Prof. JK Patnaik and Dr. Sentitula along with other
dignitaries during the International Biodiversity Day programme at NU Lumami
campus on Thursday.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland
University (NU), Lumami campus, observed the International Day for Biodiversity
on Thursday on the theme "Harmony with nature and sustainable
development." The programme was organised by Centre for Biodiversity
Studies and Department of Botany.
An update from the university stated that Prof. CR Deb, Dean
of School of Sciences and chairman of the Biodiversity Committee, spoke on the
importance of societal progress through the sustainable use of biological
resources without harming biodiversity. Urging students and scholars of the
university to focus their research on sustainable resource utilisation to meet
societal needs, Prof. Deb also emphasised the need to adapt approaches to
natural resource use in line with government policies and to reduce or eliminate
pollution.
In his address, the chief guest and vice chancellor of NU,
Prof. JK Patnaik, highlighted Nagaland’s rich biodiversity, noting that nearly
75% of the state is covered by forests. Pointing out that the core objective of
the International Day of Biodiversity is to promote living in harmony with
nature and the sustainable use of biological resources, Prof. Patnaik said
there is a lack of true awareness and responsibility when it comes to
protecting the earth.
Alluding to the ironical situation where it is the rural
communities that often show greater care for biodiversity than educated
individuals, he reminded that educated citizens can only fulfill their roles
effectively when they actively contribute to biodiversity conservation.
The theme speaker and DFO of Mokokchung, Dr. Sentitula,
asserted that the theme "Harmony with nature and sustainable
development" can only begin with individual responsibility. She pointed
out that living in harmony with nature is not merely a slogan, but a tradition
deeply rooted in heritage.
She also stressed the importance of respecting nature,
sustainably utilising biological resources, coexisting with the environment and
practicing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Dr. Sentitula also touched upon present-day challenges,
particularly on the negative impacts of deforestation driven by monoculture
practices on biodiversity. She also highlighted the state government forest
department’s key initiatives such as Nagaland Forest Management Programme
(NFMP–JICA), which is aimed at restoring degraded forest areas with support
from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
She concluded by calling for collaboration among the Forest
department, local communities and research scholars to effectively bridge the
gaps in achieving sustainable development.
Officials of Zhavame Students' Union carrying out poster
awareness campaign on the occasion of International Day for Biological
Diversity on Thursday.
In a related programme, Zhavame Students' Union (ZSU), in
collaboration with Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development
(NEPED), observed International Day for Biological Diversity in Zhavame village
on Thursday.
To mark the day, the union organised a poster awareness
campaign on the theme "Harmony with nature and sustainable development”
with the participation from the youth.
To raise public awareness on the importance of protecting
biodiversity in and around the village, the participants displayed slogans such
as "When you cut a tree, you destroy life," "Don't litter river,
stop plastic pollution," "Plant a tree, grow a future," and
"Live green and think green" etc.
The union president also urged the villagers to take pride
in their unique biodiversity and work together to protect it for the future
generations.
Meanwhile, the union expressed gratitude to Dr. Rokhu Savio
Krocha for his support towards the students' union in organising the event
every year.
