Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurates workshop on Forests, Biodiversity and Climate Change in Srinagar

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav today said that biodiversity will be conserved only when we strengthen the local community emphasising that conservation of forests and local community are deeply interconnected and therefore it is important to strengthen the local community for conservation of biodiversity. The Union Minister was speaking at the inaugurationof a workshop on Forests, Biodiversity and Climate Change-‘Sharing Knowledge and Actions’ at SKICC in Srinagar.

The union minister said that the Panchayati Raj Institutions and other local community representatives should be involved in their respective areas for preservation of biodiversity.

The Minister appreciated the role of Forest and sister Departments and advised them to involve the last person in delivering mechanism so that the participation of the most deprived is ensured for the success of biodiversity conservation. He lauded the efforts of the Forest Department for constituting the Biodiversity Management Committees and linking them with the Village Panchayats.

The Minister informed that 14 Tiger Reserves of the Country have got international recognition and sacrifices of Forest personnel in conservation of tiger shall also be recognized. He also lauded the efforts of Forest Department for taking initiates towards strengthening the frontline forest force, and also appreciated the film “Jungle KeRakhwale” focusing on their sacrifices.

While referring to the workshop on Forests, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Shri Yadav highlighted the achievements of India towards meeting her Nationally Determined Contributions, and achievements in renewable energy. He also highlighted the National Hydrogen Mission launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for substantially increasing the scope of alternative energy.

He advised distinguished delegates of the workshop, experts as well as participants from research institutes and the field to work towards innovative solutions so that the balance between development and conservation is always maintained.

During the workshop, a compendium on “Foresters Training Course” as well as brochure on “Protection and Conservation of Water Bodies: Use of Bio-Fencing and Catchment Area Treatment” was also released by the Minister. Also a short film titled “Jungle KeRakhwale” which shows the challenges faced by the front line forest staff and depict their hard duties and sacrifices was also released and showcased on the occasion.

Earlier, the Union Minister visited the stalls established by Forest Department. He encouraged the young volunteers of the NGOs as well as the researchers to actively work towards finding innovative solutions to protect the unique biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir.On the occasion, the Minster also planted a Chinar sapling in the lawns of SKICC.

Later, the Environment Minister chaired a meeting with the senior officers of the forest department and reviewed the functioning and progress achieved under different schemes by the department.