In commemoration of National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) 2012-13, the Department of Geography, Zunheboto Government College (ZGC) in collaboration with Nagaland Pollution Control Board (RRA) organized a one-day seminar on “Biodiversity conservation” on November 29 at the College campus. The programme was supported by three assistant professors as resource persons.
R. Bendangtemjen spoke on the topic “Importance of Biodiversity conservation”. He stated that Biodiversity was essential for maintaining the ecological functions, including stabilizing of water cycle, maintenance and replenishment of soil fertility, pollination and cross-fertilization of crops and other vegetation, protection against soil erosion and stability of food producing and other ecosystems.
Zipporah Sema shared on the topic “Community participation in biodiversity conservation”. Zipporah said, no legal provisions can be effective unless local communities were involved in planning, management and monitoring conservation programmes.
There were several initiatives to do this, both by government as well as non-governmental organizations. She cited the example of joint forest management philosophy which stresses on the involvement of village communities in regenerating and protecting degraded forest land in the vicinity of villages. She also opined that successful conservation strategies would be possible with the confidence and participation of the locals.
Tiasunep dwelled on the topic “Biodiversity Register”. He explained that biodiversity register was a compilation of day-to-day observations of the immediate environment. It was a documentation of knowledge of diversity of life known to local people and it means of recording the wealth of biodiversity of a region.
The register may include minute details about plants and animals, both wild and domesticated. The record may include traditional knowledge regarding use of various species. In conclusion he urged the students to be inventory and maintain records of all living beings in its localities.
The Seminar was followed by planting of pine saplings in the vicinity of the college with the help of 65 student volunteers.
RELATED POSTS
View all
