Project ‘Sustainable Phansad’ | 19 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

The first honey harvest took place near the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in Raigad district of Maharashtra, marking a significant success and source of encouragement for conservation experts, naturalists, and tribal communities. 

 Key Points 

  • Madhukosh:  
    • Under the ‘Sustainable Phansad’ project, the Madhukosh initiative was introduced to support tribal livelihoods through honey production. 
      • Green Works Trust, in partnership with SBI Foundation, launched this initiative. 
    • By providing a stable income, the initiative reduces dependence on activities that may harm the sanctuary’s ecosystem. 
    • The presence of bees enhances pollination, improving biodiversity in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas. 
  • Sustainable Honey Harvesting: 
    • The harvested honey represents a fusion of traditional knowledge and modern bee-keeping practices. 
    • This initiative demonstrates that human activity and nature can coexist harmoniously, fostering a sustainable future for the region. 
  • Expanding Conservation and Livelihood Efforts: 
    • Project ‘Sustainable Phansad’ aims to expand the bee-keeping initiative and further strengthen community participation in conservation. 
    • In addition to Madhukosh, Green Works Trust and SBI Foundation run other initiatives: 
      • EcoBEES – Provides nature education in schools and manages dry waste collection in villages. 
      • Training the Tribes – Offers supplementary education for tribal children. 
      • Conserving Jatayu – Works on reviving the vulture population in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. 
      • Biodiversity Counts – Focuses on monitoring birds and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department. 

 Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary 

  • Location and Significance: 
    • It is situated in the Murud region of Raigad district, Maharashtra. 
    • It was established to preserve the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats. 
    • It covers 17,250 acres of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. 
  • Historical Background: 
    • The area was once part of the hunting reserves of the princely state of Murud-Janjira. 
    • Features open grassland pockets known as "mals", scattered throughout the sanctuary. 
  • Flora: 
    • The sanctuary hosts diverse plant species, including Ain, Kinjal, Teak, Hirda, Jamba, Mango, Ficus, and many more. 
  • Fauna: 
    • Major mammal species found in the sanctuary include Leopard, Hyena, Sambar, and Mouse Deer. 
    • Rich in avian biodiversity, with notable bird species such as: