Meghalaya joined the global community in celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2025 with a State-level event held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, highlighting the essential link between biodiversity and the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife & Biodiversity) H.C. Chaudhary attended the event as the chief guest in the presence of Prof. S.K. Barik, Head of the Department of Botany at NEHU, Pawan K. Agrahari, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and R. Nainamalai, Forest & Environment Secretary and Member Secretary of the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board (MBB).
As part of the celebrations, the dignitaries released a series of awareness materials, including posters and a Coffee Table Book titled “Caves of Meghalaya.”
A documentary film highlighting successful community-led conservation practices by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in the state was also screened.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the State Level Biodiversity Awards 2025, recognizing exceptional efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable bioresource management. Under the ‘Best Biodiversity Management Committee’ category, Mawtneng BMC from Bhoirymbong Block, Ri-Bhoi District, received the top honour.
Meanwhile, the award for ‘Best Conservation and Sustainable Use of Bioresources’ was jointly conferred on Phlangwanbroi BMC and Kmawan Rum BMC, both from Mawsynram Block, East Khasi Hills District.
The Secretary of Mawtneng BMC shed light on the community’s ongoing initiatives to preserve local biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Since the establishment of the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board in 2012, the State has actively observed IDB at both District and State levels.
The annual event aims to raise awareness and mobilise action towards the conservation of biodiversity, in line with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted during COP15 in December 2022.
