Now, a portal for documenting tree data

Citizens can post information on trees in their neighbourhood

Want to do your bit to save trees? From this World Earth Day, you can post information about trees in your neighbourhood or any known location on a portal.

This will not only serve as a database of tree species but can also help save trees from being felled.

Various non- government organisations from across India are a part of the India Biodiversity Portal, which is documenting trees of all species in the country, under the title ‘Neighbourhood Tree Campaign’. It is an open database portal where anybody can post information about trees.

Gladwin Joseph, Senior Fellow and Convenor, Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, said: “It is a collaborative effort to collect information about trees in the neighbourhood. People can post any information about the trees in their vicinity, upload videos, photographs and geographical maps of the area.”

Information about trees, especially heritage trees in particular areas, roadside or parks is not documented. Residents in the vicinity have information on the trees in their locality,” Joseph added. 

Sharing information

The idea is to collect all the information about all tree species in India under one portal so that it can be shared by people. The information posted can also be edited and enhanced, serving as an open database for all, Joseph said. 

He further added that it will also help save trees from being axed. “For instance, if one gets to know that trees in a particular area have been marked to be cut, then officials can be informed about the importance of trees and save them,” Joseph said. 

People can either post information individually or collectively, through groups and social networking sites. There are over 7,500 species of trees in India and there is a need to document information about each species, its landscape and distribution. Documentation will commence on April 22, the World Earth Day, he added