Discussion on sustainable use of genetic resources

Amritsar: “Sustainable use of genetic resources is essential for long-term prosperity of society,” said Dr Paramjit Singh, director of Botanical Survey of India (BSI), whose headquarters are in Kolkata.

Addressing students and faculty members of the Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences at the national seminar on “Environmental conservation and health” at Guru Nanak Dev University, Dr Paramjit said the BSI launched various programmes aiming to promote restoration, conservation and protection of ecosystems and biodiversity of the country. He said, “Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth. Therefore, it sustains economic activity, human welfare, and conserves. Besides, sustainably using genetic resources, species and ecosystems is essential for the long-term prosperity and viability of society.” Elaborating mangrove vegetation of the country and importance of Sunderbans in West Bengal, Dr Paramjit made participants aware about role of the BSI in conserving natural plant species of the mangrove, which have become endangered recently. Sunderbans is one of the largest mangroves in the globe and also a UNESCO World heritage site. In addition, he also highlighted natural and manmade hazards to the biodiversity in that particular area. He discussed efforts of the BSI in conservation of flora and fauna of the North-Eastern states. Dr Satwinderjeet Kaur, head of the host department, said scientists, including Prof Sher Ali from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; Dr Yash Pal, head, Botany Department, Jammu University; Prof Anita Mukherjee, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta; Dr Ravinder Raina, YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Prof AK Thukral; Prof Avinash Kaur Nagpal, dean, life sciences, Prof Renu Bhardwaj, Prof Saroj Arora, Dr AS Soodan, Dr AP Vig, Dr Rajinder Kaur and Dr Jatinder Kaur participated in deliberations of the seminar. — TNS