SHILLONG, Nov 15: Forest and Environment Minister, James PK Sangma, has stressed on the need to raise awareness on reforestation strategies and improving forest management in order to meet the objectives with regard to halting biodiversity loss and protecting the ecosystems.
Speaking as the chief guest at a capacity building workshop for officials of Forests and Environment department on ‘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 Forest and Environment minister urged upon the stakeholders to start looking at the biological diversity not only as a tangible resource for economic benefit but also to conserve and protect biological resources and the services it gives in intangible terms that sustain lives.
The programme was organised by the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board at the Conference Hall, Sylvan House, here on Monday.
Continuing his address, James lauded the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board for coming up with the initiative which, according to him, will enhance the performances of the officials of the state.
James also released the Meghalaya Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (MBSAP) 2017-2030, and books — ‘Flowering Plants of Meghalaya: A pictorial Guide, Part-1’ and ‘Bamboos of Meghalaya’. He then distributed ABS fund to Singwilgre BMC, Selsella Block, West Garo Hills.a
