Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 351/18

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CELEBRATED

International Day for Biological Diversity 2018 on the theme ‘Celebrating 25 Years of action for Biodiversity’ was celebrated here today at U Soso Tham Auditorium. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Meghalaya, C P Marak, IFS, attended the celebration as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, C P Marak, said that folklores and folktales of almost every Northeastern state is replete with characters of animals, forests, water, air and the Biodiversity. He added that this reflects the communities’ close association with Nature and also the wisdom of our ancestors who learned to live in harmony with Nature. He said that human life and existence hinges on Biodiversity and that all are stakeholders in the conservation and preservation of Biodiversity. He informed that Forest Management has come a long way and the emphasis now is on wildlife and Biodiversity conservation and preservation and also adaptation to climatic change. He appealed to each citizen to join hands with the government functionaries to contribute to conservation of Biodiversity and ensure the survival of generations to come. The Chief Guest also released Posters during the occasion and distributed prizes to the winners of the Essay, Drawing and Photography competitions that were held as a part of the celebrations. The Best Biodiversity Management Committee Award (BMC) 2018 was given to Umru BMC, Ri Bhoi and a Certificate of Appreciation was given to Ka Khloo Laikongwasan Chyrmang Community Reserve. Earlier, during his presentation on Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Secretary, Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, MBK Reddy, IFS informed that there are 266 BMCs in Meghalaya making it the second highest in North East and these BMCs are constituted in the Biodiversity rich areas of the State.

Press Release No. 352/18

WORLD HONEY BEE DAY 2018 OBSERVED

World Honey Bee Day was observed today at All Saint’s Hall in a function organised by the office of the District Horticulture Officer, East Khasi Hills. The Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture, Shri B Lyngdoh graced the function as the Chief Guest while the Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner, Shri. K N Kumar was the Guest of Honour. The aim of the programme was to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humankind and at the same time, give an opportunity for entrepreneurs of the District to sell and display their products. Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri. B Lyngdoh lauded the office of the District Horticulture Officer, East Khasi Hills for drawing attention to the need to preserve and protect bees particularly as there is a growing threat to their population globally. Stating that the Government is doing all that it can to uplift the economic conditions of farmers, he urged more and more farmers to take up bee keeping as it is a lucrative business. In order to boost bee keeping activities in the State, Shri. B Lyngdoh agreed to the need to constitute the Meghalaya Honeybee Board.

Shri. K N Kumar in his address spoke at length about the importance of bees as pollinators and the threat posed to humankind due to their dwindling population worldwide. Citing the indiscriminate use of pesticides as one of the main reason for the decrease in bee population, Shri K N Kumar said that the need to the hour is to ban the use of pesticides in the State. He also informed that the introduction of foreign bee species like the Apis mellifera to boost honey production was detrimental to the survival of indigenous bee species and hence called for a proper survey to be carried out so as to ensure that the ecosystem of local species is not harmed. Further, Shri. Kumnar also highlighted the need to establish the Meghalaya Agriculture Research Institute so that local issues can be effectively addressed. In order to streamline and add value to beekeeping activities in the State, Shri Kumar also reiterated that need to establish the Meghalaya Honeybee Board. During the programme, Bee Keeper Shri. T Lyngdoh and Bee Processor Shri. P Wahlang shared their experience with the gathering and encouraged fellow farmers to take up bee keeping proactively. On the occasion the Chief Guest also gave away prizes to the winners of the honey exhibition which was judged on May 21st, 2018. Others who spoke included Smti. B N War, Director of Horticulture, Meghalaya, Shri. P S Kharnaior, DHO East Khasi Hills, Shillong and Smti. M Nongbri, District Agriculture Officer, East Khasi Hills, Shillong.

Press Release No. 358/18

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIO-DIVERSITY 2018 CELEBRATION

The International Day for Bio-diversity 2018 celebration was organised today by the Department of Forest and Environment, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai at Wapung Secondary School, Wapung. Shri. M. S. Lhuid, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District attended the celebration as Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lhuid said that the main aim in observing this day is that to sensitize the people that all living things have their right to live, as we all live inter-dependently to make the future a better one. He also urged the school students as well as the public to spread the message of responsibility to conserve bio-diversity for the benefit of the society as a whole and to become a faithful soldier to protect and conserve the bio-diversity. Later, the Deputy Commissioner took part in the tree plantation programme in the school campus. Earlier Smt. N. Laloo, District Forest Officer, Jowai in her address briefed the gathering on the salient features of the Biological Diversity Act and also urged the people to work hand in hand with the Government to conserve the rich bio-diversity.