Jyoti Patale – Biodiversity Conservation
On 26th September 2025, a biodiversity survey and nature-based activities were organized with children from Koyanardih and Hapatbeda villages of Ranchi district, Jharkhand. The program took place near the Jonha Waterfall, a famous tourist spot surrounded by Sal-dominated forests. The session began with an introduction to the meaning of biodiversity for the children. A total of 15 children, aged between 10 and 16 years, participated in the activities.
The program was facilitated by three community resource persons (CRPs), Shiveshwar Bediya, Sahebram Bediya, and Chamru Bediya. Both Sahebram and Shiveshwar have completed the Green Hub Fellowship and are currently working as nature guides. The group also explored forest foods with the guidance of Chamru Bediya, who shared his knowledge about trees, edible plants, and their uses.
The day began with a forest and riverside walk where the children, guided by the CRPs, observed the natural diversity of the Jonha region. Using “Be a Neighbourhood Naturalist“ and “Jungle Trees of Central India“ as field guides, the group documented butterflies, bees, dragonflies, birds, spiders, lichens, and various trees. Through this exploration, we discussed seasonal changes and the ecological significance of the species encountered.
Following that, we organized a Habitat Painting activity, where children were given images of animals and birds and asked to paint the habitats where these species live. This exercise was conducted to introduce them to the concept of what a habitat is and its importance for survival. Through this activity, we initiated a conversation about how animals and plants depend on their environment and why protecting habitats is essential.
Place-based nature-culture activities help children to see how biodiversity contributes to the ecological balance and their own well-being. By combining documentation of biodiversity with child-centric learning, we are looking forward to strengthening the role of community resource persons as educators and nature guides.
The program ended with sharing the day’s explorations and looking at the children’s habitat paintings, which reflected how they think about and understand the idea of habitat.
Photo credit: Jyoti Patale
