Meghalaya Forest minister stressed the need to raise awareness on reforestation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 15, 2021

Meghalaya Forest & Environment Minister James PK Sangma on Monday stressed on the need to raise awareness on reforestation strategies and improving forest management in order to meet the objectives with regard to halting biodiversity loss and protecting the ecosystems.

“It is important to take lessons from the recent alarming situation that the Covid-19 pandemic created, it also served its purpose for mother-nature in which many mundane things were undone for the better and it gives the time to introspect about the relationship human beings have had with the environment all this while. It reminds us of the profound consequences on our own well-being and survival that can result from continued biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems,” James said addressing the valedictory session of a one day Capacity Building Workshop for the Officials of Forests & Environment Department Government of Meghalaya on the topic “Implementation of the provisions of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 with special emphasis on Enforcement Matters and Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS) in the state of Meghalaya” at the Conference Hall, Sylvan House, Shillong.

Sangma stated that Meghalaya, which is a part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, harbours a rich and diversified flora and fauna. “The region is in the middle of significant changes which are causing extreme temperature changes and erratic rainfall patterns over the last few years which affect agriculture, livelihoods and the health of the people,” he added.

Sangma stressed on the need to raise awareness on reforestation strategies and improving forest management in order to meet the objectives with regard to halting biodiversity loss and protecting the ecosystems.

He also urged upon the stakeholders to start looking at biological diversity not only as a tangible resource for economic benefits but also to conserve and protect biological resources and the services it gives in intangible terms that sustain our lives. 

On the occasion, the minister also released the Meghalaya Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (MBSAP) 2017-2030, books “Flowering Plants of Meghalaya: A pictorial Guide, Part -1” and “Bamboos of Meghalaya”. The minister distributed the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) fund to Singwilgre BMC, Selsella Block, West Garo Hills District.