International Biodiversity Day observed

CREATOR OF RUMTEK MOSS GARDEN, ROBERT POMPEY FELICITATED
GANGTOK, 22 May: Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management targeted students to generate wider awareness among the general public on biodiversity issues on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day today. This year’s theme of the International Biodiversity Day was ‘Marine Diversity’.
On the occasion, the department also had a state specific theme- “Saving Gyam Tsona- Sikkim’s Ocean in the Sky” and organized a slogan writing competition for students on the same.
The day started with a rally by school students from in-and-around Gangtok from Titanic Park to the Forest Secretariat complex.
On the occasion, PCCF-cum- Additional Chief Secretary, M Singh highlighted that Sikkim is very rich in biodiversity and the department has been trying its best to preserve and develop the state’s biodiversity. He also mentioned that eco-tourism has been aiding the boost in tourism in the state.
He appreciated the students’ participation in spreading the message to the people and encouraged them to continue it in the future as well.
Additional PCCF-cum-Project Director of Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project [SBFP], Dr Anil Mainra, mentioned that the department has been trying to create awareness on biodiversity issues through students. He added that students are the main medium in creating awareness on these critical issues among parents and the general masses.
Highlighting that everyone should contribute in the preservation of the state’s rich biodiversity, Dr Mainra explained that the concept of the day is conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Team Leader of Project Management Consultant SBFP, Peter McCarter gave his presentation on biodiversity, its importance and threats. He also urged for the protection and preservation of biodiversity.
Likewise, DFO [Biodiversity Conservation], Katherine Lepcha gave her presentation on Sikkim Biodiversity. She informed that due to its richness, Sikkim was one of the 18 mega biodiversity hotspots in the world and further spoke on the threats to the state’s biodiversity.
On the occasion, UK national Robert Pompey was felicitated by the department for his tireless voluntary work in developing the moss garden at the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden in Rumtek, some 24 kilometres to the south-west of Gangtok. He has been working for the past 20 months here to develop the first and only moss garden in India.
Joint Director, Karma Legsey explained that Gyam Tsona is unique to the whole Eastern Himalayan Region situated below Finger Tip in North Sikkim. The name of the lake means ‘ocean’ and it still has evidence of marine life but at present it is drying due to human interference and other reasons.
In the slogan writing competition, the first prize went to Vicky Sharma of Tadong SSS, while Kiran Chettri of TNSSS and Tanya Rai of Deorali Girls SSS stood on the second and third positions respectively.