Assam Observes International Day For Biological Diversity

Guwahati, May 22 : The Assam State Biodiversity Board and the Assam Forest Department had jointly organised a function to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity at Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok in Guwahati on Wednesday.

The theme for this year's celebration was 'Water and Biodiversity'.

Assam Forest and Environment minister Rockybul Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion.

During the programme, the Minister said that, it is very important that we understand the need to conserve biodiversity and our water resources.

'We are stressing on the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees involving local governance bodies to regulate and keep a check on the use of natural resources,' the minister said.

'Children should be moulded from a very tender age and made to understand the severe implications resulting from loss of biodiversity. In this way we can hope to save our future generations,' Hussain said.

Chief Conservator of Forests (Wetlands) Dr Ranjana Gupta said that, Assam is a state blessed with natural resources and biodiversity.

Dr Gupta stressed on the need to conserve biodiversity as it is vital for survival of the human population.

During the function, the minister released two booklets, the Bengali Version of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 & Assam Biodiversity Rules, 2010 and Glimpses of Biodiversity in Assam.

Chief Conservator of Forests (Biodiversity & Climate Change) and Member Secretary of Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB), AK Johari made a presentation on the need to conserve freshwater ecosystems and the need to learn to share water resources.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, VK Vishnoi stressed on the importance of linking water resources with working plans undertaken to conserve the same.

Secretary, Environment and Forests, Nafifa Ahmed said there is the need to create awareness among the people on the importance of conserving biodiversity and pollution of waterbodies and said it is only with the help of the people that conservation efforts can be given a concrete shape.

Renowned scientists and ASBB Board Members Dr Anil Goswami, Dr Sarat Barkakoti, RC Goswami, Dr PC Bhattacharjee, Dr Aparajita De were also present at the function.

As part of the celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 a Painting and Quiz competition among school children was also held on May 19 at the Assam State Zoo.

Minister Rakibul Hussain and other dignitaries present gave away the prizes to the winners of the competition.

(Report By Hemanta Kumar Nath)