By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 22: Over 190 participants including school and college students, community members, and experts observed International Day for Forests at Nongumlong Secondary School, Upper Shillong on Friday.
The event under the theme ‘Forest for Future: Connecting Forest and Food for Sustainability’ was organised by Saindur Enviro, Shillong in collaboration with the Departments of Botany and Environmental Science, Sankardev College, the State Council of Science, Technology, and Environment (SCSTE), and the Outreach and Social Extension Committee of the college.
Chief Guest Prof. Dibyendu Paul, Former Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Studies at NEHU, Shillong, delivered an insightful address on the significance of wild edible plants and the need to preserve forests by preventing deforestation and forest fires. He emphasized the importance of maintaining annual records of plantation drives conducted during such events.
Range Forest Sub-division Officer, EKH Division E Iangap highlighted the role of forests in sustaining livelihoods and providing oxygen to all living beings. She discussed the impact of urbanization and pollution, citing examples such as oxygen bars in New Delhi, where people pay to inhale clean oxygen.
Additionally, she referenced community-led conservation movements like the Chipko Movement, underscoring the power of grassroots efforts in protecting forests.
Researcher and Director of Saindur Enviro Pvt. Ltd. Shillong Vivek Kumar emphasised ‘The Importance of Forests’ and their crucial role in sustaining life, regulating climate, and preserving biodiversity.
Using a vivid analogy, he described forests as the lungs of the earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to maintain air quality.
He cited data from the India State of Forest Report noting that India’s forest cover increased from 24.39 per cent in 2017 to 25.17 per cent in 2023 due to collaborative efforts between the government and communities.
However, he also pointed out a decline in forest cover in Meghalaya, with a reduction of 27.21 sq km since 2017-2018.
Emphasizing that forests are not just collections of trees but vital ecosystems that support life, regulate the climate and safeguard biodiversity, he urged all the participants to commit to forest conservation for a sustainable future.