Forest & Environment Minister, James P K Sangma today said there is a need to raise awareness on reforestation strategies and improving forest management in order to halt biodiversity loss and to protect the ecosystems.
Speaking at the capacity building workshop for officials of the department, Sangma urged stakeholders to start looking at biological diversity not only as a tangible resource for economic benefits but also to conserve and protect biological resources and the services it gives in intangible terms that sustain our lives.
Stating that it is important to take lessons from the recent alarming situation that the Covid-19 pandemic created, it also served its purpose for mother-nature in which many mundane things were undone for the better and it gives the time to introspect about the relationship human beings have had with the environment all this while. “It reminds us of the profound consequences on our own well-being and survival that can result from continued biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems,” he added.
Sangma stated that Meghalaya, which is a part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, harbours a rich and diversified flora and fauna. He also stated that the region is in the middle of significant changes which are causing extreme temperature changes and erratic rainfall patterns over the last few years which affect agriculture, livelihoods and the health of the people.
The workshop was held on the topic “Implementation of the provisions of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 with special emphasis on Enforcement Matters and Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS) in the state of Meghalaya.”
The Meghalaya Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (MBSAP) 2017-2030, books “Flowering Plants of Meghalaya: A pictorial Guide, Part -1” and “Bamboos of Meghalaya” was also released and the minister distributed the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) fund to Singwilgre BMC, Selsella Block, West Garo Hills District.
