Visakhapatnam – The critical importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development for the sustenance of life on Earth was the central theme of a two-day seminar,

Inaugurated as part of International Biodiversity Day at the AU Convention Centre on Beach Road, Wednesday.

Engaging the Younger Generation

Chiranjiv Choudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Andhra Pradesh, served as the chief guest. In his address, he stressed the necessity of educating the younger generation about conserving biodiversity, sustainably using resources, and ensuring equitable resource distribution among all stakeholders.

He also praised District Forest Officer Anant Shankar for his notable efforts in conserving local wildlife species in the Eastern Ghats and referenced Supreme Court rulings supporting citizens' rights to a clean and healthy environment and the protection of the Great Indian Bustard from overhead power lines.

Highlighting Traditional Knowledge

Hanchinal Rayappa Ramappa, former Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, highlighted India's rich heritage of developing over 200,000 traditional food crop varieties. He pointed out the unique properties of certain rice varieties from the Western Ghats,

Such as one being an antidote for snakebite victims. Ramappa emphasized the urgent need to document traditional knowledge and native species to prevent other countries from patenting Indian species. He advocated for protecting traditional plant species by encouraging farmers to cultivate them.

Collective Action for Biodiversity

B.V.A. Krishna Murthy, Member-Secretary of the AP State Biodiversity Board, called for collaborative efforts from students, researchers, the Forest Department, and other stakeholders.

He noted that this year’s International Biodiversity Day theme is “Be a part of the plan” to protect biodiversity, urging concerted action to achieve this goal.

Institutional Initiatives and Achievements

Andhra University Vice-Chancellor P.V.G.D. Prasad Reddy underscored the interconnectedness of biodiversity with various global issues. He proudly announced that the Andhra University campus is home to 27,800 plant species, some as old as 80 years, and that the university has received a carbon credit rating of 26,680. Andhra University has also been recognized as one of two global 'Green Universities'.

Shifting Perspectives

Chief Conservator of Forests for Visakhapatnam, Srikanthanatha Reddy, emphasized the need to change the mindset that Earth's resources are solely for human use. He advocated for a broader, more inclusive view of resource utilization.

Additional Contributions

T. Janakiram, Vice-Chancellor of YSR Horticulture University, also shared his insights during the seminar. Other notable attendees included Nandani Salaria, Curator of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, and Rahul, Superintendent of Rajahmundry Central Jail.

The seminar highlighted the urgency and importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, encouraging a multi-faceted approach involving education, traditional knowledge preservation, and institutional efforts to foster a healthier environment.

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