Biodiversity management in Doda District committee meeting addresses key issues

Doda: The District Level Biodiversity Management Committee convened a meeting to deliberate on matters vital to biodiversity conservation today.

The central focus of the meeting revolved around the collection fees and levies imposed on Non-Timber Forest Produce in accordance with the Biodiversity Act of 2002. During the meeting, the committee engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the NTFP policy and underscored the importance of raising public awareness to promote the sustainable collection and utilisation of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and other bio resources.

To advance this objective, it was unanimously decided to organise an event in the Dessa area of Doda Forest Division, Bhadarwah and Bhalessa area of Bhadarwah Forest Division. This event will serve to disseminate knowledge and awareness of the NTFP policy among the broader population.

The meeting addressed two key issues. Firstly, the committee conducted a thorough examination of the provisions of the Biodiversity Act and its accompanying rules pertaining to the collection of minor forest produce. A commitment was made to adhere rigorously to the provisions of the act, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the collection process.