Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar district will become the icon of the ecological superiority of Gujarat in the forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC). The state government intends to use the sanctuary as an example of effective biodiversity protection, sustainable tourism and balanced development in the high-profile event.
The Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary occupies a special niche in the ecology of Gujarat because of a rare blend of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems in the same wetland. Distributed over a large region around the Gulf of Kutch, the sanctuary harbours diverse habitats, and as such, it is home to both resident and migratory birds. It has, over the years, been experiencing a consistent increase in the number of species of birds, and this has drawn in birdwatchers, researchers, and nature lovers all over the country.
In 2022, the sanctuary was recognized as an international wetland, becoming a Ramsar Site, one of the wetlands of global interest. This has served as a good boost in its conservation activities and raised its visibility on the international eco-tourism map. As the officials argue, the visitors to Khijadiya has been on the rise over the past few years, and the same is a sign of the increased interest in natural tourism.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary shall be used as an example of how environmental protection and development can coexist at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. The representatives of the government are supposed to demonstrate the steps that have been taken to ensure that infrastructure is better and that there is an ecological balance. These consist of birdwatching towers, nature trails, nature interpretation centres and eco-friendly visitor facilities that help in raising the level of awareness without disrupting wildlife.
Officials are of the opinion that the exhibition of Khijadiya at VGRC will strengthen the desire of Gujarat to be sustainable. The success story of the sanctuary will relate to the overall vision of the state of enhancing green growth, climate resilience and responsible tourism. Through the highlighting of such projects, the government is trying to gain investments and alliances with companies whose interests are in sustainability and economic development.
The move has been embraced by environmental experts who said that platforms such as VGRC provide a chance to put conservation success stories at the centre stage. It is mentioned that Khijadiya is a show of how a little careful planning and community participation can save delicate ecosystems and also provide livelihoods through eco-tourism.
As the home of diverse biodiversity, global fame and increased tourist inflow, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is being regarded as a flagship ecological project of Gujarat. Its introduction at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference will also help it to improve its position and inspire other conservation-based development efforts in the state.
