Declare Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Protect Our Urban Green Lung!

To: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India; UNESCO MAB Programme; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)

📢 Why This Petition Matters:

In the heart of Mumbai—the bustling financial capital of India—lies a rare ecological gem: Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Spread over 104 square kilometres, this green oasis is not just a park—it’s a sanctuary of biodiversity, a cultural archive, a climate stabiliser, and a symbol of urban ecological harmony.

Yet, this priceless jewel of nature is under growing pressure from urban sprawl, pollution, encroachment, and inadequate integration into long-term planning frameworks. It is time we give SGNP the global recognition and protection it truly deserves by nominating it as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

🌱  Why SGNP Deserves UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Status

As per UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, any proposed site must fulfil three core functions and seven designation criteria. SGNP already satisfies 9 out of 10 of these, making it a front-runner among potential biosphere reserves worldwide.

✅ Core Functions Already Fulfilled:

Conservation: SGNP hosts over 2,000 species, including 45+ leopards, endangered butterflies, and 270+ bird species. It safeguards precious green cover within Mumbai’s concrete sprawl.
Development: Local tribal communities like the Warli and Katkari engage in sustainable livelihoods and forest-friendly economic activities, including traditional crafts and eco-tourism.
Logistic Support: SGNP supports academic research, school-based nature education, and citizen science projects like the leopard census—making it a living lab for conservation and awareness.

🛠️ How SGNP Meets UNESCO’s Designation Criteria

🏞️ Representative Ecosystem: A vital Western Ghats foothill forest with semi-evergreen and moist deciduous biodiversity.

🐾 Biodiversity Significance: Over 1,300 plant species, protected big cats, medicinal herbs, sacred groves, and an intricate food web—flourishing within one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage: The 2,000-year-old Kanheri Caves, carved by ancient Buddhist monks, exist in serene coexistence with the wild.
🌍 Community Engagement: Strong community involvement through school programs, tribal inclusion, NGOs, and nature lovers.
🧭 Manageability: Backed by Forest Department expertise, active patrolling, and partnerships with institutions like BNHS and TIFR.

🚨 What Needs Urgent Action

Despite its strengths, SGNP’s potential is being under-leveraged. The park is not yet formally nominated due to gaps in inter-agency coordination, zoning, and a comprehensive long-term plan aligned with UNESCO requirements. That’s where your voice matters.

🗣️ We Demand:

✅ Immediate initiation of UNESCO nomination by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
🗺️ Implementation of UNESCO-compliant zonation model (Core, Buffer, Transition) with GIS mapping and legal safeguards.
🤝 Collaboration between BMC, MMRDA, Forest Department, and Tribal Representatives to ensure sustainable, inclusive management.
📘 10-year Management Plan for ecological protection, education, and green livelihoods.
🌍 Global recognition of SGNP as India’s first true Urban Biosphere Reserve—a symbol of how cities and nature can thrive together.

🌿  Why You Should Sign

Mumbai is one of the few cities in the world to host a national park within its limits. Declaring SGNP as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is not just an act of environmental recognition—it is an act of ecological justice, climate resilience, and cultural pride. This move will protect our future generations’ right to clean air, biodiversity, and natural wonder.

Let’s unite to give SGNP the international attention, scientific support, and policy priority it truly deserves.

✍️ Sign this petition to say:

“I stand for Sanjay Gandhi National Park. I support its recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—for Mumbai, for Maharashtra, for India, and for the planet.”

#UNESCOSGNP #SaveSGNP #UrbanOasis #GreenLungMumbai #BiosphereNow

Let’s urge our leaders to act now!

📢 Tag and share this petition with:

– @PMOIndia, @narendramodi – for national recognition

– @mieknathshinde, @Dev_Fadnavis, @OfficeofUT – for Maharashtra’s environmental leadership

– @mybmc – to integrate urban biodiversity in city planning

– @UNESCO, @UNESCO_MAB, @IndiaUNESCO – to give SGNP the global spotlight it deserves 🌍