Inland mangrove in Kutch declared as first biodiversity heritage site

Kutch : Kutch, known for its vibrant tourism and natural heritage, has achieved another milestone. The Gujarat Biodiversity Board has officially designated a 32.78-hectare area in Guneri village, Lakhpat taluka, as the state’s first ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site.’ This significant recognition further enhances Kutch’s distinct identity. 

In a significant step towards the conservation and promotion of biodiversity, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, under the Forest and Environment Department, has designated the ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri’ site in, Lakhpat taluka of  Kutch district, as Gujarat’s first ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site.’

Mangroves are typically found along coastlines where tidal waters flow in and out every 24 hours, creating a constantly swampy, muddy environment. However, the mangroves at Guneri, located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek, present a rare ecological phenomenon.

Unlike conventional mangrove ecosystems, this site does not receive tidal water inflow and lacks muddy or swampy conditions. Instead, the mangroves here flourish across a flat terrain spanning 32.78 hectares, resembling a dense forest—making it a unique and significant natural habitat. 

It is crucial for people to understand the unique significance of mangroves, which spread like a forest across flat land. To ensure their conservation and enhancement, the Gujarat Government, acting on the recommendation of the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, has officially declared the “Inland Mangrove Guneri” site in Lakhpat taluka, Kutch district, as Gujarat’s first “Biodiversity Heritage Site” (BHS). Through the Gujarat Biodiversity Board’s management plan, the site’s flora and fauna will be protected and nurtured.

The Gujarat government remains committed to preserving biodiversity while upholding the rights and special privileges of local communities. As part of this initiative,  capacity-building training programs will be conducted for local residents, forest department personnel, and indigenous forest communities to enhance their role in biodiversity conservation and promotion as stated in the official notification issued by the Forest and Environment Department.