The Seven Bad Birders (SBB) Foundation and the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation collaborated to host a Photography Exhibition in celebration of the 70th National Wildlife Week and World Space Week. The event was inaugurated by Shri Kartikeya Vikram Sarabhai, founder director of CEE in Ahmedabad, along with Prof. Hari Om Vats, a retired ISRO Scientist, Shri Uday Vora, a retired CCF from the Gujarat Forest Department, and Shri Lokendra Balasaria from the Treewalks group. A total of forty-seven passionate naturalists, including members of Seven Bad Birders, participated in the exhibition, showcasing a diverse array of wildlife photographs from across the globe.
The photographs of Manoj Pai, National Award-winning entomologist; Bharatkumar Patel, Jayanti Khemchandani, Shailesh Parashar, Arvindkumar Ramdas, Parth Parikh and Saman Patel, members of Seven Bad Birders along with 41 other wildlife enthusiasts are being displayed at the expo. The exhibition featured a diverse range of collections including Birds, Mammals, Insects, Amphibians, as well as collages and artworks focused on Space and Climate Change. Attendees of various age groups enjoyed learning about the different species showcased. This event aims to promote awareness of wildlife conservation and biodiversity while engaging visitors of all ages through a variety of fun and educational activities.
The importance of wildlife in sustaining the ecological balance of nature cannot be overstated. Any damage to natural habitats can threaten the entire ecosystem, making it essential to protect both flora and fauna. Each year, from October 2nd to 8th, India observes Wildlife Week with the goal of safeguarding the country’s wildlife. Throughout this week, specialists hold workshops to educate the public about the significance of wildlife conservation. In addition, various awareness initiatives are organized at different levels to enhance public understanding of wildlife issues. India is recognized as a biological hotspot, hosting numerous animal species. Occupying just 2.5% of the Earth’s surface, India is home to over 7% of the planet’s biodiversity, with its faunal diversity making up approximately 7.4% of the world’s fauna.
However, the abundant wildlife also presents numerous threats. We recognize the potential dangers these species face for various reasons. Therefore, it is essential for us to contribute to this initiative. You can engage in various awareness-building activities, as well as visit Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks to help support this important cause. This Wildlife Week, let’s commit to conserving wildlife, backing those dedicated to its protection, and utilizing our social media platforms to spread awareness about these efforts.
