SHILLONG, MAY 22: Meghalaya celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity with a theme: “Biodiversity for Sustainable Environment” on Friday at U Soso Tham auditorium.
The programme was organized by the Meghalaya Diversity Board (MBB) and the Department of Forests and Environment. The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is celebrated every year and this year it is also being observed in all the districts of the state to create awareness among the students and the public on biodiversity, its importance, threats and its need for conservation in the State.
Meghalaya Forests and Environment minister Prestone Tynsong graced the occasion as the chief guest in the presence of Meghalaya chief secretary PBO Warjri who was the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Tynsong expressed his happiness for the huge participation by the students. He also appealed to the students to take up the initiative and play an active role in the protection and preservation of the environment and the biodiversity.
Meghalaya chief secretary PBO Warjri said that it is such a tremendous encouragement to see the huge participation on the part of the student community and the people at large which shows their great concern for mother nature.
Warjri also said that everybody has a role to play and everybody must take up the initiative to preserve the biodiversity hotspots and encouraged the students to continue their dedication towards the protection and conservation of the biodiversity.
Meghalaya Biodiversity Board (MBB)secretary D Sathyan presented a report on the MBB wherein he said that India is one of the mega diversity country in the world and added that Meghalaya is the key area for biodiversity conservation due to its high species diversity and high level of endemism.
Sathyan also said that Mawphlang sacred grove in Meghalaya will be declared as the first biodiversity heritage site later this year.
Earlier Tynsong released a book, “Wild Orchids of Meghalaya: A Pictorial Guide” and he also released posters and brochures on biodiversity.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of various competitions like the State Level photography, essay and painting competitions.
To enable the research scholars continue with their researches on various topics like “Butterflies of Meghalaya”, “Wild Edible Fruits of East Khasi Hills” Documentation of Biodiversity Areas and Rich Heritage Sites”, “Conservation of Orchids” the first MBB grants were also handed to them.
MS Rao, Forest and Environment principal, delivered the welcome address while Sunil Kumar, PCCF and HoFF offered the vote of thanks.
VK Nautiyal, ex-HoFF, expert committee members of the MBB, officials from the Botanical and Zoological Survey of India, officials from the state government and students from various schools were also present on the occasion.- By Our Reporter
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