International Biodiversity Day 2015
May 22, 2015
The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
Theme 2015: Biodiversity for Sustainable Development
This year’s theme reflects the importance of efforts made at all levels to establish a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda for the period of 2015-2030 and the relevance of biodiversity for the achievement of sustainable development.
» See the Message of Minister of State (Independent Charge), MEFCC, GoI Shri Prakash Javadekar
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PRESS RELEASE
SIKKIM BIODIVERSITY BOARD
Sikkim Biodiversity Board (SBB) under Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, supported by Food Security & Agriculture Development Department; ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre; Regional Research Station, Spices Board; Sikkim Philatelic Society; Biodiversity Management Committees and in association with ESS-India is celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD)-2015 on 22 May 2015. Theme this year is BIODIVERSITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
Following the theme for this year, some innovative events will be showcased in the capital Gangtok along with other district level programmes. These include a three-day exhibition of Seeds and Stamps at Star Hall Gangtok (22-24 May’15) to showcase the rich diversity of the storehouses of LIFE itself and some postage stamps on biodiversity from the priceless collection of Mr. Ganesh Kumar Pradhan, owner of Ram-Gauri Sangrahalaya and President of Sikkim Philatelic Society, and Mr. Shital Pradhan.
A major attraction of the day is a giant street game “The Biodiversity March” by ESS-India hosted by Mr. Diwakar Basnett and Ms. Meghna Thapa, on MG Marg outside Star Hall where people can come, play, win exciting prizes and also understand a lot more about biodiversity.
Nodal Officers of SBB in the districts will be coordinating with NGOs like Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim (BAMOS) and Sikkim Ornithological Society (SOS) to organize programmes like butterfly and bird-watching outings for schools in their areas. The programme is funded By National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai.
Sikkim Biodiversity Board requests all to participate and enjoy this International Biodiversity Day.
Sd/-
Member Secretary
Sikkim Biodiversity Board
Forests, Environment & Wildlfie Management Department
Government of Sikkim
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Humanity’s fate is tightly linked with biological diversity – the variety of life on earth. Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development and human well-being. The examples are plenty.
- Biodiversity is a vital asset in global and local economies
- Food production depends on biodiversity and the services provided by ecosystems
- Clean and secure supplies of water also depend on biodiversity
- Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning provide goods and services essential for human health – including nutrients, clean air and water and regulation of pests and vector-based diseases
- Biodiversity is the basis for sustainable livelihoods
- Traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity is also important and has value not only to those who depend on it in their daily lives but to modern industry and agriculture as well
- Biodiversity is the cornerstone of the work, belief systems and basic survival of many women
- Biodiversity plays a major role in mitigating climate change by contributing to long-term sequestration of carbon in a number of biomes
- Even the built environments of our cities are linked to and affected by biodiversity
Source: Convention of Biological Diversity (www.cbd.int)
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