Pashan Nature Education Centre - Interpretation of Natural & Cultural Heritage

Recognising the ecological importance and the ecosystem services provided by urban wilderness areas, an educational project "Awareness and Education about Birds in Pune city" has been taken up by the Pune Municipal Corporation and Indradhanushya Centre for Citizenship and Environment Education, which is being implemented by CEE. The project site is Pashan Lake in Pune, an important urban wetland in the city.

CEE has developed diorama, photo panels, collages of key bird species and wayside signages on local ecology for the visitor centre at the site. This interpretive installation presents the history, watershed, biodiversity and importance of the lake. It introduces the visitors to several species of resident and migratory water birds and terrestrial birds which visit the lake. It also talks about the importance of urban wetlands, the threats they face and the need to conserve them.

Other activities have included facilitating nature trails, bird watching activities and discussions with experts. The resource material developed for the educational activities includes an educator's manual, self-guided nature trail brochure for educators and the general public, and a nature- Journal for children to start them on the journey of exploring the environment. CEE has conducted nine nature trails at Pashan, of which six were for PMC schools while three were open to the public.

Pashan Lake Interpretation Centre

Pashan Lake is a human made reservoir in the city of Pune, India. The lake is a habitat for a variety of wetland birds. The wooded area around the lake is home to birds you may see in forested patches and gardens in cities.

This video documents the preparation of a waterhole under the guidance of Mr. Kiran Purandare. The waterhole uses little space and can be easily prepared within half a day with minimal resources available locally. Why make a waterhole next to a lake? A gradual slope and a shallow pool is appropriate for small woodland birds. Such a waterhole could be easily prepared in campuses, gardens and open areas by educational institutes and citizens’ groups. The highlights of the video are snippets of bird calls by Mr Purandare which were music to the ears of the team that prepared the waterhole.

The waterhole was prepared as a demonstration activity at the Pashan Lake Interpretation Centre, developed by CEE with support from Pune Municipal Corporation. The Interpretation Centre showcases how urban biodiversity contributes to the wellbeing of city dwellers, and the importance of individual and collective action for its conservation.

Partners