The Botanical Survey of India, High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Centre at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity today. An inter-school sit-and-draw competition, in which 20 students from five schools located in the area took part, was organized on the occasion.
Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. YS. Parmar University for Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni was the Chief Guest while Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research and Dr. Anil. Sood, Joint Director Communication, were the Guest of Honours. Dr. Kumar Ambrish, Scientist in charge of the regional centre welcomed the guests, teachers and participants. Dr. Ambrish introduced the gathering about World Biodiversity Day and its importance to every living being on the earth. The day is celebrated each year to develop awareness among the common people to conserve it at the global level. This year is special in terms of biodiversity conservation, especially with the adoption of the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a historic agreement signed in December 2022 that sets goals and concrete measures to stop and reverse the loss of nature by 2050.
Addressing the gathering Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, emphasized the role of students in biodiversity conservation and sustainable uses of natural resources. He said efforts must be made to conserve available plant and animal resources at individual and community levels. He appreciated the efforts of BSI, HAWHRC, Nauni Solan for the survey and documentation of the region and for organizing an awareness programme on biodiversity conservation. The Chief Guest also gave away prizes and certificates of participation to the students.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kuldip S Dogra, Scientist-D and Programme Co-ordinator. BSI Staff Brajesh Meena, Sanjeev Kumar, Ankit Chauhan and PhD students Muskan Negi and Sonakshi Verma from the UHF Department of Environment also took part in the event.
