At just 19, Aman Sharma has cultivated an expansive terrace garden in the heart of Delhi, creating a vibrant ‘urban jungle’ that attracts more than 100 bird species and numerous butterflies, inspiring city dwellers to reconnect with nature.
- Over 500 native plants form a green oasis on Aman’s Delhi terrace.
- The young conservationist has identified more than 100 bird species from his urban jungle.
- Aman co-founded India’s largest youth birding community for children.
What happened
Aman Sharma, a Delhi-based youth passionate about wildlife and climate justice, transformed his 1,500 square foot barren terrace into a lush garden hosting over 500 plants. This green patch attracts a diverse range of birds and butterflies, making it a rare urban sanctuary in a busy metropolitan area.
Starting bird-watching from his balcony at age 13, Aman quickly realized the abundance of wildlife around him. Through persistent observation and photography, he documented more than 100 bird species visiting his terrace and nearby areas. His journey led him to co-found the Cuckoo About Nature Club to involve other children in birding walks and conservation education.
Why it feels good
Aman’s story resonates because it highlights the power of individual effort in bringing nature closer to urban living spaces. Despite living in one of the world’s largest cities, he shows that green spaces and biodiversity can flourish with care and knowledge, inspiring others to appreciate local wildlife.
His efforts strengthen community bonds through youth-led initiatives that educate and empower children about their native environment. Aman’s achievements, including speaking at major international forums and becoming Nikon’s youngest ambassador in India for urban wildlife awareness, demonstrate how passionate young people can create meaningful environmental change.
What to enjoy or watch next
For anyone interested in starting their own urban garden, Aman’s terraces serve as a model for integrating native plants to attract birds and pollinators. Observers can enjoy waking up early to watch a variety of species in action, just as Aman did from his balcony, or join youth birding clubs to discover urban wildlife alongside peers.
Looking ahead, Aman continues to advocate for climate action and wildlife conservation through his NGO Re-Earth. Following his journey or engaging with similar community-driven environmental projects can inspire more city residents to create pockets of biodiversity in their neighborhoods.