Arunachal: International Day for Biological Diversity observed
CHIMPU: The Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board (APBB) celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD) on Friday at the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI)here on Friday, under the global theme ‘Acting Locally for Global Impact’.
Delivering the keynote address, APBB Member Secretary HB Abo highlighted the significance of observing the IDBD, and emphasised the importance of local actions in achieving global conservation goals. He spoke about the rich biological heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, the relevance of indigenous conservation practices, and the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, particularly through the preparation of people’s biodiversity registers and sustainable use of biological resources. He appreciated the active participation of students and youths in biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Additional PCCF (WP&IT) Devendra Dalai in his address highlighted Arunachal’s importance as part of one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots. He encouraged citizens to contribute towards biodiversity conservation through simple and sustainable actions in their daily lives, emphasising that collective local efforts can create a meaningful global impact.
The technical session featured presentations by GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan EnvironmentItanagar Centre Head Dr Paromita Ghosh and Rajiv Gandhi University Professor Hui Tag.
Dr Ghosh spoke on the global biodiversity crisis, climate change, sustainable use of biological resources, and India’s biodiversity conservation initiatives, while emphasising the role of youths and community participation. Prof Tag highlighted global biodiversity governance, the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP-17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the rich biodiversity of Arunachal. He also stressed the importance of biodiversity documentation, community-based conservation, and the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
The programme also included distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions such as painting, model-making, craft and short filmmaking contests organised to promote biodiversity awareness among students, youths and the biodiversity management committees.
Addressing the gathering, APBB Chairman HawaBagang reiterated the board’s commitment to strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts across the state. He highlighted initiatives for strengthening biodiversity management committees, exploring funding support for conservation programmes, and encouraging greater participation of students and local communities in biodiversity-related activities and research.
More than 70 participants, including scientists, senior forest officials and staffers from the State Forest Research Institute, APBB, and biodiversity management committees, besides teachers and students from various schools attended the programme.
Earlier, the APBB conducted plantation programmes at several schools to promote biodiversity awareness.
