Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh government in collaboration with the forest department officials has outlined plans to set-up the Gudem Maripakala Biosphere Reserve in the ASR district, which will be the state's second biosphere reserve following the Seshachalam Hills. This new reserve is expected to cover an area ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 square kilometres, incorporating regions such as Chintoor, Chintapalli, and Rampachodavaram.
Currently, the Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve is notable for its rich biodiversity, encompassing approximately 4,755.997 square kilometres within the Eastern Ghats. This area serves as a crucial habitat for many endemic species and has played a significant role in conservation since its recognition under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2010.
The Gudem Maripakala Biosphere Reserve will host a variety of wildlife, including Indian bison, green munia birds, hornbills, giant squirrels, and numerous herbivores. Its unique biodiversity will also feature rare plant species from both the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.
Dr. Shaanti Priya Pandey, Additional Director of Central Forest Wildlife (ADDC PCF Wildlife), discussed initial steps taken since April to establish the reserve in an interview with Deccan Chronicle. She highlighted that these efforts include detailed mapping and groundwork to define core, buffer, and transition zones within the proposed area. The core zone will focus on protecting biodiversity, while the buffer zone will encourage sustainable practices that respect tribal rights to gather non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The transition zone aims to mitigate conflicts between local communities and protected areas.
She emphasized that this initiative relies on collaboration among various stakeholders, including district administrations, local tribal groups, NGOs, and civil society organizations, engaging with gram-sabhas and conducting consultations are essential to protect tribal communities' rights while advancing conservation efforts. A strategic roadmap is being developed with the aim of finalizing a draft plan for government submission by late December.
She also mentioned that Deputy Chief Minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan has shown robust support for the biosphere reserve, noting its potential to generate employment and enhance ecotourism. The sustainable economic framework for the reserve will promote ecotourism alongside coffee cultivation and native crops such as rajma (kidney beans), rice, and region-specific beans. Cultural elements, including tribal traditions and sacred groves, will also be prioritized in the development plan.
Recognizing the urgent need for protection of this diversity, plans are underway to establish the Gudem Maripakala Biosphere Reserve in alignment with UNESCO’s MAB Programme. This initiative aims to balance biodiversity conservation with the economic needs of local communities.
