Kohima, May 26 (MExN): Along with the rest of the world, the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB) celebrated International Biodiversity Day on May 22 under the theme “Water & Biodiversity”.
A function was organized by the NSBB at the conference hall of the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) at Kohima wherein PCCF and HOFF Dr. C.L. Goel, IFS, was chief guest.
In his address, Dr. Goel stressed on the importance of conservation of biodiversity especially at the genetic level so as to improve genetic stock of important species, be it in the medicinal sector or in terms of food security, a practice known as eugenics.
He stressed on the importance of plant life and urged everyone to plant more trees and conserve biodiversity.
Albert Solo IFS, Member secretary of Nagaland Biodiversity Board, highlighted the importance of biodiversity for the service it provides to humanity.
Referring to the theme, Solo stated that water is absolutely essential for life and no living being on planet earth can survive without it. He also stated that the theme “Water and Biodiversity” was chosen to coincide with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation.
In keynote address, Lokeswara Rao IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Environment & Climate Change) also stressed on judicious use of water as the commodity is scarce in today’s world.
He stressed that forests are very important in the water cycle as catchment areas and requested everyone to conserve forests in this regard.
The current trend of community conservation areas in the state is a welcome trend not only in terms of catchment areas but also as reservoirs of biodiversity, he stated.
Prizes were given away to the winners of essay and quiz competition. Tree saplings were planted after the programme.
Essay (Topic: Water- The sustainer of life on earth) Winners: Ist- Yansathung (Mt. Olive College), 2nd- Benjung Wanmai (St. Joseph College), 3rd- Diwamsappe Khate (Kohima College). Consolations : Haresh Kumar Jha (Kohima Science College), Imokokla Imsong (Fazl Ali College), Medozo Dawhuo (Kohima College), Wondanglo Y. Ezung (St. Joseph College) and Noune Zhotso (St. Joseph College). Quiz (Topic- Oceans & Biodiversity); winners- Ist- Moangkaba Jamir and Thejavor Yiese (Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima), 2nd- Mekhrieneino & Vikhelou Nagi (Baptist Mission School, Kohima) and 3rd- Lithunglo and Atshuo (Mt. Sinai Higher secondary School, Kohima.)
