Efforts to create Thar biosphere reserve stepped up

UNESCO has assured to provide funds and technical help for protecting the rare fauna in the region

The exercise to create a much-awaited biosphere reserve in western Rajasthan’s Thar desert has been stepped up with the support of UNESCO, which has assured to provide funds and technical help for protecting the rare fauna in the region. The project may be included shortly in UNESCO’s flagship Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The climate variability in Thar desert is based on the stretches of sand, which are interspersed with hillocks and sandy and gravel plains. Environmentalists believe that this arid region’s vegetation, human culture and animal life are very diverse in comparison with other deserts in the world because of its varied habitat and ecosystem.

The biosphere reserve project formulated by the State government’s Forest Department has laid emphasis on the conservation of biodiversity and desert ecology as well as the participation of local communities in the conservation efforts. In addition to the protection of unique natural features, the people'’s livelihood will be strengthened in the reserve.