Biodiversity is a product of the ecosystem and as both are inter-related it is vital to conserve biodiversity to balance the ecosystem. Forest Research Institute deemed university, Prof SP Singh said this while speaking at a programme organised at the institute to mark International Biodiversity Day on Wednesday.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) director general VK Bahuguna in his address stressed on the urgency for conservation of biodiversity and natural resources. He quoted that the research work of conservation of biodiversity and natural resources should be done in an interdisciplinary manner involving scientists from various discipline of forestry.
On water and biodiversity, he emphasised on water conservation while pointing out that climate change is also affecting the biodiversity and there is a shifting of vegetation in many States from tropical moist regions to xeric conditions.
He said, “The United Nations have rightly selected the theme of ‘Water and Biodiversity’ to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity. This theme is complemented by this year’s designation as the UN International Year of Water Cooperation, which underlines the need to work together to protect important water resources. The relevance of both of these themes can be found in the myriad of biodiversity found along and within the major rivers flowing through the Himalayas.
The Uttarakhand mountain systems are a source of the two largest rivers of India and their numerous tributaries which provide the people with water, food, power, and jobs and are at the heart of the region’s rich cultural traditions. The rivers shape the landscape and its ecosystems and play an important role in both sheltering and sustaining biodiversity. likewise, the biodiversity of healthy ecosystems play an important role in storing, circulating, and purifying water. Biodiversity can also help us combat water-related stresses such as drought, desertification, erosion, and flood. It is important to be aware of this fundamental interconnectedness when thinking about effective water resource management and biodiversity conservation in mountainous regions,” he said.
He stressed on the need to use water sparingly and wisely, not to pollute, and to share clean water with our neighbours. “There are complex links between water and ecosystems, especially when people use waters for food, drinking, and energy. There are strong links between upstream and downstream users, but the impact of changes in water use upstream on downstream users is often hard to predict and communicate,” said Bahuguna.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering Forest Research Institute director PP Bhojvaid emphasised on the need to conserve natural resources and biodiversity on sustainable basis.