Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Biodiversity Board celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity here on May 22 in the State Forest Headquarters, Aranya Bhawan.
The United Nation Secretariat of Convention on Biological Diversity has announced the theme for this year as ‘Be Part of the Plan’. This State level event was participated by officers from the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department and Scientists and Academicians from various organisations.
Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu has inaugurated the function as the Chief Guest. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of the Forest Force, Debidutta Biswal and PCCF Wildlife & CWLW Susanta Nanda graced the occasion as the Guests of Honour. Manoj V Nair, Director of Nandankanan also joined the programme as the Chief Speaker.
At the beginning, PCCF-cum-Chairperson of Odisha Biodiversity Board, Meeta Biswal, in her welcome address briefed about the programme and presented the achievements of the Board and various activities undertaken by the Board towards the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
Shrimati Biswal stressed on many possible solutions to be taken to mitigate the effect of climate change. He thoroughly advocated the idea of “minimalism” and “less is more” approach by people which might be a game changer in preventing climate change.
Shri Nanda highlighted the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Odisha and expressed his gladness to take pride to be one of the custodians of this biological diversity.
Shri Nair presented a highly scientific and resourceful lecture in which he described the five mass extinctions already taking place and how the sixth mass extinction is knocking on our door. He showed the data which proved that manmade climate change has a bigger and faster impact on biodiversity in a very negative way.
ACS Shri Sahu has given specific importance on the sustainable use of the vast natural resources of the State simultaneously restoring the lost and depleting bio-resources. He also advised the Board to take steps to inculcate the idea of biodiversity conservation among the minds of the youth mass of the State.
All the guests appreciated the Board for the tireless effort and stressed upon generating mass awareness among people of grassroot level. The guests also released three publications of the Board; Unveiling the Hidden Biodiversity of Gupteswar Forest, Activity report of Odisha Biodiversity Board: 2022-2024 and Study Report on Faunal Diversity of Kuanria Wetlands.