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Mahua flowers are turning into rural ATMs for tribals in Chhattisgarh
Among tribals from the village of Amad, located in the core area of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, wealth of individuals in the village is determined by the number of mahua trees they possess.
The village has 1,517 hectares of forest and 70-75 percent of families in the village have mahua trees. The rest who do not own mahua trees, collect flowers from the trees of those who have a large number but are unable to pick flowers on their own. This ensures that all earn some amount to keep their households running during the mahua season. A family of 15-20 members can easily collect up to 20 quintals of mahua from the forest and private trees, generating an income of about Rs 1 lakh. (Down To Earth).
A dedicated lab in Bengaluru serves as a hub for insect research
The Insect Biosystematics and Conservation Lab at ATREE at Bengaluru is a unique research facility dedicated to the study and conservation of insects. The lab has thousands of insect specimens organised in neat collections. For example, over 600 species of ants out of 800 species and 450 species of dung beetles out of 500 species found in India, are part of the lab’s collection. The lab also features more than 60 species of grasshoppers, 30 species of bumblebees, and varieties of parasitic wasps.
The lab studies the effects of climate change on insect populations and diversity. While conservation efforts in the country continue to focus too heavily on protecting a few flagship species, the lab shows the way for a more comprehensive conservation strategy that ensures conservation of every patch of green, however small it may be (Mongabay, India).
Scientists develop a new process that converts sewage sludge into green hydrogen
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have developed a unique solar-powered process to convert sewage sludge— a by-product of wastewater treatment, into green hydrogen for clean energy and a protein for animal feed.
More than 100 million tonnes of sewage sludge are generated globally each year and managing it is a challenge as it includes heavy metals, pathogens, and contaminants. Common disposal methods such as incineration or landfill are time-consuming, energy-inefficient, and contribute to environmental pollution.
The three-step solar-powered process integrates mechanical, chemical, and biological techniques that break down organic waste to produce biogas and nutrient-rich residue. It recovers more resources, completely removes heavy metal contaminants, has a smaller environmental footprint, and offers better economic feasibility (SciTech Daily).
RBI advocates for bankable projects to increase flow of climate finance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advocated for creating a pool of bankable projects to increase the flow of climate finance. Indian banks and non-bank finance companies (NBFCs) have limited capacity and expertise which limits their ability to assess and finance climate change mitigation projects. This increases the risks associated with funding these projects.
Having this pool or collection of financially viable and investment-ready projects can offer multiple benefits and experienced financial institutions that operate under RBI supervision can contribute to this pool of projects and exchange information (Mongabay, India) .
CSOs demand a fair review of FRA rejections
A large number of civil society organisations across the country have released a press statement demanding fair review and scrutiny as millions of forest-dwelling tribals in India fear eviction.
The organisations have alleged that the forest bureaucracy has sabotaged the implementation of FRA in multiple states and at the central level as the law removes their power to evict people and hand over forest land to large companies. The organisations argue that the forest rights claims were rejected without providing adequate reasons to the claimants or concerned Gram Sabhas. They were also denied the opportunity to appeal or present additional evidence (Down To Earth).
Hundreds of fungi species threatened with extinction
Deforestation, farming and climate fueled fires are increasing threats to fungi, the life blood of most plants on earth. Close to 300 threatened species worldwide have been pushed to the limits by rapid growth of agricultural and urban areas. Atleast 411 fungi species are facing the threat of extinction among 1300 varieties according to IUCNs red List of Threatened Species.
Fungi mainly live hidden under the ground and provide valuable services such as carbon storage - to drought and pathogen resistance and are crucial for the survival of ecosystems on earth. They form an important component of the gut microbiome in humans and maintain gut health. Some varieties are also edible and used in food and drink preparation and aid in the process of fermentation (Phys.org).
This is a roundup of news updates from the 15th March 2025 to 31st of March 2025. Read our policy updates here