With reference to ‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Solution

The Government of Odisha has notified three Biodiversity Heritage Sites(BHS) i.e. Mandasaru Hills, Mahendragiri Hills and Gandhamardan Hills. A Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) is a designated area that is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity value and is conserved to protect its ecological systems.  BHS is a concept that originated in India, specifically under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Under Section-37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the State Government, in consultation with local bodies, may notify areas of biodiversity importance as BHS. In 2007, the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was designated as India’s first BHS. High endemism is one of the distinguished features of Biodiversity Heritage Sites.