Journalism of Courage
Mumbai’s mangroves cover an area of 66 square km that poses as a natural barrier against sea level rise and coastal flooding, while welcoming a wealth of migratory birds and aquatic species. But did you know that these mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and flooding, and they store up to four times as much carbon as other forests? Mumbai’s mangroves are among 12 unique mangrove forests in India selected for better conservation by the Mangrove Society of India. Maharashtra is the only state with a devoted Mangrove cell. But are we doing enough to preserve the rich environmental heritage? Biodiversity by the Bay presents a series of artworks in support of Mumbai’s wetlands and its rich biodiversity. This artistic intervention raises awareness of Mumbai’s unique ecosystems especially its wetlands and mangroves. (PR Handout)
Led by six artists including Nayan Shrimali and Vaishali Chudasama, Svabhu Kohli, Anjali Mehta, Mira Malhotra, Afrah Shafiq, and Michelle Poonawalla, the initiative invites people to create new artworks under its social media campaign #MakeArtforMumbaisMangroves launched on the occasion of World Earth Day 2021, a day dedicated to demonstrate support to environmental protection. (PR Handout)
Fifty selected artworks from the #MakeArtforMumbaisMangroves will be presented as a Zine to the Environment Ministry on World Environment Day, June 5, 2021, showcasing creative support and citizen action in favour of Mumbai's rich biodiversity. (PR Handout)
“Our ambition is to invigorate a sense of collective ownership among citizens at large to unite to protect these biodiversity hotspots. Through the Make Art for Mumbai’s Mangroves initiative, our aim is to create an opportunity for citizens to present their vision for mangroves and wetlands to decision makers as evidence of their commitment to protect the city's biodiversity,” said Arpita Bhagat who is part of Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic, a platform to unite citizens and mobilising them to draw attention of the local government to prioritise protection of Mumbai’s biodiversity hotspots, green spaces and its inhabitants. (PR Handout)
Nayan Shrimali and Vaishali Chudasama, both bird lovers and wildlife conservationists, will showcase a miniature paper craft diorama that features the thriving ecosystem of these mangroves, highlighting the 17 different species of birds that call these mangroves their home. (PR Handout)
"This artwork depicts an environment not just as a terrain or a beautiful scene but as a precise balance of flora and fauna which keeps our ecosystem running. We humans depend on them and they help us in thriving. The bottom-line is our economy depends on the ecosystem of our planet and it will never be other way round," said the artist duo. (PR Handout)
Mixed media artist Afrah Shafiq, explores traditional folk forms, digital art and mosaic to create an animation that highlights the Mangroves as natural dissent outliers that quickly adapt to the changing surroundings. (PR Handout)
“Mangroves defy all the usual rules of plant life. It’s almost like they are the dissenting outliers of their species. The rules say trees can’t grow in saline mud, but they make it happen. Roots usually go into the ground, but in the mangroves roots rise above. Trees are usually silent but these ones are constantly popping and crackling. For every challenging condition thrown upon them, they adapt, they innovate and they thrive. I find that quite inspiring," said Afrah Shafiq. (PR Handout)
Mumbai-based illustrator and visual artist Mira Malhotra has developed an illustration in her characteristic style of offbeat humour and unabashed love for colour. The work showcases various species of crabs, otters, fireflies and flamingoes protecting their home, while urging us to do the same. (PR Handout)
“Mangroves are a vital part of the Mumbai ecosystem. Not only are they good for us humans, protecting us from floods, keeping our water clean, and sustaining a seafood supply, but they're also home for countless kinds of birds, mammals, fish, insects and living things in between. The mangroves protect so many - but do we protect our mangroves? This illustration shows flamingos, otters, crabs, butterflies and fireflies surrounding and protecting their home, urging us to do the same," remarked artist Mira Malhotra. (PR Handout)
Well-known artist Michelle Poonawalla, has created a new work from her Butterfly Series depicting a lush green mangrove forest titled 'Mangroves'. The butterfly has often been a motif of her work and highlights the beauty of nature, whilst also showing the fragile and delicate predicament humanity has created for the natural world we encroach upon. (PR Handout)
Michelle mentioned how its always been important for her to use "artwork as a platform to share positive messages". "The painting depicts a flutter of butterflies in a lush green mangrove forest. The butterfly has often been a motif of my work and highlights the beauty of nature, whilst also showing the fragile and delicate predicament humanity has created for the natural world we encroach upon. The ephemeral and transient life of a butterfly represents these interactions and shows our need to maintain and preserve it as custodians for future generations," she said. (PR Handout)
Svabhu Kohli, a visual storyteller who focuses on the intersection of magical-realism, conservation and art has created a ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’. Through this, Svabhu highlights the astonishing biodiversity the mangrove forests hold within their entangled roots and mysterious canopies. (PR Handout)
“Mangroves are one of the fastest declining forests of the world - often consumed and considered expendable in our race to develop and engulf our coastlines. Their immense importance in protecting our shores from floods and sustaining our fisheries, forgotten. Through this ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’, my artwork focuses on the astonishing biodiversity these forests, that belong to the water, hold within their entangled roots and mysterious canopies. Mumbai’s urban jungle is home to a forgotten forest that not only allows the city to persist, but also creates room for nature to coexist and flourish," Svabhu mentioned. (PR Handout)
Since Mumbai’s mangroves themselves are in danger, along with the countless species they are home to, it seemed a perfect fit for the series and something I wanted to raise awareness of as their conservation requires swift measures to be taken, said artist Anjali Mehta. (Source: PR Handout)
"If mangroves are saved, Mumbai will be saved. Otherwise, with rising sea levels, this city will collapse like a house of cards," added Anjali. (PR Handout)
