Date:-May 23,2017 … Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2017 at Goa Kala Academy in the city today. The function was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) India, National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) Chennai, with the cooperation of Government of Goa through its autonomous body Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB).
Chief Minister while addressing the gathering said that since this year’s theme being the “Biodiversity and sustainable tourism” for the touristic State like Goa, necessary measures needs to be taken to boost the tourism and protect environment in the State. He emphasised the need to work together to conserve biodiversity to ensure the better future for the present and future generation. He urged the concerned authorities to enhance mass awareness about the importance and threats to biodiversity among people.
The function was followed with the launching of Indian Biodiversity Awards 2018, launching of UNDP-Capacity Building ABS Project, release of 1st issue of NBA’s Newsletter “Biodiversity Matters”, release of communication materials and knowledge products and prize distribution for Photography Competition. The highlights of the exhibition on the theme IDB-2017 is the special feature of this year’s celebration which includes ‘Environment Haat’ by United National Development Program, India, and displays at over 30 stalls put up by local, National & Global stakeholders of Biodiversity, Environment & Tourism.
A National level seminar will be held on 23rd May 2017 on ‘Biodiversity’, legal framework and related aspects, at the ‘International Centre Goa, Dona Paula.
Various competitions were held as part of the IDB-2017, The winners will be felicitated on 23rdMay 2017 at the ‘International Centre Goa, Dona Paula.
Chief Secretary, Shri Dharmendra Sharma,Smt.Marina Walter, Deputy Country Director, UNDP, Dr.B.Meena Kumari,Chairperson National, Biodiversity Authority and Dr.Amita Prasad, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC Government of Goa were present on the occasion.
Dr.Ranbir Singh, Principal Secretary, Environment and Forest, Government of Goa Proposed the vote of thanks while Shri.Saeesh Deshpande compered the function.
