CBA ackowledges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 23, 2013:
The Central Biodiversity Authority has acknowledged Manipur Biodiversity Board's (MBB) feat of imparting one year's training to 20 village botanists for the first time in the country.
The one year training course of village botanists comprising of folk healers and members of the Biodiversity Management Committee concluded today at Sanjenthong Forest Office.
The training course was organised by the Manipur Biodiversity Board in col laboration with FRLHT Bangalore.
The concluding function was graced by MBB Chairman and Chief Secretary DS Poonia as chief guest, Additional Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga who is also in charge of Forest and Environment and PCCF AK Rana as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Secretary claimed that Manipur is the first State in India which has conducted formal training of village botanists.
Conveying that the National Biodiversity Board has acknowledged this achievement, Poonia stated that the training would continue.
Service of the participants of the training which was scientifically designed may now be used by Government departments, he stated.
Seeking cooperation from all concerned towards making the Manipur Biodiversity Board more capable and active, Additional Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga further called to make the board a model.
The training course was topped by M Open while S Bhumeshwar bagged the second position.
Later, the chief guest released the Village Botanist Training Manual for Manipur.