two - following the theoretical sessions, participants were engaged in hands-on practical demonstrations of bee station setup, management techniques and what kind of safety should be taken. This interactive session allowed participants to gain practical skills and confidence in implementing beekeeping practices.
Feedback and Conclusion: Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm and interest in incorporating beekeeping into their livelihood activities. The training concluded with a commitment from participants to apply the knowledge gained and to promote beekeeping within their communities.
Recommendations: Based on the success of the training session, it is recommended to organize similar capacity-building programs in other regions where beekeeping can contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Continued support and resources should be provided to empower local communities to engage in beekeeping as a means of improving livelihoods and promoting biodiversity.
Acknowledgment: We extend our gratitude to all participants, trainers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Bee Station Setup Training in Purulia. Special thanks to MD. Ariful Islam from Nature Mates, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in facilitating the training session.
Such vast expanse of land lies barren with degraded soil, water levels, biodiversity.
Rainmatter Foundation and #uttarayanwildlife has taken the responsibility to revive and rewild together with the locals for better climate, soil, economy.
This is Ayodhya - Purulia - West Bengal. RM-UW Restoration of degraded land!
Such barren land adds to extreme climates and water crisis which we are addressing in our Restoration program!
Maintenance and Inspection
Field inspection is crucial in a restoration project for several reasons:
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Quality Assurance: It ensures that the plantation is being carried out according to the specified standards and guidelines, guaranteeing the quality of the planting materials and the plantation process.
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Monitoring Growth: Field inspections allow for the monitoring of plant growth, ensuring that the plants are healthy and developing as expected. Any issues such as pest infestation, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies can be identified early and addressed promptly.
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Compliance: Inspections help ensure compliance with environmental regulations, land use permits, and any other legal requirements. This reduces the risk of fines or legal complications for the project.
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Risk Management: By identifying potential risks such as soil erosion, waterlogging, or improper planting techniques, field inspections enable proactive measures to be taken to mitigate these risks, preventing potential damage to the plantation.
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Optimizing Resources: Inspections provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of resource utilization, such as water, fertilizers, and labor. This information can be used to optimize resource allocation and improve efficiency in future plantation projects.
RM - UW Restoration: Impact of soil regeneration - strategic plantation considering the landscape and native plants - biodiversity revival - The Before and After picture!
Rainwater Pits and Trenches:
The 2nd phase - RM-UW Restoration_2023-24 of our plantation drive has been started from today. These pits facilitate the infiltration of rainwater into the ground, which replenishes groundwater levels. This is particularly important in areas with depleting water tables. These have significantly revived surrounding soil quality and vegetation.
Biodiversity and Phenology Survey with reference natural forest - Bankura - Purulia
Final Report Biodiversity Survey Bankura.pdf (4.0 MB)
RM-UW Restoration champions - PES system
Ayodhya - Purulia - Mishirdih
Local Nature Champion Amrit Kumar has truly changed the tide - he has proactively joined the restoration movement as part of the RM-UW Elephant corridor restoration program as a landowner who has pledged his 80 bighas of presently degraded land as part of revive and restore process and he is part of our PES methodology where Amrit himself organises and builds all efforts of preparing his land for the plantation drive.
Thanks Amrit and best wishes!
RM-UW supports him with payment for his ecosystem services.
UW-RM Nursery
We are ready for this years 150+ acre of plantation, distribution of plants to landless laborers so that the restoration process spreads across the landscape.
Nursery - our plant bank is getting ready with weeding process and plants being moved to make way for healthy roots.
Seed Germination - compiled.xlsx (196.2 KB)
MAHUA
MEHAGANI
ARJUN
BAMBOO
CASSIA SAMIANA
KHIRIS
CASSIA JAVANIKA
MANGO MIX BADING (SEEDLING)
MANGO BADING
GUAVA GRAFTED
KG KUL
JAM BADING
CHALTA
JACKFRUIT (PINK)/ JOR
PALASH
JARUL
SIMUL
LOMBU
SISU
BABLA
GUAVA SEEDLING
JAM SEEDLING
AMLOKI
AATA
JACKFRUIT SEEDLING
Neem
PURULIA - 2024 150 acres plantation locations
Fuslatanr,
Goaldung,
Misirdihi,
Patuyara 1,
Patuara 2,
Dhatkidi point 2
2024 - RM - UW plantation begins!! 160 acres in Purulia!
We began the auspicious occasion of corridor restoration with planting with school children - our future!
This year to include people who dont have land as part of this GREEN MOVEMENT we distributed plants to keen landless laborers!
NOW THIS BECOMES AN ALL INCLUSIVE MOVEMENT!
@sidsrao @sameershisodia
PES method of re wilding - as a continuity to our STORY ON AMIT!
Amit the Nature Champion from our Purulia - West Bengal is working hard on his own plot with our support. He is himself planning - designing and planting to rewild on his plot at Patuara 2 - 50 Bighas.
He has shown an example to locals to tale full responsibility of restoration process from the stage zero.
This makes him a true Nature Champion and restoration champion!
RM-UW Restoration fo degraded corridors! Phase/Year 3 - 2024
1. Misirdihi
2. Chatuhansa
3. Dhatkidi
4. Fuslatanr
5. Goaldung
6. Patuara 1
7. Patuara 2
440 bighas = 150 acres of restoration of degraded top soil with organic manure, rainwater trenches to spread water evenly, plantation in monsoon.
The most unique effort is to include surrounding school students as part of the effort and give them a basic education on why we are doing what we are doing and how they have to continue!
RM-UW Restoration: Plantation in degraded landscape continues (End August to September) - Gorshika was our plantation site from last year which unfortunately faced fire situation destroying large parts so this year at the request of locals we have replanted!
