A rare low-altitude Basalt plateau housing 76 species of plants and shrubs from 24 different families discovered in the Western Ghats, can prove to be a repository of information for species interactions. It can help study the effects of climate change on species survival and increase awareness of the conservation needs of rock outcrops and their immense biodiversity value in the global context.
The Western Ghats is one of four global biodiversity hotspots in India, and Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune has been studying its biodiversity, particularly its rock outcrops, for a decade. These outcrops have seasonal water availability, and limited soil and nutrients, making them ideal laboratories to study the effects of climate change on species survival. Plateaus are thus a valuable source of insight into how species can survive in extreme conditions.
The ARI team led by Dr Mandar Datar recently discovered a rare low-altitude basalt plateau in Manjare village, Thane district. The research paper published recently in SpringerNature journal National Academy of Science Letters has highlighted the importance of the newly discovered low-level basalt plateau located in Manjare Village of Thane district in the Northern Western Ghats, standing 156 m above mean sea level.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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