JAMMU, MAY 22 (KNS): J&K Biodiversity Council today observed International Day for Biological Diversity by organizing a webinar with the theme “We’re part of the solution#ForNature”.
The event was organized with the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu as knowledge partners.
Former IAS officer and Chairman, Advisory Board Smart City for Jammu and Srinagar, Keshav Varma, was the chief guest while Commissioner Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma, was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Keshav Varma shared his experience on the benefit of an alliance of partners to achieve convergence and direction for biodiversity conservation. He cited the example of the Global Tiger Recovery Program wherein 13 countries, 65 NGOs joined hands for Tiger Conservation. He expressed serious concern over threats of unplanned urbanization. He highlighted the importance of high mountain ecology, high altitude wetlands and the need for conservation of biodiversity and ecology of these areas besides stressing the need for monetization of biological resources.
He spoke on the Singapore model of Urban Development and the need to learn from it. He also shared his experience of the Sabarmati River Front Project and appreciated the e-launch of awareness materials and newly created webpage by the J&K Biodiversity Council on the occasion and advised for reaching out to youth at the country level for bright ideas and updation on the use of this important wealth of knowledge.
Sanjeev Verma highlighted the role of the Biodiversity Council in providing the foundation for steering the path of sustainable development. He elaborated the role of different agencies and departments especially the Biodiversity Council who should involve all Universities, Institutions and adopt an integrated approach for Biodiversity Conservation. He advised the Council to meet frequently and layout goals for achieving the objectives of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University Professor Manoj Dhar, Dean Kashmir University and other dignitaries briefed about activities of Biodiversity Council. They informed on the constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees and preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers and future plans of the council.
Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo highlighted the importance of glacial biodiversity, high mountain ecology and the need for its documentation and conservation.
Professor Manoj Dhar gave a detailed description of the Biodiversity of India and deliberated upon issues and challenges on biodiversity conservation at all levels. He advocated addressing gaps in conservation, giving importance to fieldwork, creation of awareness etc. He also informed that Jammu University is in process of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and the establishment of the seed bank.
Earlier, the Biodiversity Council conducted competitions on ‘Painting on Biodiversity of J&K’; Essay writing on ‘How Biodiversity is important for all species including human beings; (for students) and competition on ‘Innovative ways of creating awareness on Biodiversity Conservation in BMCs’ (for staff of Forest Department).
B.V Umadevi, Additional Secretary Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, announced the name of the winners of these competitions. She also launched the E-library of books written by Om Parkash Vidyarthi, former PCCF.
The event was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council, Dr Mohit Gera, Roshan Jaggi, APCCF, Suresh Kumar Gupta Chief Wildlife Warden, Veteran Forest Officers Lal Chand, Former PCCF, Dr C.M Seth, Former Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Sh. O.P Sharma, former PCCF and Member Secretary SBB, Dr Yash Pal Sharma, Deptt. of Botany, Jammu University, Dr Anzar A. Khuroo, Asst. Prof. Kashmir University, Nadeem Qadri, Environmental Lawyer & Activist, Sh. Nazir-Be-Nazir, who also shared their views on the theme of the event.
The program was also attended by concerned senior officers and other dignitaries besides members of 8 Biodiversity Management Committees from across Jammu and Kashmir and frontline staff of Forest Department who shared their views on the functioning of Biodiversity Management Committees and creation of awareness.(KNS)