Nagaland University, Zhavame Students' Union observe International Biodiversity Day

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.
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• 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.

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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).
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• She concluded by calling for collaboration among the Forest department, local communities and research scholars to effectively bridge the gaps in achieving sustainable development.
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  Officials of Zhavame Students' Union carrying out poster awareness campaign on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity on Thursday.

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• The union president also urged the villagers to take pride in their unique biodiversity and work together to protect it for the future generations.
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• Meanwhile, the union expressed gratitude to Dr. Rokhu Savio Krocha for his support towards the students' union in organising the event every year.