Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has officially designated a 32.78-hectare area in Guneri village, Kutch district, as the state's first 'Biodiversity Heritage Site'. This unique inland site, located 45 km from the Arabian Sea, is characterized by dense mangroves that remain untouched by high tides, ensuring the soil stays dry year-round.
Unlike typical mangrove forests that thrive in coastal marshes, the Guneri mangroves are a distinctive feature of the region, providing a rare ecological habitat. The state government emphasized the importance of educating the public about this unique ecosystem to promote its conservation and enhancement.
Following recommendations from the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, the site will benefit from a management plan aimed at preserving its diverse flora and fauna. Local rights and privileges will be honored, and training programs will be implemented to empower local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts.
The concept of biodiversity heritage sites is designed not only to protect ecological diversity but also to engage local communities in conservation while fostering their economic development.