State observes biological diversity day

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 22 (EMN): Nagaland is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hot spot because of the availability of rich biological resources. The State is said to have floral diversity of about 2400 special of angiosperms, 9 species of gymnosperms, 340 species of orchids, 22 species of bamboo.
The faunal diversity includes more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and a number of reptiles and amphibians.
This was informed during the celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity on the theme ‘Biodiversity and sustainable tourism,’ organised by the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, this morning.
Speaking as the special guest, PCCF & HoFF, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, I Panger Jamir, said even though Nagaland is a very small state by land mass, the diversity of plants and animals is enormous because of the availability from tropical wet evergreen forests to temperate forest.
Terming the community bio-diversity conservation movement in the State as a positive development, Jamir cited examples of some community conservation areas at Sendenyu, Kanglatu, Dikhu Green Zone and Khonoma.
At the same time, he expressed deep concern on the fact wherein it is estimated that tropical deforestation may result in the loss upto 15% species by the year 2020. He asserted that it should is the responsibility of every person to preserve and protect the biodiversity because of the present pressure on biodiversity and endangering them to extinct. Stating that conservation has become very important and crucial today, Jamir cautioned that ‘unless we act now, it may be too late for next generation to survive.’
Urging the students present, who have much stake and big role to play, he challenged the young minds to focus on conservation of our fragile bio-diversity on this planet earth ‘for we are all equally responsible’.
Jamir stressed that forest will continue to be the most important natural source for the human being which will not only provide resources for human survival, but vital for social, cultural, historical, economic and industrial development and most importantly maintaining ecological balance.
In a brief speech, NU SASRD Professor, Sapu Changkija said that though Nagaland state is a very small state, it has a very unique biodiversity and is known as one of the richest biodiversity in the world with high diversification.
Citing examples of some exotic biodiversity status like the Tragopan, Mithun, Naga hottest chilli, tallest rhododendron, rare orchid, red panda, wild rose, wild pepper etc, Changkija said all the North States have the highest representation in the endemic and endangered species of biodiversity. He encouraged the students to become a nature lover, and put efforts towards conservation of the State’s rich biodiversity.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairman NSBB, T Lotha, said the theme has been chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly.
He said the celebration of IBD on the theme provides an opportunity to raise awareness and action towards the important contributions of sustainable tourism both to the economic growth, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Prizes were given away to the winners of the essay and poster competitions conducted By NSBB. It was informed that 64 students from 16 schools participated in the competition. The winners were given a cash prize of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 respectively along with citation.