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DIMAPUR — Students from different schools in Peren district have pledged to support biodiversity restoration and sustainable utilisation of bio-resources for future generations.
The pledged was made on the occasion of ‘International Day of Biodiversity’ organised by Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), in collaboration with the Care-Centre for Environment and Rural Poor (C-CERP), at the Jubilee Hall of St. Xavier Parish in Jalukie town under Peren district on Wednesday on the theme "Be part of the plan."
Delivering the welcome address, the direct of C-CERP, Liangsi Niumai, emphasised on the intrinsic link between biological diversity, life and health and reminded the participants on the imperative need to restore and safeguard natural heritage, an update from SBBN stated.
In his keynote address, Supongnukshi, chief conservator of forest and member secretary of SBBN, urged the students to actively engage in planetary conservation efforts. He underscored the pivotal role of the biodiversity management committee in preserving bio-resources, particularly highlighting the esteemed Ntangki National Park.
Stressing the pressing need to combat climate change, he rallied for collective action to mitigate its adverse effects on biodiversity.
The special guest, T Aochuba, field director of Ntangki National Park, elucidated on the repercussions of biodiversity loss on future generations. He also expressed the imperative of widespread awareness and sensitisation towards resource conservation.
Also speaking at the programme, Punseni Khing, ACF of Peren division, echoed the sentiment of responsibility towards biodiversity protection, while he also lamented the asymmetry between exploitation and conservation efforts.
Kevipele Iheilung, president of Zeliang People Organisation, encouraged traditional agricultural practices and advocated for preservation of indigenous species, which are vital for ecosystem balance.
On the occasion, recognition was accorded to student achievers and biodiversity management committees (BMC) with prize and certificates of appreciation.
In another programme, Centre for Biodiversity Studies and Botany department of Nagaland University at Lumami commemorated ‘International Day for Biodiversity 2024.
In her welcome address, Dr. Viheno Iralu, assistant professor of Centre for Biodiversity Studies, emphasised the importance of preserving the planet's biodiversity. She expressed gratitude to the vice chancellor for his unwavering support in biodiversity conservation, which led to the development of the Botanical Garden and the establishment of the Nagaland University Biodiversity Committee.
The vice chancellor of NU and chief guest, Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, urged the young researchers and students to protect Nagaland's rich natural heritage. He reflected on the historical relationship between the Nagas and their environment, noting that they have traditionally lived in harmony with the region's biodiversity.
He, however, pointed out that advancements in technology and the influence of Western culture have led to significant deterioration of the biodiversity. Prof. Patnaik specifically highlighted the detrimental impacts of illegal mining activities, which are causing severe harm to local ecosystems.
He further encouraged the youth to acknowledge the state's rich biodiversity and find ways to capitalise on it in a sustainable manner.
The theme speaker, Prof. Joginder Singh Panwar from Botany department dwelt on the critical importance of biodiversity, highlighting its role in boosting ecosystem productivity. He explained that every species, no matter how small, has a significant part to play.
According to Prof. Panwar, richer biodiversity provides greater opportunities for medical discoveries, economic development and adaptive responses to new challenges such as climate change.
He stressed the critical role of biodiversity in ecosystem productivity, economic development and responses to climate change.
During the programme, three books were also released.
Meanwhile, the Zhavame Students' Union (ZSU), in collaboration with NEPED, observed International Day of Biodiversity at GMS in Zhavame village.
More than 83 students from different schools including St. Joseph's School, Government Middle School and Government Primary School participated in the event.
The former president of ZSU, Ngapunyi Albert Krocha, who was the speaker of the programme, highlighted the importance of biodiversity and urged the students to take bold actions to save what is left of nature.
In his keynote address, Joshua Rhi, ZSU president, called upon the students to ‘be part of the plan’ as the village is in dire need to place its biodiversity on a path to recovery as well as to create a more sustainable future for the community.
Other highlights of the programme included video presentation and discussion on biological diversity that is found in the village.
The celebration concluded with a pledge to protect the environment.
The Environmental Science department of Sao Chang College (SSC) also commemorated International Biodiversity Day at Mount Carmel School in Tuensang.
A total of 45 participants including faculty and students from classes 6 and 7 took part in the event.
As part of its extension service, the Botany and Zoology departments of Sao Chang College also observed the International Day of Biodiversity at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Tuensang.
Altogether, 71 students and staff of EMRS along with the Science faculty of SCC participated in the programme.