LAMKA, May 22: The International Day of Biological Diversity was observed at Synod Hall, IBB Road, Lamka today.
The day was organised by the Southern Forest Division, Forest department under the theme, ‘Island Bio-diversity’
Parliamentary secretary Vungzagin Valte attended as the chief guest, Principal chief conservator AK Rana as the president and CAU director (Research) Rohinikumar as the guest of honour.
Speaking at the function, Rohinikumar said the number of bio-diversity hot-spots has increased from 25 to 34 in the past few years.
AK Rana said they had selected the district for the observation, as he think it is the need of the hour and that the district has the potential for transformation.
“We need to give a thought as to what we will leave behind for our young generation, will we leave only barren land/ forest, animals, insects, etc,”
“As all religious books say, we should respect nature.”
The earth has enough resources for all of us, and we are the only custodians of the earth, and bear the moral authority to act against deforestation, he said.
Forest in the state has been vanishing at the rate of 190 sq km during the last three to four years, he said.
Speaking on the theme of the day, he said “We are an island not surrounded by water but by ignorance.”
V Valte expressed happiness on seeing presence of many village chiefs at the program.
He said the observation would have little meaning in the absence of the village chiefs.
The chief guest further urged the forest dept to look for viable solutions as the people depend on the forest for their livelihood.
“Judicious use of forest product is the best option,” he said.
He said that the forest dept should see to it that the forest products are used in such a way that it helps the people and at the same time stresses on the importance of forest and biodiversity.
The program was also attended by officials of Forest Dept, Vunglunmang Jt Secy, SP of CCpur Kabib, Dr Khaizalian chief conservator of forest and others.
Award distribution for a on the spot essay competition organized by the forest Dept, for state and district level were handed out by the chief guest and other dignitaries.
