INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CELEBRATED

Panaji: May 24, 2024

Jyaistha 03, 1946

The State level Celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2024 (IDB 2024) was held recently. It was observed by Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) in association with National Biodiversity Authority on 22nd May 2024.

The theme adopted this year is “Be part of the plan”, which is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as ‘The Biodiversity Plan’. Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, Non-Governmental organizations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to highlight the ways in which they are supporting the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan. Everyone has a role to play and therefore can Be Part of the Plan.

Due to the ongoing election code of conduct, this year the Goa State level program for celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity 2024, was held in hybrid mode at the Conference hall of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Saligao and the Chairpersons and Members of the Biodiversity Management Committees across Goa & many biodiversity enthusiasts joined the celebration online.

Secretary of Environment and Climate Change, Shri. Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Shri. Mahesh Patil, Chairman, GSPCB and Shri Johnson B. Fernandes, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Member Secretary, Goa State Wetland Authority; Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Expert Board Member, GSBB and Shri. Parag Rangnekar, Expert Board Member, GSBB were present on the occassion.

The welcome address by Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam, highlighted the importance of biodiversity, achievements and conservation efforts of the GSBB.

Shri. Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, in his address emphasized the importance of biodiversity and role of PBR in protecting biodiversity. The inaugural event concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri. Johnson B. Fernandes.

The highlight of the IDB-2024 hybrid celebration which was a presentation titled “Giants in the Backyard” by Shri. Parag Rangnekar, Expert Member, GSBB, provided insights into local insect biodiversity, their ecological significance and need to protect them. The presentation was loaded with interesting observations captured in photographs about the various insects, arachnids and other lesser known fauna. It was a very engaging presentation invoking a series of queries from the enthusiastic audience.

DIP/NB/PN/SF/PN/2024/163