Arunachal CM releases ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ to empower
Arunachal CM releases ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ to empower communities to protect environment
Pema Khandu on Thursday released the "Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Strategy and Action: A People's Plan" that aims to fulfil the Pakke Declaration and achieve the National Biodiversity Targets.
ITANAGAR — Chief
Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday released the "Arunachal Pradesh State
Biodiversity Strategy and Action: A People's Plan" that aims to fulfil the
Pakke Declaration and achieve the National Biodiversity Targets.
Officials said that the Arunachal Pradesh government in 2021
adopted the "Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change
Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh".
The State Biodiversity Action Plan provides clear, localised
action points that would empower communities, districts, and indigenous groups
to take charge of their environment with the support of the government, a State
Biodiversity Board official said.
Expressing deep appreciation for the WWF (World Wildlife
Fund), the State Biodiversity Board, and the state Environment and Forests and
Climate Change Department's valuable contributions in shaping the document, the
Chief Minister said that it aligns with the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka
Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and SabkaPrayas", ensuring growth that is inclusive,
sustainable, and driven by collective effort.
"Moreover, this plan complements the Pakke Declaration
and its five themes - environment, climate resilience, well-being, sustainable
livelihoods, and collaborative action. It will also contribute significantly to
India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that our state remains
at the forefront of conservation efforts," he remarked.
Khandu reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
consistently emphasised the need for a balanced approach to development and
environmental conservation and said that the PM's vision of ‘Ek Bharat,
Shreshtha Bharat’ includes a strong commitment to sustainability, ecological
preservation, and ensuring a green future for generations to come. He said that
under the PM’s guidance, India has taken major strides in environmental
conservation through initiatives like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) – to
encourage a sustainable lifestyle and responsible consumption, the National
Mission for Green India to expand forest cover and restore degraded ecosystems,
the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure clean and safe drinking water while promoting
water conservation, the Namami Ganga and National River Conservation Plan to
revitalise and preserve our sacred rivers, and the International Solar
Alliance, a global movement towards renewable energy.
"These initiatives align seamlessly with Arunachal
Pradesh’s biodiversity strategy, reinforcing our commitment to conservation
while fostering economic growth through sustainable means," he said.
Khandu, who was present at the inception workshop of the
action plan in 2022, had then suggested the WWF and the state Environment
& Forests and Climate Change Department to work on a strategy and bring
it out in a book form so that the government could work on the roadmap.
"It is heartening to see how our collective efforts
have led to a comprehensive and robust strategy. This document will enable us
to follow a sustainable development pathway while safeguarding our rich
biodiversity," he said.
Arunachal Pradesh, with its diverse geography, rich cultural
traditions, and varied ecological zones, has always been a sanctuary of life,
Khandu pointed out and said that the state’s unique landscape and traditional
wisdom of indigenous communities have enabled them to live in harmony with
nature.
"This action plan will further strengthen conservation
efforts and set an example for the world," he added.
The Chief Minister assured all stakeholders that
implementing the plan would be the state government’s top priority.
"We are committed to preserving Arunachal’s natural
wealth, empowering local communities, and ensuring that development and
conservation go hand in hand," he added.
Khandu informed that a cell will be established in the Chief
Minister’s Office (CMO) to monitor the implementation of schemes and projects
announced in the state Budget 2025-26, and of the state Biodiversity Plan. He
also said that the plan would be implemented across the state at all levels
including at the gram panchayat level by engaging communities at the
grassroots.
"Biodiversity is our responsibility and not only of the
government. Until and unless we own and fulfil our responsibilities towards our
environment, no government action plan will be successful."
