International Biological Diversity Day celebrated at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) by organizing a seminar, here on Friday, with the objective to raise awareness on biodiversity related issues and its significance.

Seminar was organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences in collaboration with ICIMOD, National Cleaner Production Center and Technology Times, with this year theme “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development. On the occasion, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was the chief guest and was also attended by Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra Country representative ICIMOD, Dr. Muhammad Khursheed DG Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood (Advisor R&D HEC),   scientists from various organizations, representatives of environment and wildlife conservation agencies as well as a large number of students and teachers from University.

PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, highlighted the significance of biodiversity and emphasized the community role to conserve vegetation with collective initiatives. He said that biodiversity Pakistan is facing different threats and there is a need to protect biodiversity for future generation by adopting the practical measures.  He said that sustainable use of biological resources is yet a challenge for society as a whole, and hence need collaboration and an integrated approach be adopted to promote sustainable use of biodiversity.  He said the young generation has immense potential but need directions to play their role. While talking about the posters and models displayed by the students, Vice Chancellor said that youth has great potential and they expressed their capabilities in an impressive way, by depicting their understanding on the burning issues related to science. “This surely shows their sensitivity & level of awareness to such issues”, he added.

Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood (Advisor R&D HEC) and Dr. Muhammad Khurshid DG, EPA, while addressing, said that conservation of biological diversity ensures economic prosperity and ecological sustainability and is also the tool to fight against climate change. However, overexploitation and unsustainable use patterns are depriving ecosystems to deliver vital functions and services as well as its ability to withstand climate change, they added. They pointed that it is the need of hour to live sustainably with our biological capital and progress in various fisheries. On the occasion, Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra, Country representative ICIMOD read the message of ICIMOD Director General David James Molden, on biodiversity and its importance for sustainable development.

Students of the Department of Environmental Sciences also organized competition of posters and models in connection with Biodiversity Day where they displayed their art work and scientific models. They highlighted the significance of Biodiversity conservation and importance of biodiversity in ecosystem. They also showed existing and emerging problems caused by biodiversity loss and prospects of biodiversity conservation. Students also presented a skit on biodiversity theme and it was excellent activity to express the conservation of biodiversity. Some students also participated in project idea presentation on biodiversity. The first prize in Poster/Model Competition was awarded to Ms. Shehrish Rubab of MS Environmental Sciences, second position was secured by Ms Huma Naseer of Environmental Sciences, whereas, third position was obtained by Afsah Khalid of MSC Environmental Sciences. In the Research Project Presentation Competition the first prize went to Muhammad Bashir Ahmad and second position was secured by Muhammad Sadaat Mazhar of MS Environmental Sciences. Winners of competitions were awarded prizes and shields by Prof. Tariq Mahmood (Advisor R&D HEC) and Chief Guest (Technical Session) Dr. Muhammad Khurshid DG, EPA. At the end, Dr. Azeem Khalid, Chairman, Department of Environmental Sciences thanked the participants and resource person for making this event successful.