Srinagar, May 22: J&K Forest Department & Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council (JKUTBC) on Monday celebrated International Biodiversity Day at the Conference Hall of Green Valley Educational Institute Ellahi Bagh Srinagar. World Biodiversity Day is celebrated annually on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and highlight the need for its conservation.
Roshan Jaggi, PCCF & HoFF and Chairman J&K Biodiversity Council in his message impressed upon to create a massive awareness at the grassroots level with respect to biodiversity conservation.
Conveying the message of Asaf Mehmood Sagar (PCCF), Member Secretary JKUTBC and Director-JKFRI, JKUTBC Official Dr Syed Tariq said, “Today on 22nd May, the global community comes together to commemorate World Biodiversity Day, a momentous occasion to recognize the importance of biodiversity and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect and conserve our planet’s rich natural resources.”
With the theme ‘Agreement to Action to Build back Biodiversity’, this year’s World Biodiversity Day emphasizes the active role that ecosystems play in sustaining life on Earth and calls for collective action to safeguard our natural heritage, he added.
He said, “Biodiversity, the incredible variety of life forms on our planet, is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. It encompasses all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms and the intricate web of interactions they share within ecosystems. Our planet’s biodiversity provides us with vital resources, such as food, medicine, clean water, and clean air, while also offering aesthetic, cultural, and recreational values.”
However, he remarked that biodiversity loss has reached alarming levels in recent decades, primarily due to human activities. “Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, and invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystems worldwide. This alarming trend not only compromises the well-being of countless species but also undermines our own survival and prosperity,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Nazir Benazir, Chairman, National Society for Protection of Water Resources, Wetlands and Forests apprised the participants about the importance of Biodiversity and Mission Life.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Green Valley Public School said, “We must prioritize the conservation of biodiversity, promoting sustainable land and wetland management practices, and engaging in initiatives that ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.”
Mohammed Lateef Bhat, DFO Research Forest Division Srinagar JKFRI said, “World Biodiversity Day serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected and that the fate of our planet rests in our hands. By taking immediate action to protect biodiversity, we can secure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations “ The programme was attended by officers of the J&K Forest Department and JKUT Biodiversity Council and Jammu Kashmir Forest Research Institute.
‘Modify lifestyles to reduce human footprints on environment’
“The biodegradable waste comprising rotten vegetables, fruits peels, scraps, kitchen garden waste, leaf litter, city garbage (solid), etc can be utilized and recycled via composting which is a natural process that involves controlling the decomposition (breakdown) of natural waste and recycling it into a valuable fertiliser for gardens and agriculture production,” said Prof. Azra N Kamili, Nodal Person, Department of Botany, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) on Monday.
She said that proper composting of the organic waste generated in daily lives – inedible or unused food – can reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers, help recover soil fertility, and improve water retention and the delivery of nutrients to plants.
“India produces 277 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually and at present, only 5 percent of collected solid waste is recycled while 18 percent is composted and the remaining is dumped at landfill sites. She further elaborated the techniques involved in pit composting,” she said.
Under the theme “Our Planet: Our Environment, Our Campus” for Mass Mobilization on Mission LiFE”, Department of Botany and DSW, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) organised a programme on “Pit Composting for Green and Sustainable Environment” at varsity’s Green Campus here on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean DSW and Finance Officer, Dr. Mehraj ud Din Shah said, “The composting pit technique has been designed especially for fulfilling the manure needs of farmers with available agriculture waste and environment preservation. He said composting also helps in curtailing the use of chemical fertilizers for large-scale cultivation of crops, fruits and vegetables, adding that composting of organic waste is the need of the hour.” Asst Prof. Dr. Shaitsa proposed a vote of thanks.
