The environment in which we live can be understood as a blanket that keeps life on the planet safe and sound. It plays a vital role in keeping living things healthy by providing food, shelter, air and fulfils all the human needs. The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment.

he year 2020 is a year full of challenges. various natural calamities have been experienced across the globe. Now coronavirus pandemic along with locust attacks made even worse the whole situation.  The whole life support of humans depends solely on environmental factors. Without the environment we cannot imagine life on this planet. But today, when there has been a lot of technological development, the environment in which we are living is becoming increasingly contaminated.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis calls for a change in attitudes, so that we may leave a better and healthier planet to later generations. We cannot pretend to be healthy in a world that is sick.  The wounds inflicted on our mother earth are wounds that also bleed in us that caring for ecosystems demands “a view to the future” that is truly concerned for life, rather than “quick and easy profit. Further, he stresses that “the protection of the environment” and “respect for the biodiversity” of the planet are issues that affect us all.”

Biodiversity reinforces life on Earth and refers to the variety found in biota from the genetic makeup of plants and animals to cultural diversity. Human health ultimately depends upon ecosystem products and services (such as availability of freshwater, food and fuel sources) which are requisite for good human health and productive livelihoods. Biodiversity loss can have significant direct human health impacts if ecosystem services are no longer adequate to meet social needs. Indirectly, changes in ecosystem services affect livelihoods, income, local migration and so on.

On this occasion, Caritas India together with Jabalpur Social Service Societies (JDSSS) Mandla and Manav Vikas Seva Sangh (MVSS) observed World Environment Day under Smallholder Adaptative Farming and Biodiversity Network (SAFBIN) program in Mandla, Sagar and Vidisha of Madhya Pradesh and reached out to 1500 smallholder farmers through various initiatives. The program was majorly focused on the theme to promote biodiversity conservation.

This era of COVID-19 pandemic had taught new experience for smallholders together with district and the national team of celebrating world environment day. Eco-friendly banners and poster were made for the campaign. While maintaining the norms of social distancing, safety and security of the people, the program was designed accordingly to avoid any uncertainty where participants were strictly instructed to maintain at least 2 meters (3 steps) away from each other.

The whole process was to create awareness on biodiversity among smallholders by 20 different wall paintings and posters, 16 Biodiversity action spots were created, and 378 smallholders shared at least one local species with other smallholders, 100 saplings were mobilised from the local forest departments, 20 fruit trees plantation with Olla irrigation system and another 500 local species were planted at the homestead. Apart from this, 400 soaps to wash hands (at least 21 seconds), 273 sanitizers and mask were given to the participants. During the event, both the implementing partner organisations have assured to ensure 100,000 saplings plantation in their respective areas along with smallholders keeping the theme “It’s Time for Nature” this year.

Among the participants, Mr Ghanshyam Prasad (Forest Ranger), Mr Dinanath Kahare Nursery Superintendent, Sarpanch and Sachiv of respective Gram Panchayat made the World Environment day more generous and meaningful.

Trees are the most important species in the earth, without trees, we cannot imagine life. It gives oxygen for us to breath and to live.

I thank Caritas India and whole SAFBIN team for taking such initiatives even during COVID-19 situation with proper precautions to celebrate the joy of sharing… Says Mr Ghanshyam, Forest Ranger.

Though it was not a new thing for us to share the saplings or seeds with others, the purpose made this unique with a message on conservation of our won farm ecosystem by recycling of local resources. Yes, I feel proud to share my saplings with my fellow farmers for a cause. Says Augustina delightedly.