CM reiterates state’s commitment to conserve biodiversity

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday reiterated the commitment of the state government to conservation of biodiversity through different sectors.

Addressing the state-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity at the Jayadev Bhawan here, he said that effective management of sectors such as forests, wildlife, agriculture and fisheries and animal resources is crucial to ensure continued benefit to people and opportunity for poverty reduction and economic development. Patnaik said that the Odisha State Biodiversity Board has been constituted for ensuring effective conservation of biodiversity.

People's participation in the form of biodiversity management committees would play a significant role in this regard in coming years, he added. Referring to the state's rich natural resources and biodiversity hotspots, the chief minister said that 132 species of orchids, several medicinal plants, 60 species of mangrove flora, all the three species of Indian crocodiles, a rich population of resident and migratory birds, the rare Olive Ridley sea turtles and the superior modal eco race of tassar silkworm shape the rich biodiversity of the State.
He sought formulation of strategies and action plans for conservation of agri-diversity, soil and micro-biodiversity, biodiversity of domestic animals, fishes and aquatic fauna keeping the different eco regions of the state in view.

Present on the occasion, eminent scientist and educationist Dr HY Mohan Ram, former Professor of Botany, Delhi University, said that India is one of the signatories to convention on Biological Diversity at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. He expressed concern over the destruction of natural habitats, leading to irreparable loss of biodiversity.

The chief minister distributed awards to the schoolchildren who excelled in a drawing competition on the theme Biodiversity of Odisha. He also released two booklets International Day for Biological Diversity-22.05.2010 and State Botanical Garden, Nandankanan. Among others, principal secretary of forest & environment UN Behera, principal CCF (Wildlife) PN Padhi and Chief Conservator of Forests SS Srivastava were present on the occasion.