BIODIVERSITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

23 May 2023

Jyaistha 02, 1945

A National Campaign on Updation cum Verification of People’s Biodiversity Registers was launched today by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant along with Union Minister of State for Environment Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey. The launch took place during the celebration of the International Day of Biodiversity, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, National Biodiversity Authority, in collaboration with the Government of Goa and Goa State Biodiversity Board.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who inaugurated the Exhibition of Biodiversity stalls, emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining biodiversity. He announced that the government would provide technical and financial support to assist in this endeavor. “It is a proud moment for us that this nationwide program is initiating from Goa,” said Chief Minister Dr. Sawant. “Our ancestors preserved our culture, tradition, and biodiversity. We must strive for an economic revolution at the village level and raise awareness about the significance and necessity of biodiversity preservation. As we conceptualize and create the vision of New India, we must not forget to preserve biodiversity. I urge everyone to be vocal and support the vision of Swayampurna Goa”, he added.

Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, underscored the need for people’s awareness and participation in the campaign. He highlighted that the registrations for People’s Biodiversity Registers encompass information about flora and fauna, local traditions, cultural biodiversity, and the participation of the community. Shri Choubey appealed to the people to actively participate in this mission to preserve biodiversity.

Nilesh Cabral, Minister for Environment & Climate Change, emphasized the importance of working together to preserve biodiversity. “With everyone’s support, we will achieve the goal of PM’s Mission LiFE,” he stated. He also expressed his belief that the revival of the economy would be possible only with the support of the people and the Biodiversity Management Committees. Shri Cabral congratulated the awardees and expressed his confidence that Goa would be one of the first states to achieve the objectives of this biodiversity campaign.

Shri C. Achalender Reddy, Chairman of the National Biodiversity Authority, stressed the significance of People’s Biodiversity Registers as a legal instrument for biodiversity conservation. He congratulated the organizers for this important initiative.

The accompanying exhibition showcased the rich tradition and culture of Goa and stressed the importance of preserving biodiversity said Viresh Borkar, St. Andre MLA. He called for the initiative to reach a national level and requested Chief Minister Dr. Sawant to take step for the formation of an Organic Salt Panel.

During the event, the prestigious Goa State Biodiversity Conservation Awards were presented under various categories, and Padmashree Beejmata Rahibai Popere was felicitated by the dignitaries.

The program was compered by Shri Subhash Jan, and Shri Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary Environment & Climate Change, delivered the welcome speech. Dr. B. Balaji, Secretary of the National Biodiversity Authority, proposed the vote of thanks.

DI/NB/AXP/UB/595