Union Minister for Environment , Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav on Monday said International Biodiversity Day is about the need to create environmental consciousness. Speaking at a special function held to celebrate the International Day of Biological Diversity in Mumbai he said we often take the best from the environment but give back waste, with development our consumption increases. He announced that the People’s Biodiversity Registers will be established in every village under Mission LiFE (is a public movement to mobilize individuals to become ‘Pro-Planet People’). He was speaking at the event in Mumbai to mark celebration of
International Day for Biological Diversity.
‘’If we encourage unnecessary consumption, one earth will not be enough. In the years to come we need to pave the way for conservation of biodiversity along with development,’’ said Yadav. He further added that World Biodiversity Day is about instilling a sense of environmental consciousness.
Congratulating the Maharashtra Government for its unique gene bank initiative, Yadav said, “The Western Ghats situated in Maharashtra are rich in biodiversity. There are six National Parks, forty eight Wildlife Sanctuaries and three Ramsar Sites in Maharashtra. Therefore there could not have been a better place to celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity.”
On International Day for Biological Diversity, the Mangrove Cell, Forest Department of Maharashtra, has developed an awareness vehicle dedicated to showcase the rich coastal and marine biodiversity along the coastal districts of Maharashtra.
Elaborating on the theme for this year’s World Environment Day, the Minister stated that the Ministry plans on combining the celebrations of World Environment Day with Mission Life. Noting that nature and environment are very important to our life he added that with Mission Life the Government endeavours to take a ‘whole society’ approach.
Speaking on the importance of millets, Yadav said, “Millets promote vocals for locals. It is a crop that is suited to Indian climate and soil. Along with being drought resistant millets are important to reduce nutritional deficiency. The Biodiversity Board has given special importance to millets. This aims to enable access and benefit sharing with vulnerable communities.”
Yadav reiterated that protection of the environment is an article of faith for the country.
