Developing World’s First Natural Carbon Sink at Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot
A carbon sink is a natural or manmade reservoir that accumulates and stores carbon containing chemical compounds for an indefinite period. Consequently, any reservoir can act as a sink for carbon, provided it soaks up more carbon than it emits.
The concept of a carbon sink when coupled with a bio-diversity park would yield a region that helps create an ecological hot spot for various species of flora and fauna and it will also provide a carbon sink owing to the carbon absorptive capacity of the forest.
The proposed Biodiversity Park should fulfilled the following requirements:
- Maintain the integrity of the natural processes
- Protect natural landscapes and ecosystems
- Protect outstanding, unique, rare and vulnerable natural features
- Reference points to determine the effects of human activity on the natural environment
- International Cooperation between India and Myanmar which will strengthen ties between both the countries.
- Protect and provide opportunities for scientific research.
- Promote public consultation and community stewardship.
- Biodiversity conservation should benefit specifically households
- Establish local community representatives
Geographic Location, India
- Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
- Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland Total Area in India – 1991.42 Sq Km
Myanmar
- Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khakaborazi National Park
- Pitaung Wildlife Reserve
- Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
- Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hukawng Valley Tiger Reserve
- Minwun Hill (Taung) Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tamanthi Wildlife Reserve
- Mount Victoria National Park Total Area in Myanmar – 33,673.24 Sq Km Total Area under the scope of the Proposal – 35,664.66 Sq Km
Action Plan:
- Confirmation from both the governments of India and Myanmar to sign off on this proposed Biodiversity Park.
- Develop a GIS Map of the region
- Declare the defined area as World’s first contiguous International Natural Carbon Sink Biodiversity Park
- Host a joint meeting of the two forest reserve team to develop a joint cadre to protect and preserve this area.
- Develop the operational and financial structure to manage the park
- Identify key partnerships with governments, local community, private players, etc.. required to make this a success