International Day for Biological Diversity observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 22 2015 : Additional Chief Secretary Ram Muivah has emphasised the need to work together to conserve biodiversity to ensure the future of the present generation and coming generations.

He was speaking on the International Day for Biological Biodiversity observed today at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Corporation here.

The function was organized by the Manipur Biodiversity Board and Forest Department under the sponsorship of the National Biodiversity Authority, Govt, of India.

The imperative challenge before the Estate is to inculcate and translate the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity which is 'Sustainable Development' .

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed to recognize the pivotal role played by biodiversity to life on earth and human well-being.

as well as to increase awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the growing threats to it.

This year's theme reflects the bigger and very crucial paradigm shift that the world has undergone from seeing development and environment as two ends of a spectrum, where one must be compromised in order to enhance the other, to pursuing development while at the same time protecting environment.

Director of Institute of Bioresearch and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo said, "Our future would depend heavily on the restorative and conservative measures in relation to our wealth in biodiversity today.

This challenge can only be met with broad stakeholder participation" .

As the North East region, specially Manipur has a fragile ecosystem with diverse ecosystem which cannot support heavy industries, people should rely on optimum utilization of biological resources with sustainable development in mind, Prof Sahoo said.

Integrating culture and various other activities with eco-tourism can create employment avenues at different strata and the State policy should concentrate more on it, he added.

Home to the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and the Indo-Myanmar mega biodiversity hotspot, Manipur is one of the States noted for its rich biodiversity with numerous lakes and wetlands.

It may be mentioned that 67 percent of the total geographical area of Manipur is hills covered by different types of forests.

Chief Wildlife Warden PN Prasad in his presidential speech explained the importance of biodiversity for human survival and the need to preserve and conserve natural resources.

Later, prizes for essay and painting competitions based on the broad theme of biodiversity conservation held in different parts of the State were distributed by the dignitaries.

Ex-Director, (Research) Central Agricultural University Dr M Rohinikumar also addressed the gathering H Pushparani and Naoboy enthralled the crowd with their opening and closing songs which- were based on the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity.

The International Day for Biological Biodiversity was also observed at Karang islet under the aegis of the Directorate of Environment, KIDO Karang and AWHUM Manipur and LAIKI Yumnam Leikai.

AMWJU president W Shamjai, Jr Scientist, Directorate of Environment Th Bhogan, Moirang ICDS Project Supervisors H Premlata and O Ashalata attended the function as presidium members.

GP Women's College Associate Professor Dr N Sanjoy spoke in detail about the intrinsic relationship shared between biodiversity and mankind.

Forest conservation measures would be fairly successful if jhum cultivation can be substituted by another form of cultivation or an alternative means of earning livelihood.

Extreme climatic conditions experienced in Manipur since the past couple of decades is an outcome of the global climate change, he added.

W Shamjai appealed to all the people not to do anything that would upset ecological balance of any area.

Highlighting the growing apprehension about complete disappearance of Loktak Lake someday, he stressed on the need for concerted and sustained efforts to save the legendary lake.

Th Bhogan elaborated on the harmful effects of pesticides and insecticides on environment and ecology.

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