Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22, 2017) by G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development on the Theme: Biodiversity- Sustainable Tourism The theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) of the year coincides with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism which emphasizes on betterment of mankind by connecting nature with the economic activity to protect the mother earth. These steps contribute to achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 while keeping the commitment of the country to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Under this broad ambit, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development celebrated IBD at different locations of Indian Himalaya (i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh) so as to raise awareness about the important contribution of biodiversity in sustainable tourism for economic growth and as well as in conservation of nature. Various activities conducted at different locations included: (i) Brain storming and group discussions on theme of the day by the invited experts and diverse stakeholders, (ii) Theme based competitions for school children (i.e., Declamation, Painting, and Essay and Poem writing), (iii) Educational lectures to the students on various aspects of biodiversity and sustainable tourism, and (iv) Exposure visits to Herbal Garden and Arboretum. At HQs of the Institute (Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand) a brainstorming session was organized which was inaugurated by Shri Hem Pande, Former Secretary to the Govt. of India. An educational book was released on Birds of the 'Suryakunj' - Nature Interpretation Site of the Institute. The brainstorming focussed on SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) w.r.t. Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism in Uttarakhand. A total of 49 researchers and faculty of the Institute participated. Further, to engage with multiple and diverse stakeholders, similar exercise was also conducted at two other locations of Uttarakhand: (i) Sri Narayan Swami Aashram, Pithoragarh - 2700 m asl (76 participants), and (ii) Gangolihat, Pithoragarh - 1700 m asl (61 participants). The responses of these exercises would form the base for providing desired policy inputs to state government as well as relevant ministries in central government. In addition, for complimenting the outcomes of brainstorming, Institute initiated a week-long Landscape Yatra (Landscape Journey) by a multidisciplinary team in remote parts of Uttarakhand and generated first hand evidences on hitherto under explored tourism potential of selected Sacred Natural Sites by way of community interaction. The day (IDB) was also celebrated at different regional units of the Institute (i) North-East Unit (Arunachal Pradesh) celebrated IDB in Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh (47 participants), (ii) Himachal Unit celebrated it at Kullu in Himalachal Pradesh (84 participants), (iii) Garhwal Unit celebrated the day at Srinagar, Garhwal in Uttarakhand (40 participants), and (iv) Sikkim Unit celebrated the day at Pangthan, Sikkim (24 participants). 1
Engagement of stakeholders and partners on the occasion of IDB celebration by GBPNIHEASD included Government and Public schools of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh (Total 23 in number); The Mountain Institute, India; Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh; Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum, Dzongu, Sikkim; Sri Narayan Swami Trust, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand; Central Himalayan Environment Association, Nainital, Uttarakhand; Himalayan Nature Adventure Foundation, Siliguri, West Bengal; Achukuru Welfare Society, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh; Nature Care and Disaster Management Society, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh; SSB Academy, Srinagar, Uttarakhand; Himalayan Gram Vikas Samiti, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand; Heads of Village Councils and Van Panchayats, Local people and Tourists/visitors from other parts of the country. The Institute also installed an exhibition on Himalayan Biodiversity during the Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity 2017 organized at Goa (22-23 May 2017) by the National Biodiversity Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The Institute's stall was visited and appreciated by a large number of visitors. Among others, the dignitaries visiting the stall included Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa, Sri Manohar Parrikar; Additional Secretary MoEF&CC, Dr. Amita Prasad; Chairperson National Biodiversity Authority, Dr. B. Meenakumari; Deputy Country Director UNDP, Ms Marina Walter and many others dignitaries. 2
IDB-2017 Celebration with Institute researchers and faculty at GBPNIHESD HQs (Kosi-Katarmal, Almora) Brainstorming Session with community representatives and tourists at Sri Narayan Ashram, Pithoragarh on the occasion of IDB 2017 3
IDB celebration with diverse stakeholders at Sikkim Unit, Pangthang Sikkim IDB celebration with school children and community in Ziro valley of Aurnachal Pradesh 4
IDB celebration with school children at Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand IDB celebration with school children at Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 5
Institute's exhibition on Himalayan Biodiversity during IDB 2017 event at Goa was visited by Hon'ble Chief Minister Goa and other dignitaries 6