International Biodiversity Day 2010 Pachhunga University College in Mizoram

Aizawl: International Biodiversity Day 2010 was celebrated today at the Pachhunga University College Auditorium, College Veng with Environment & Forest Minister and Chairman, Mizoram Biodiversity Board H. Rohluna as the Chief Guest.

The function was attended by the staffs and students of Pachhunga University College and Govt. Zirtiri Residential Science College as well as PHE E-in-C Pawan Kumar and Soil & Water Conservation Director Dr. Jerome Rokima. The Chairman of the function, Mizoram Biodiversity Board Member Secretary LR Thanga Chief Wildlife Warden, gave the Welcome address and introduction to the Biodiversity Day theme "Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation". Dr. Tawnenga, Principal PUC delivered a short speech on biodiversity, HT Lalremsanga, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Mizoram University gave a presentation on "Reptile Diversity in Mizoram" and N.S. Bisht, CCF (P) concluded with the Vote of Thanks.

Addressing the function, Chief Guest H. Rohluna emphasized the meaning and value of Biodiversity, how it is the source of our livelihood and that all living beings are interlinked. It is a high time that we stop deforestation, even development plans must be made in a way to cause the least possible damage to our biodiversity, he added. "Many developed countries have utilize their rich and conserved biodiversity to make huge profits and I invited the Mizo experts to uncover the value and wealth of our biodiversity. Mizoram has a great potential to earn lots of revenue through eco-tourism and it is necessary to conserve our biodiversity to promote eco-tourism. Every development made with biodiversity will benefit the poor in Mizoram", he said.

International Biodiversity Day is observed May 22 every year, to increase the mass awareness about the need to conserve biodiversity and to utilize the wealth of biodiversity judiciously. In addition, United Nations General Assembly declared 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity. In Mizoram, a painting competition was held for High School students in celebration of International Year of Biodiversity 2010, the result was as follows:

1st: Zoremsanga Cl IX Govt. Champhai H/S
2nd: James L. Ralsun Cl X Govt. Diakkawn H/S, Kolasib.
3rd: Jerry Lalrinliana CM H/S, Kolasib.
Consolation Prize:
1. Thangliansona Cl X Govt. Diakkawn H/S, Kolasib.
2. Vanlalnghaka Cl X Electric Veng H/S, Lunglei.
3. K.Lalhmangaihzuali Cl X St. Paul's HSS, Aizawl.
4. Vanngurpuia Cl X Govt. Champhai H/S.
5. TC Lalngaihawma Cl X Govt. Kolasib H/S.