Intl Day for Biological Diversity
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 22: Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today exhorted the people to contribute vigorously towards preserving the natural habitats, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable living to ensure a thriving planet for future generations.
He called for community driven conservation and biodiversity management in J&K, ensuring harmony with nature and sustainable development.
The Minister stated this while speaking as chief guest during an event organised by the J&K Biodiversity Council at Tagore Memorial Hall Srinagar. The event was held to mark celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, that featured exhibitions, documentary screening and felicitation of competition winners.
Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda, also attended the event as the guest of honour.
Javed Rana emphasised the Government’s commitment to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region through community-based conservation initiatives, scientific research and inter-departmental collaboration. He lauded the Council’s efforts in engaging youth and educational institutions to become future stewards of biodiversity.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) and Chairman, JKUTBC, Suresh Kumar Gupta, termed IDB 2025 an opportunity to reconnect with nature and renew commitments towards conservation. He stressed the importance of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and community-driven efforts in sustaining ecosystems, assuring continued institutional support at the grassroots level.
Chaturbhuja Behera, Member Secretary, JKUTBC, in his welcome address, underscored the need to integrate biodiversity concerns with planning and education. He highlighted the importance of local action aligned with global sustainability goals.
The event featured an exhibition of student paintings, posters and biodiversity documentation organized by JKFRI, J&K Forest Department and local eco-clubs. A forest publication highlighting J&K’s rich biodiversity was also released, along with the felicitation of winners from inter-school and inter-college competitions.
The celebration drew enthusiastic participation from the students, teachers, forest officials, researchers and NGOs, all united in their commitment to environmental awareness and action.
Conservator of Forests, Research Circle Jammu, Pradeep Wahule, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the J&K Biodiversity Council, acknowledging the valuable contributions of the Department of Forest, JKFRI, SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and various schools.
Meanwhile, different educational institutions here today celebrated International Biodiversity Day.
On International Biodiversity Day, the Department of Environmental Sciences, in collaboration with National Service Scheme (NSS), organized a biodiversity awareness programme at GGM Science College on the theme ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.’ The event was held under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta, Principal of the College.
Government Degree College (GDC) Darhal celebrated International Biodiversity Day with great enthusiasm. The day-long event was organized to highlight the crucial role biodiversity plays in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on earth. The programme was jointly coordinated by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the NSS Unit of the College under the patronage of Prof. Zamir Ahmed Mirza, Principal of the College. The celebration commenced with a thought-provoking lecture by environmentalist Dr. Muzamil Shah.
Tiny Tots Higher Secondary School, Roopnagar, celebrated International Day for Biodiversity. The event focused on the importance of preserving the region’s unique ecosystems. Students presented speeches and activities emphasizing the conservation of endangered species such as Hangul, Snow Leopard and Himalayan Brown Bear. The programme concluded with collective pledge to protect biodiversity and to promote environmental awareness among youth.
SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Gole Gujral, Talab Tillo, Jammu celebrated World Biodiversity Day by organising a thought-provoking session involving Dr. Ashaq Hussain, Associate Professor of Chemistry, GGM Science College, Jammu. Dr. Hussain delivered a compelling lecture highlighting the vital role biodiversity plays in maintaining ecological balance, combating climate change and supporting human livelihoods. Earlier, Dr. Hussain was welcomed by Shakun Chaudhary, Principal of SOS Hermann Gmeiner School and others.
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