Shillong: Meghalaya has bagged the ‘India Biodiversity Awards 2016’ under the category ‘sustainable use of bio-resources’.
The awards were presented by Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra and Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Forests, Environment & Climate Change, at a function held at Mumbai to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, on May 22.
Seng Treilang Association, a self help group from Mawkyrnot village under Pynursla C&RD Block, has been conferred with the award in recognition of its contribution in the promotion of root bridges and protection of their surroundings which include the longest known root bridge during the last few years.
It may be mentioned that since 2012, the India Biodiversity Awards are conferred upon eligible organizations or individuals in recognition of their local actions that reflect excellence in biodiversity governance and conservation.
The Meghalaya Biodiversity Board filed two nominations for the awards this year, out of which the Mawkyrnot root bridges was shortlisted for further evaluation in the category ‘sustainable use of biological resources’.
After a detailed process of evaluation including field visits by a team of jury, the award has finally come to the State.
