Mangrove Wetland Centre
Inauguration of the Mangrove Wetland Centre - a collaboration between Maharashtra State Forest Department, HSBC and Conservation Action Trust
Maharashtra State Forest Department, HSBC India and Conservation Action Trust announced plans to set up a Mangrove Wetland Centre in Mumbai to create awareness about Mangroves and their importance to our environment. HSBC is supporting the ‘Mangrove Wetland Centre’ as part of its commitment to environment and sustainability.
The inauguration ceremony of the Mangrove Wetland Centre (MWC) Mumbai was held on 1st March 2008 at the proposed MWC site in Bhandup. The dignitaries present for this function were the Hon’ble Minister of Finance Shri Jayantrao Patil, Minister of Forest, Shri Babanrao Pachpute and Shri Neelesh Heredia, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, HSBC India.
Mr. Debi Goenka, Executive Trustee, Conservation Action Trust said “Mumbai cannot survive without mangroves. Despite their importance, mangrove forests are being neglected by a majority of the population. The centre aims to reach out to every resident of the city and increase awareness on the importance of mangroves. The centre will not just be an educational hub but it will have recreational value as well. We have gone long way in protecting mangroves in Mumbai. As an activist, my first campaign to save mangroves dates back to 1983 when we were able to save large patches of mangroves in Raigad District from being destroyed for industries. I would like to acknowledge the support provided by the Forest Department for helping us implement this project. I believe this centre is a beginning of our larger goal of safeguarding our entire coastline through efforts like Joint Mangrove Management. Without the support and generosity of HSBC, this project would have remained a dream on paper. We are really very grateful to them.”
Shri Babanrao Pachpute remarked that Reserve will protect mangroves and is a step towards enhancing ecotourism. Despite the significance of mangroves in protecting the environment, they are currently experiencing a major threat. As the demand for coastal settlements and development continues to increase, so does the elimination of this essential habitat. The Mangrove Wetland Centre will have a 5000 sq m visitor centre, a 450-hectare nature park, numerous trails through the mangroves for bird watching and information hubs to provide latest information on wetlands. Part of the nature trails will include exciting elevated walks that go right through the mangrove canopy.
Mr. Nilesh Heredia, HSBC India mentioned the different projects on environment and nature that are being carried out by HSBC. He assured full support from HSBC for the project. Shri Pachpute also said that the project will give employment to local people and will also serve the purpose of protecting forest.
The Mangrove Wetland Park is expected to harbour a wild population of over 150 species of birds, over 40 species of reptiles, mammals like jackals and jungle cats and vivid life forms found in the mangrove environment. The visitor centre will be the most important part of the Mangrove Wetland Centre where information on wetlands will be provided through different themes. The presentation of each theme will be a unique experience for the visitors.