2019 – Posted in: Press Information Bureau – Tags: biodiversity

International Day for Biological Diversity

(Vice President’s Secretariat)

WHAT

On the occasion on International Day for Biological Diversity, the Vice President of India has called for achieving sustainable development, which is equitable and people-centred.

He stressed the need for efficient and frugal use of natural resources.
He also said Biodiversity is fundamental to the survival of the human race and said that man must re-establish the link with nature.

It is disappointing that the symbiotic relationship of man with nature was being threatened as societies develop.

Theme for this year’s IDB Celebrations, ‘Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health’

New initiative

Vice President flagged off the ‘Tree Ambulance’ initiative, a campaign to save trees.
Tree Ambulance has been conceived, designed, fabricated and equipped to provide first aid treatment to trees, aid tree plantation, assist the shifting of trees, carry out seed ball distribution etc.

Challenges

Loss of species.
Loss of trees due to deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, and pollution.
Deep concern regarding the homogenization of food habits and increased dependence on a handful of crops, resulting in a rapid decline of agro-biodiversity.

Facts

India has lost over 1.6 million hectare of tree cover between 2001 and 2018, according to a new study released by the World Resources Institute (WRI).
India’s forest cover stands at 21% against global standard of 33.3%.
Current consumption patterns especially in the industrialized world are unsustainable as they put enormous pressure on natural resources.
As much as 80% of food supply is based on a few crops such as rice, wheat, maize and millets. The loss of diversity in diets is directly linked to life-style diseases as well.

Way ahead

There is a need to secure international cooperation in fields ranging from sustainable agriculture and food security to health and sustainable development to urban resilience and adaptation, to climate change and disaster risk reduction.

We all must put stressed in the need for inclusive growth and achieving home-grown food security, while ensuring sustainable development.

Source: PIB

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