Shillong, May 22: Along with the rest of the world, Meghalaya today observed the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme: “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism” at a function held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. The programme was organised by the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board (MBB) and the Department of Forest & Environment, Government of Meghalaya.
Additional Chief Secretary i/c Forest & Environment cum Chairman, MBB, Dr. Shreeranjan graced the function as Chief Guest. The programme was organised in order to generate awareness among the people particularly the student community on the rich biodiversity of the State and the importance of preserving it.
Dr. Shreeranjan in his speech stressed on the need to maintain a balance in the biodiversity to have a sustainable ecosystem. He said that the sustainable ecosystem can be achieved by imbibing values and respect for the nature and environment among the community and the younger generations. As human beings we have a huge responsibility of maintaining and preserving the environment for future generations, he added. Praising the initiatives taken up by the people of the State towards preservation of wildlife and endangered species, the Chief Guest suggested on the need to initiate ‘CrowdSourcing’, where the findings of a new species by a person can be documented for further analysis while also urging upon the fellow citizens to explore the unknown and sent it to the MBB for documentation, which will not only help in the identification of new species but will also act as a thrust towards preservation of the rich biodiversity of the State.
During the function, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries released the Coffee Table Book, titled ‘Sylvan Mosiac’ and Posters on ‘Threatened Mammals of Meghalaya’, ‘Wild Edible Mushrooms of Khasi and Jaintia Hills’ and ‘Butterflies of Meghalaya’. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Biological Diversity Rules-2004, Meghalaya Biological Diversity Rules-2010 & Guidelines for operationalization of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Khasi and Garo languages was also released during the function. The Chief Guest also handed over the Best Soldier of Conservation Award, 2017 and distributed prizes to the winners of drawing, painting and essay competitions.
Earlier, Secretary, MBB, Shri M. B. K. Reddy gave a power-point presentation on the salient features and achievements of the MBB.
Former Forest & Environment Minister, Shri J. M. Pariat, PCCF & HoFF, Meghalaya, Shri C. P. Marak and Secretary, MBB, Shri M. B. K. Reddy also spoke on the occasion. (MIPR)