Rajouri: Environmental Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity Studies, BGSB University, Rajouri on Friday celebrated world wildlife day 2021. This year’s theme of World Wildlife Day 2021 is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet” whih is set in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The significance of this year’s theme is to highlight the role of forests, forest species and ecosystems services in sustaining the livelihood of millions of people at a global level and especially of the indigenous and local communities that have been associated with the forest for the longest of times. On the ocassion, an expert lecture was organized to celebrate the event. Prof. Akbar Masood, Vice Chancellor of the University congratulated the Centre for organizing an expert lecture to Celebrate the world wildlife day.In his message,Prof Akbar said that World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the range of benefits that their conservation provides to people. Prof Akbar mentioned that this Day reminds us of our responsibilities to our world and the lifeforms we share it with. Prof. Akbar mentioned that a symbiotic relationship exists between the forest, forest-dwelling wildlife species, ecosystem services and people, especially the indigenous people which signifies the important of celebrating world wild life day.
Prof. Iqbal Parwez, Dean, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology while giving his introductory remarks, stressed on raising awareness about global wildlife and its conservation. Prof. Iqbal said that the existence of wildlife is important to the quality of life on earth. On the ocassion, Dr O. P. Sharma Vidharthi, IFS delivered an online lecture in which he emphasized on the importance of Forests and wildlife in our environmental and the role these resources play in providing essential services for the millions of people across the globe. He not only highlighted the critical importance of the wildlife for our planet, but also discussed on how sustainably we can make our relationship with the wildlife species.
Dr Shreekar Pant, Admission Coordinator, Environmental Sciences introduced the speaker and conducted the proceeding of the program while Dr Mamta Bhat presented a formal vote of thanks.