SILIGURI
,May 5: Wildlife activists of north Bengal are planning to
create a biodiversity register to record details of the flora
and fauna of the eastern Himalayan region, which is considered
to be a biodiversity hotspot.
Wildlife experts, environmental activists,
forest department officials and students will get together
in Siliguri on May 16 for a brainstorming session of the subject.The
plan, to keep track of the bio-diversity of the region, first
came to light during the Year of Scientific Awareness 2004
conference organized by the ministry of science and technology.
Darjeeling,
Jalpaiguri and
Cooch Behar districts were included in the Eastern Himalayan
zone of the eight geo-climatic zones demarcated by a high-powered
inter-ministerial body headed by physicist and former scientific
adviser to the prime minister Vasant Gawarekar.
`We have identified some key areas which
are to be addressed in the year-long programme. Issues relating
to the eastern Himalayas, like water and sanitation, biodiversity,
disaster management, health and nutrition and general scientific
awareness (superstition and hygiene) will be taken up. The
first step in this direction will be held on May 16 to discuss
the nuances of bio-diversity,` said Animesh Basu, the joint
co-ordinator of the observation committee for the eastern
Himalayan hill districts.
The meaning is expected to spark a debate,
as many experts feel that creating a register with out patenting
the invaluable `treasures` of north Bengal will only multiply
the chances of them being exploited by foreign countries.
`We do not know how to preserve the natural gifts that lie
scattered across the region, nor have we learnt to protect
them,` said Ashim Chakraborty, a professor of zoology.
Courtesy
The Telegraph |
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