International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated in Uttarakhand

Since a proclamation by the United Nations in 2005, May 22 is celebrated the world over as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), as a step towards generating a better understanding of biodiversity, and reminding people every year of their responsibility towards preserving it. This year, in coherence with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation, the theme for IBD is ‘Water and Biodiversity’, outlining the frontal role water plays in all ecosystem services.

On this occasion, a meeting was organized in Dehradun, Uttarakhand by the State Biodiversity Board (SBB), Uttarakhand and the WWF-India Dehradun Programme Office to discuss the importance and interconnectivity between water and biodiversity. Padmashree Dr. Anil Joshi was the Chief Guest at the meeting and he spoke about water management issues, conservation and the link between the two. Other eminent participants included officers Dr. R. B. S. Rawat, PCCF, Uttarakhand Forest Department, Dr. B. S. Burfal and Dr. Rakesh Shah, Former and Current Chairmen respectively of the State Biodiversity Board (SBB), , scientists from Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) as well as other dignitaries from SSB, Uttarakhand Forest Department and various NGOs Dr. Jatinder Kaur, Coordinator, WWF-India Dehradun Programme Office gave a presentation on wetlands of Uttarakhand and the wetland conservation work being carried out by WWF-India at present.

Siumltaneously, a celebration of biodiversity and water took place on the same day in Aghora village in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Mr. Brahmanand Bhatt, Assistant Teacher at the junior high school in Aghora spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of conserving the diverse flora and fauna present in the region and the symbiotic relationship between man and natural resources. The event was attended by 120 people including students, teachers from various schools, representatives from the local Eco Vikas Samiti, Mahila Mangal Dal,the Uttarakhand Forest Department and other residents of the village.
The audience consisted mainly of children, who were apprised by Former Forest Guard, Mr. Lakhi Singh on the importance of cleanliness inside as well as outside their homes. This was followed by an essay-writing competition on the theme ‘Our Biodiversity and its Importance’ and a distribution of sweets for all participants.