World Wetlands Day champions the pivotal role wetlands play within the ecosystem and how they contribute to human and animal wellbeing. These permanent or seasonal wetlands are considered one of the most biologically diverse and essential habitats on earth. Protecting and supporting them is a key environmental duty and expression of ahimsa (non-harming).
The Sundarbans, located in Bangladesh and India, is a prime example of a wetland that is essential for environmental prosperity. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and includes rare animal life, such as the Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodile. The region also provides the livelihood of local communities who depend on the forest for farming. Human activities and natural calamities, such as deforestation, cyclones, and tidal waves, have profoundly altered the landscape.
Reports have shown that the loss of Mangroves in these wetlands will weaken the protective biological shield that reduces the impact of weather disasters; this will put surrounding coastal communities at high risk and endanger hundreds of species of plant and animal life.
“As a result of constant flooding, my land has submerged into the river,” laments Sanjay Mondol, a farmer from the Sundarbans. “Now I have no more Agriculture land.”
Go Dharmic is on a mission to plant and manage two million mangroves across the Sundarbans by 2026. This “Dharma Forest” will reduce soil erosion, shield millions of people from flooding disasters, provide safer water, remove carbon from the atmosphere, protect species at risk, and promote biodiversity, strengthening our planet’s ecosystems.
GD has established a mangrove nursery at Matla, in West Bengal, where they raise 1000 saplings at a time and then replant them across the Gosaba, Canning, and Basunti regions of the Sundarbans to replace destroyed natural mangroves.
World Wetlands Day – Dharma Forest
To date, GD has planted 150,000 mangroves, which will remove approximately 45,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere in their lifetime, and protect thousands of communities.
“Our mangrove forest will protect villages in the region from flooding and other adverse weather events. In addition, it will re-establish much of the biodiversity lost in the area due to harmful greenhouse gases.” says Go Dharmic Founder, Hanuman Dass.
“I’m particularly proud of this ongoing project because its effects should only compound over time, and it will make a profound positive climate difference. These beautiful forests are one of the finest investments we can make for the future of our planet.”
These wetlands are so important to the health of the planet. Don’t let them disappear. You can help protect these wetlands and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their many benefits.
To celebrate World Wetlands Day, grow the Dharma Forest and protect Sundarbans,
