Lucknow, May 22: On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, a seminar was held on Friday at the Sarus Auditorium of the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow. The event featured extensive discussions on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and the sustainable management of natural resources. The main theme of the program was “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” where experts warned that biodiversity loss is one of the greatest challenges facing the future.
Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forests, Environment, Zoological Gardens, and Climate Change, emphasized that biodiversity is not just a scientific concept but the foundation of human life. He stated that nearly every necessity of life, including food, medicine, animal products, tourism, and livelihoods, depends on biological resources. He warned that if biodiversity were to vanish, human life would not only become dull but also face existential threats.
Dr. Saxena pointed out that despite India covering only 2.5% of the world’s land area and bearing nearly 16% of the global population, the country represents about 7.5% of the world’s species. This is a testament to India’s cultural heritage and conservation efforts.
He noted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is progressing while balancing development and environmental conservation. During the event, a poster symbolizing Uttar Pradesh’s biodiversity was unveiled, and winners of biodiversity-related competitions were honored.
V. Hekali Jimomi, the Principal Secretary of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, stated that biodiversity conservation, climate change, and controlling global temperature rise have become serious concerns for the entire world. She mentioned that biodiversity loss is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sunil Chaudhary, the Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Department, remarked that humans do not own natural resources but have a responsibility as trustees. He highlighted that innovative efforts over the past nine years have led to significant increases in forest biodiversity in the state. Neeraj Kumar, Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, reported that the state is home to 2,932 plant species and 2,434 animal species.
He added that approximately 60,000 biodiversity management committees are actively involved in conservation efforts at the local level. The seminar’s technical sessions covered topics such as livestock diversity, crop protection, medicinal biodiversity, the conservation of heritage trees, the management of aquatic genetic resources, and amendments to the Biodiversity Act of 2002.
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