SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Sept 12: A two-day training program focused on the conservation and promotion of Jharkhand’s biodiversity concluded successfully in Ranchi.
The event was attended by around 300 participants, including members of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) from various districts, interns selected by the Jharkhand Biodiversity Council, resource persons, and content contributors.
The program was inaugurated by Md. Abubakar Siddique, Secretary of the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand, who also served as the chief guest.
Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Member Secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Council, highlighted that 115 Biodiversity Heritage Sites have been identified and will be managed by local BMCs.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have also been signed with various institutions for the conservation of biodiversity outside forest areas.
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Key Addresses by Chief Guests
Chief guest Md. Abubakar Siddique in his speech, pointed out the rising frequency of natural disasters and stressed the importance of sustainable ecological practices.
Special guest Ashok Kumar, PCCF & HoF, emphasized the need for conservation and promotion of the state’s biodiversity, noting that committees have been formed at the panchayat level to oversee these efforts.
Publications and Educational Initiatives
During the program, the Jharkhand Biodiversity Council released several key publications, including a quarterly journal Synergy of Article on Nature’s Journey on Ecosystem, Ecology and Vital Indices for Life, a book in Khortha titled Diversity of Life on Earth, and a publication on the implementation of the Biodiversity Act in Jharkhand.
Additional releases included a booklet on Biodiversity Heritage Sites, a brief note on the Biodiversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, and a guide on empowering local communities for biodiversity conservation.
The Council also launched three-month and six-month certificate courses on biodiversity awareness to strengthen local knowledge and engagement.
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Recognition of Contributions
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to individuals for their exceptional contributions to biodiversity conservation. Honorees included Abhirup Sinha (Divisional Forest Officer, Saranda), Adil Azeem (District Council), and several BMC leaders such as Neeta Tirkey, Neelam Tirkey, Indu Tigga, Sanju Devi, Kammu Devi, Jahan Praveen, and Rohit Dagi.
Certificates were also presented to the Council’s Technical Officer Hari Shankar Lal and intern Pallavi Bharti.
The event concluded on a high note, highlighting Jharkhand’s commitment to preserving its rich natural heritage through community participation, education, and sustainable practices.
