Mumbai is set to celebrate its natural heritage as the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) organises a special tree heritage walk at Malabar Hill on December 14. The initiative aims to reconnect city residents with Mumbai’s ecological legacy, highlighting the rich tree diversity and rare native species that have persisted despite decades of urbanisation. The event offers an opportunity to understand the historical and ecological importance of the city’s green pockets.
Malabar Hill, historically part of Mumbai’s dense forest cover, remains one of the city’s most verdant areas, providing a crucial refuge for biodiversity. The walk will introduce participants to ecologically significant, endemic, and native trees, many of which are centuries old. It reflects a growing effort to safeguard urban green spaces while educating the public about the environmental value these pockets provide. The guided walk will commence at 8:30 am from the Kamala Nehru Park entrance near Sumant Moolgaonkar Chowk and conclude by late morning. Participants will learn to identify species that have shaped the city’s landscape and understand their cultural, traditional, and ecological significance. “A walk through Malabar Hill is a journey where history and nature converge. It encourages appreciation for the greenery that sustains urban life,” said the BNHS director.
Experts highlight that initiatives like these are critical in fostering citizen engagement in conservation. In a rapidly urbanising city, such close interactions with nature help residents appreciate the ecosystem services provided by trees, including air purification, temperature regulation, and habitat provision. The walk also underscores the role of biodiversity in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Mumbai. BNHS representatives emphasised the educational and restorative purpose of the walk. Attendees will gain insights into traditional uses of trees, their role in urban ecosystems, and the ongoing need for preservation. Such engagement is expected to empower citizens to advocate for the protection and expansion of green areas across the metropolis.
As cities like Mumbai face mounting pressures from construction and population density, events promoting urban ecological literacy play a pivotal role in sustaining the city’s remaining natural heritage. By highlighting the intersection of culture, ecology, and community, the BNHS tree walk encourages residents to actively participate in preserving a zero-carbon, inclusive, and ecologically balanced urban environment.
Mumbai To Host Tree Heritage Walk At Malabar Hill December 14 Showcase Legacy
