“Studies reveal that a considerable amount
flora and fauna in our country are critically endangered and over the years a
massive extinction has been witnessed among the different species of mammals,
birds , animals and plants”, said K Rosiah, Governor, Tamilnadu while
inaugurating the 3rd Indian Biodiversity Congress at SRM University.
The three day conference focusing on
biodiversity for poverty alleviation was organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Actions,
Thiruvananthapuram and CPR Environmental Education Centre, Chennai, along with
School of Public Health, SRM University, Chennai and Navdanya, New Delhi. The
event was held from on 18-20Th December 2014.
Dwelling upon the pathetic condition of rivers, lakes and
coastal lands in our country, Shri K. Rosiah urged for strengthening political
support and policy implementation to ensure the cultural ethos and enshrine the
biodiversity.
Dr G.G .Gangatharan, President, CISSA,
said that the “future of the globe has become a serious threat due to extremism
happening in the environment. Farmers, tribals and local people are the actual
stake holders of the biodiversity and we need to recognize their role in
conserving bio happiness. Irrespective of their ideologies all political
parties should join in hands to achieve food security and development at any
coast has to be questioned, he added.
Over 750 delegates made presentations on
varied topics including climate change and food security, unanimously calling
for a massive awakening from the nation as a whole to protect bio-treasure. Dr
V. Arivudai Nambi, Director, Biodiversity MSSRF, in his presentation on
Agro-biodiversity for food security, stressed for promoting in-situ conservation
and use of agro-biodiversity. “We need to Support for
agro-biodiversity-nutrition sensitive agriculture that is linked to increased
dietary diversity among the rural and urban populations. Temples and public
institutions including universities may be involved in in-situ and ex-situ
conservation efforts said, Dr Nambi.
MSSRF
participated in the biodiversity expo held at the programme venue displaying
various reading materials, journals and handicrafts to create awareness about
the various programme areas and projects of the Foundation. It also used the
platform to promote millet-based products made by the farmers from Kolli Hills,
Nammakkal.
