Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Mumbai University Launches Large-Scale Biodiversity Mapping Drive
Mumbai University has started a big project to map all the plants and animals in and around its colleges.
Over 800 students and 200 teachers will collect information about different species, like their names, where they live, and if they are rare.
This information will help the local government make better decisions about protecting nature.
The project is part of a bigger program to teach people about climate change.
Similar projects are happening at other universities in India, like Symbiosis International University and Jindal Global University, where they also study and protect the plants and animals on their campuses.
Mumbai University has launched a large-scale biodiversity mapping drive involving 150 affiliated colleges across seven districts.
Over 800 students and 200 teachers will collect detailed data on plant species, including names, classification, habitat, and conservation status.
The data will be compiled into a community-driven biodiversity register to assist local civic bodies in decision-making and conservation planning.
The initiative is part of the British Council’s Climate Skills initiative and is led by Professor Aparna Phadke and Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni.
The project collaborates with 16 NGOs and local self-governments to ensure students work with communities and civic stakeholders.
- Who
- Mumbai University, 150 affiliated colleges, 800+ students, 200+ teachers, 16 NGOs, local self-governments
- What
- Launch of a large-scale biodiversity mapping drive
- When
- Recently launched (exact date not specified)
- Where
- Seven districts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Why
- To systematically document local ecological wealth and assist in conservation planning and decision-making
- Initiative
- Biodiversity mapping drive
- Participants
- 800+ students, 200+ teachers
- Regions Covered
- Seven districts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Data Collected
- Species names, classification, habitat, rarity, health, cultural significance, native status
- Collaborators
- 16 NGOs, local self-governments
- Leadership
- Professor Aparna Phadke, Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni
- Programme
- British Council’s Climate Skills initiative