Programme on biodiversity conservation held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 12 2014 :
As part of the National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC 2013-14), an awareness programme under the theme, 'Biodiversity Conservation' was held at HRD Academy today.
Green Foundation, Imphal organised the campaign in association with HRD Academy, Ghari under the aegis of Union Ministry of Environment and Forest through Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur.
Directorate of Environment Scientist Th Bhogen spoke on the topic, 'Trends of biodiversity conservation' as a resource person.
In his speech, he mentioned three types of diversity as genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.
Nowadays, scientists have started delving into socio-cultural elements in order to gain more advancement in their research and findings, he added.
Bhogen said that 'Meitei Ngamu' has close association with the Meitei society as it is an important ritualistic item in marriage and child birth ceremonies.
Meitei forefathers used to protect this fish species which in turned served as a means to maintain ecological balance.
He also spoke on the concept, 'Act locally think globally' on the context of environment protection.
Environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou presented his views on the topic, 'Local biodiversity conservation strategy' .
Although, Manipur is a tiny State, Manipur accounts for nearly 21 per cent of the total biological resources of India.
Saying that the State has also witnessed global climate change, Dr Shamungou said that the State used to receive adequate rainfall by July month in the past.
However, there are some drastic changes in the climatic condition of Manipur, he added.
He said that Sangai has become more vulnerable to diseases and infection due to genetic changes.
Dr Shamungou also appealed the students to spread the slogan, 'There is only one Earth, one diversity, let us be part of it' .
HRD Academy Principal L Kamakhyakumar in his presidential address said that he wants his students aware of the ills of environment degradation.