Biodiversity conservation global concern, not limited to one region: Experts

Srinagar, Oct 25: To raise awareness about the alarming rate of biodiversity loss in the North-Western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, a region incredibly rich in biodiversity, but increasingly threatened, the University of Kashmir (KU), organised a two-day students’ meet that concluded here Thursday.

A statement of KU issued here said that the event ‘Biodiversity Awareness to Meet Future Requirements’ was organised by the varsity’s Department of Botany and sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) under its Science-Society Programme.

KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan emphasised the importance of collective action for biodiversity conservation and urged masses to work together to conserve the region’s biodiversity.

“This is the first-of-a-kind student-centric meet wherein scholars and students suggest actionable solutions,” she said. “Biodiversity conservation is one of the most pressing issues today.”

Prof Khan said that the strategies and recommendations formulated during the meeting would be forwarded to the relevant stakeholders for implementation.

“Let’s work together to conserve our precious biodiversity," she said.

Dean, Research, Prof M Sultan Bhat commended the bottom-up approach of the event, where young research scholars and students were at the forefront of discussions on biodiversity.

"Our youth have immense potential and this platform allows them to contribute significantly to this important conversation," he said.

Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada, emphasised the need for protecting regional biodiversity, urging the participants to work towards minimising the challenges faced by the region’s unique ecosystems.

"I hope this programme generates fruitful outcomes for the protection of our biodiversity," he said.

At the valedictory function, KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, expressed his appreciation for the student-focused event, saying, “This topic is of utmost importance and it is encouraging to see students taking the lead.”

Highlighting the rampant depletion of natural resources, Dean of Biological Sciences, KU, Prof Abdul Hamid Wani stressed the urgency of finding ways to conserve precious assets – wetlands, forests and species in J&K.

"It is crucial to spotlight these pressing environmental issues and seek effective solutions," he said.

Secretary NASI, J&K Chapter and the convener of the programme, Prof R N Gohil said: “It is essential that our younger generation actively participates in such important discussions, as they are the future and their contributions are vital for biodiversity conservation.”

Gohil, also spoke during the inaugural session, encouraging young researchers to join and contribute to scientific research.

Head of the Department of Botany, Prof Zahoor A Kaloo, highlighted the need for sustainable solutions to protect biodiversity for future generations.

During the inaugural session, he emphasised that “biodiversity conservation is a global concern, not limited to one region”.

The two-day event featured 60 oral and poster presentations, a brainstorming session, and the release of an edited book 'Ecology of Himalayan Treeline Ecotone' by ecologist, Prof Zafar A Reshi.

Three best oral and poster presentations were awarded and certificates were distributed among all participants.