Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr.Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisarga Dhama(Dr.SKPND), Pilikula for development of Biodiversity Park on 14.12.2018. The MoU is valid for a 5 years. Shri M. Vinayakumar, GGM (I/C Refinery, TS & MO) signed the MoU on behalf of MRPL and Shri Prasanna, Executive Director represented Dr. Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisarga Dhama in the presence of Senior Officials from MRPL, Dr. SKPND and KSPCB. The total project value is approximately Rs.12 Crores.

MRPL, since its inception, is blessed with the presence of lush foliage in and around the refinery which fosters a variety of flora and fauna species. Over the years MRPL has taken several strides towards development and maintenance of the greenbelt. Now, MRPL is in the process of establishing a Multi-ecosystem Biodiversity Park. The proposed park is envisaged in the 41 Acre Marshy Area forming the southernmost part of MRPL’s greenbelt.

The proposed development will be achieved through an ex-situ conservation process wherein plants from different localities of Western Ghats and Coastal Karnataka will be collected and introduced in the park. The increased density and species of plants will in-turn attract different forms of animals, birds and other species, thus augmenting the Bio-Diversity of the region. Since the living organisms have a gestation period to the new habitat, it is estimated that a time period of about 5 years will be needed for the proposed land to develop into a full-fledged Bio Diversity Park.

The Bio-Diversity Park once ready, will be a feast for the eyes and minds of the visitors. The Park is also intended to sensitize people and industrial counterparts about the biodiversity and adopting ex-situ conservation methods.