Goa to host nat’l initiative to record local biodiversity

Panaji: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), under the Union environment ministry will launch an initiative from Goa on May 23 to encourage youth to participate in conservation of local biodiversity. This aims to spread awareness among youth about the ‘people’s biodiversity register’ (PBR) — a document required to be prepared as per the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
PBRs are to be prepared by locals across the country in their respective area, documenting the entire range of biodiversity of flora and fauna specific to the area. Goa has received recognition from NBA where every village has prepared a detailed PBR almost solely with the involvement of locals. Now the national initiative will be launched from Goa later in May to involve more youth across the country to prepare PBRs.
“This initiative is being launched in collaboration with NBA, under the Union ministry of environment, mission LiFE and all the state biodiversity boards and Union Territory biodiversity councils. Ahead of the national-level programme to be launched from Goa on May 23, we appeal to all graduate and postgraduate students in Goa from the disciplines of botany, zoology, biology and even just young biodiversity enthusiasts to participate in our programme from May 15 to 20,” said Goa state biodiversity board (GSBB) member secretary Pradip Sarmokadam. The vision of the campaign is to raise awareness about PBRs, its upgradation and verification.
“The achievement of PBR upgradation and verification throughout the country will also be mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on this World Environment Day on June 5. Participants will receive one-day training on May 12 prior to the programme. Students will be evaluated after training,” said Sarmokadam.
Participation in the exercise is on a voluntary basis.
“Selected students will get an opportunity to visit their nearest village panchayat and access to the PBR of that particular village’s biodiversity management committee. Students will get a chance to contribute in the updation and validation process of the PBR. Students who score well in the post training evaluation will be invited to attend the Union environment ministry’s nationwide launch programme on May 23. Volunteers will also be awarded with a certificate of participation in this national exercise,” said Sarmokadam.
Students have to apply to GSBB before May 11 by writing to goanbiodiversity@gmail.com. Spot registrations will also be open on May 12 at the training programme.