The Meghalaya Biodiversity Board celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2023 on Monday with the theme “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.
Chief Secretary D.P Wahlang, was Chief Guest the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, D.P Wahlang, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya said with this year’s theme, people should bring actions that will build back biodiversity. He stressed that it is the responsibility of all human beings to protect biodiversity.
Giving the importance of public education and awareness on the issue, Wahlang stated that the United Nations has decided to celebrate this day to create awareness and also to inculcate the importance of biodiversity especially to the younger generations.
Human relationship with nature and other living beings needs a radical rethink in order to address this issue, he added. He further said that, it is important for all the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) of the state at the village level to disseminate the information to protect the ecosystem, flora and fauna of their area with the help of the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).
On the occasion, the Chief Guest also handed over the Best Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) Award 2023 to Umtngam BMC, under Bhoirymbong C&RD Block, Ri Bhoi District and the State level Best Biodiversity Conservation Award to Shri. Tyngshainlang Dewkhaid, Conservationist from Phlangwanbroi, Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills.
International Day for Biological Diversity or World Biodiversity Day is observed every year on May 22 to promote biodiversity conservation. The United Nations proclaimed this day as the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness on biodiversity.
The Chief Guest along with the Smti R.M Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shri. S. M. A Razi, Commissioner & Secretary, Forest and Environment cum Chairman, Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Shri R. S Gill, PCCF & HOFF and Shri S M Sahai PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden released Posters on Biodiversity of Meghalaya, pamphlets on the Biodiversity Heritage Sites during the occasion and distributed prizes to the winners of the Quiz and Photography competitions that were conducted as part of the celebrations.