FAQ - DNA

What does the name DharmaVana Nature Ark mean?

The Sanskrit word dharma has its origin in the word dhri meaning 'to hold together'. Scholars feel that there is no equivalent word for dharma in any other language. The meaning of dharma is much broader and secular than a translation into the closest English word 'religion'. In simple terms, dharma means the realization of a humanistic code or path of conduct, virtue, righteousness or duty; doing the right thing ‑ compassionate in thought, word and deed. The Sanskrit word vana means a forest, wood or a grove and is often used in the classical religious texts of India. An ark is something into which important things are put for safe keeping which, in our case, is a place where we treat nature as the foremost priority. Among our many activities, the Dharmavana Nature Ark seeks to facilitate visitors' moral/spiritual enlightenment.

When will the Dharmavana Nature Ark open to the public?

We need to build various facilities and amenities to accommodate tourism. This infrastructure work takes time and requires money.

Do you sell seeds or plants?

No, and not for the foreseeable future.

What plant collections are most represented in the DNA's botanical gardens?

We are at work on comprehensive and representative collections of plants from the following families and genera. We also feature many cacti & succulents adored by enthusiasts. Our focus, however, is on the woody flora of the Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats of India covering over 800 species found in about 300 genera and many more infraspecific taxa. The DNA's climate and soils are suitable to many, if not most, of these species particularly so as our tree canopy develops. Native grasses are of keen interest and cover much of the landscape at present.

When will you complete your mission?

As long as evolution continues and ecosystems recycle resources, the DNA hopes to participate.

Does the DNA agree we must:

". . . encourage global cooperation among states to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the earth's ecosystem, governments and relevant stakeholders [are] further encouraged to use the outcomes of the Intergovernmental Science‑Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services global assessments, and the Global Environmental Outlook, to analyze options for transformative change to achieve societal actions in relation to food consumption and the use of chemicals." https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/towards-vision-2050-biodiversity-living-harmony-nature

We agree. We also search out viable seed of increasingly rare jungle flora, figure out the germination requirements, grow up the plants to maturity, and work out their requirements to produce true, viable seed for the future. All along the way we document the process.