Bombay Natural History Society

BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY (BNHS)

The Bombay Natural History Society, founded in 1883, is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research.. In the 122 years of its existence, its commitment has been, and continues to be, the conservation of India’s natural wealth, protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources for a balanced and healthy development for future generations. The Society’s guiding principle has always been that conservation must be based on scientific research – a tradition exemplified by its late president, Dr. Sálim Ali.

Altruism is the key word for the success and growth of the Society. This vital element, as fund support or non-financial support, be it from its members, government, institutions or corporate bodies, has been responsible for the survival of the Society. To ensure the continuity of its contribution to the cause of conservation, the BNHS invites support from all those who care to make a better world for all living beings, including mankind.

Establishment:

In 1883, eight residents of Bombay (now Mumbai) decided to form a Society for the study of Natural History. Six Englishmen and two Indians met on the 15th of September 1883 in the Victoria and Albert Museum (presently named as Bhau Daji Museum situated in the Jijamata Udyan), Bombay and constituted themselves as the Bombay Natural History Society. They proposed to meet monthly and exchange notes, exhibit interesting specimens and otherwise encourage one another. For several months meetings were held in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Then in January 1884, Mr. H. Phipson offered the use of a room in his office at 18 Forbes Street, Fort, Bombay, for holding meetings.

Soon the membership increased and collections began to be made. In a very short time, the necessity for more ample accommodation was felt. Mr. Phipson again came to the rescue of the Society and both his office and the Society moved to a larger and more suitable accommodation at 6, Apollo Street, (presently Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road).

Research and Environment Protection:

Today the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has acquired an unique national role and international prestige. During the past few decades the BNHS has shifted its emphasis from the documentation of India’s natural resources to providing the scientific basis for sound conservation programmes. Much of the credit also goes to the collaborators, both national and international, who have shown confidence in the BNHS to fund its endeavours.

The research programmes over the past decades have helped Indian wildlife biology make the transition from exploration, big game and natural history to rigorous field biology to conservation and restoration ecology studies using modern methods of data collection and analysis.

BNHS’s scientists have been working in the protected and other sensitive natural areas with biodiversity and conservation potential of national and international significance. The main focus of the environmental research activities is to try to find out the solution by which man can share natural resources sustainably. These studies have provided crucial data for management and conservation of India’s rich biodiversity.

BNHS strongly believes in the sustainable development in harmony with nature for the better living conditions of the masses. We feel this could only be achieved through unwasteful utilization of the natural resources, ecofriendly industries, long-term planned development and coexistence in nature which needs to be ensured for better future of the coming generations.

Programme for under-privileged children:

CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN:

The Conservation Education Centre (CEC) of Bombay Natural History Society BNHS has implemented various conservation education programmes for different groups such as Students, Teachers, Teacher Trainers, Government Officers, NGO Workers, Defense Officers, Police and Customs Officers, Journalists, Decision Makers and Corporate Groups. However, CEC-BNHS was unable to interact with underprivileged children and teachers due to lack of financial assistance. We have received funding from U.S. Embassy to support conservation education programmes for BMC and underprivileged students in Mumbai. This project aims at facilitating conservation education for secondary schools in Maharashtra. We intend to reach to over 3000 students.

BMC schools and NGOs working with underprivileged children from all over Mumbai are urged to visit CEC for a half day programme at CEC. This programme will facilitate the conservation education within the schools which has now become mandatory.

PAST AND PRESENT ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BNHS

Some of the major achievements of the BNHS are outlined below :

• Mammal Survey of India (1911-1914) during which more than 50,000 mammal specimens were collected from throughout the Indian subcontinent. This contributed greatly to the progress of Indian systematic mamma logy.

• Gir Project: A multidisciplinary study (1970-72), in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and Yale University, Forest Department and Government of Gujarat..

• Ecology of Raptors with special emphasis on endangered species (1990-93) in collaboration with the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

• Ecology of the Indian Giant Squirrel (1992-1997) in collaboration with the U S Fish & Wildlife Service, Wildlife Institute of India and the University of Miami, Florida.

• Ecology and Ontogeny of the Amphibians of Western India (1963-1965).

Awards:

National and international recognition has been accorded in various ways to Bombay Natural History Society as an organization and also to individuals associated with BNHS

To BNHS

Conclusion:

The term non-governmental organization (NGO) is used in a variety of ways all over the world and, depending on the context in which it is used, can refer to many different types of organizations. In its broadest sense, a non-governmental organization is one that is not directly part of the structure of Government.So, there should be different organizations in the world which can work for the safety of our natural environment. Non-governmental organizations also need healthy relationships with the public to meet their goals.They should create an awareness in the minds of the people that what they can do for the safety of their environment and for their safety.