SHILLONG, April 24 NNN : As a part of national environment awareness, a seminar on \u2018NER Biodiversity and its Conservation\u2019 was organized by the Department of Zoology, Botany and Environment of St Peter\u2019s College at its college premises, here on Wednesday.
\nSpeaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Meghalaya Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, TTC Marak, placed his hopes on youth and students that they will play their active roles in conservation of environment especially biodiversity by acting locally and thinking globally.
\nQuoting a famous saying, \u201cForest presides civilization and deserts succeeds them\u201d, Marak said that India is very rich in culture the only thing which is the need of the hour is development in a greener way.
\n\u201cAs youths one should enhance the quality of life. There is need of active need for the youths to get involved in maintain the bio-diversity of the nature,\u201d Marak said adding, \u201cYouth should make their involvement with police makers to bring a change and to achieve positive leadership.\u201d
\nHe also said that government has a vision to improve the standard of living environment is ready to extend its support.
\nFormer Director Zoological Survey of India, Dr JRB Alfred while giving his keynote addressed expressed that there is a drastic need to create awareness among the people to save the environment.
\n\u201cNo one alone can bring a change. There is a need to create NGOs and go to the core of the issues,\u201d Alfred said adding \u201cEnvironment is our sovereign property and its environment which controls the lives of the people.\u201d
\nHe also highlighted the current scenario of biodiversity and how its conservation at local, regional and international level could be made possible to the college students.
\nLater, Principal of the College and also the Secretary of MEWS-India, Peter Therose said that Meghalaya is blessed with natural resources. \u201cThere is immense bio-diversity. The youths of the state should know how to conserve the bio-diversity,\u201d Therose said. He also added that the other problem which the region suffers is from counter insurgency which is a major hurdle for the people.
\nThe seminar was attended by the students and teachers of the college.<\/p>\n\n