Shillong, May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity 2018 on the theme ‘Celebrating 25 Years of action for Biodiversity’ was celebrated on Tuesday at U Soso Tham Auditorium. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Meghalaya, C P Marak, IFS, attended the celebration as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, C P Marak, said that folklores and folktales of almost every Northeastern state is replete with characters of animals, forests, water, air and the Biodiversity. He added that this reflects the communities’ close association with Nature and also the wisdom of our ancestors who learned to live in harmony with Nature. He said that human life and existence hinges on Biodiversity and that all are stakeholders in the conservation and preservation of Biodiversity. He informed that Forest Management has come a long way and the emphasis now is on wildlife and Biodiversity conservation and preservation and also adaptation to climatic change. He appealed to each citizen to join hands with the government functionaries to contribute to conservation of Biodiversity and ensure the survival of generations to come.
The Chief Guest also released Posters during the occasion and distributed prizes to the winners of the Essay, Drawing and Photography competitions that were held as a part of the celebrations. The Best Biodiversity Management Committee Award (BMC) 2018 was given to Umru BMC, Ri Bhoi and a Certificate of Appreciation was given to Ka Khloo Laikongwasan Chyrmang Community Reserve.
Earlier, during his presentation on Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Secretary, Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, MBK Reddy, IFS informed that there are 266 BMCs in Meghalaya making it the second highest in North East and these BMCs are constituted in the Biodiversity rich areas of the State.
