SHILLONG/ NONGPOH/AMPATI: Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Forest and Environment Shreeranjan said on Monday tourism in Meghalaya will flourish not by creating shopping malls or concrete jungle but by creating real jungles.
Speaking at a programme organised to observe the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’ here in the city on Monday, Shreeanjan, who is also the chairman of the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, said biodiversity provides stability to the ecosystem and that “legislations alone will not bring consciousness in society”.
“Only by imbibing morals and values, we can respect biodiversity,” he added.
Stressing on the need to re-energise and protect forests, Shreeranjan praised the initiatives taken up by the people of the State towards preservation of wildlife and endangered species.
He suggested ‘crowd sourcing’ where findings of new species by a person can be documented for further analysis while also urging upon fellow citizens to explore the unknown and send it to MBB for documentation, which will not only help in the identification of new species but also act as a thrust towards preservation of the rich biodiversity of the State.
Former Forest and Environment Minister J.M Pariat also praised the department for taking care of rare species found in the State.
During the function, Shreeranjan along with other dignitaries released a coffee table book titled ‘Sylvan Mosaic’ and posters on ‘Threatened Mammals of Meghalaya’, ‘Wild Edible Mushrooms of Khasi and Jaintia Hills’ and ‘Butterflies of Meghalaya’.
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Biological Diversity Rules-2004, Meghalaya Biological Diversity Rules-2010 and Guidelines for operationalisation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Khasi and Garo languages was also released during the function.
Shreeranjan also handed over the Best Soldier of Conservation Award, 2017, and distributed prizes to the winners of drawing, painting and essay competitions.
‘Biodiversity’ in districts
In Nongpoh, a programme was organised by the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Division, at the Community Hall at Nongthymmai in Umsning, Ri Bhoi.
Addressing a gathering of students at the programme, Divisional Forest Officer of the Social Forestry Division J. Dkhar said, “Everybody has a role to play and everybody must take up the initiative to preserve the biodiversity hotspots and encouraged the students to continue their dedication towards the protection and conservation of the biodiversity.” Dkhar said.
The occasion was also celebrated at Nogorpara Children’s Park which is situated next to the legendary lake Kata Beel or Chimite in South West Garo Hills.
The programme was organised by Department of Forest & Environment, Social Forestry Division, West Garo Hills, A’chik Tourism Society, teachers, students and local NGOs.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Conservator of Forests P.R Marak highlighted the significance of the day. He stressed on the need for greater awareness among all citizens.
Marak too stressed on the need for greater awareness among citizens saying this would lead to commitment and action to maintain bio-diversity “because when biodiversity is maintained there will be sustainability of tourism”.
