Climate change and global warming have emerged as major threats for biodiversity. Biologists must come forward to suggest effective measures for conservation of biodiversity.
AK Bhatnagar, scientist and Professor of Botany, University of Delhi said in his inaugural address at the two-day national conference on “Bio-Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities” which began at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak on Friday. This conference is being organised by the Department of Botany of the MDU.
In his address, Bhatnagar talked in detail about the greenhouse effect and its impact on crops. He also highlighted the dangers of elevated level of carbon di-oxide in atmosphere vis-a-vis plant resources. Bhatnagar called for an effective National Action Plan to tackle the issue of biodiversity conservation. He also advocated technological intervention for biodiversity conservation.
Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences (MDU) SN Mishra in his address underlined the importance of biodiversity management at grassroots level. He cautioned about the emerging trend of bio-piracy.
Earlier, head, department of Botany, Pushpa Dahiya delivered the welcome address. She informed that 87 papers on various aspects of bodiversity, including conservation of bio-resources would be presented during the seminar. She stressed the importance of bio-diversity for survival of human life. Surender Singh Yadav conducted the inaugural session of the conference. A K Singh (NBPER, New Delhi) spoke about Agro Bio Diversity in the Seminar. Anita Rani presented the vote of thanks.
Four technical sessions will be held during the conference. . P. P. Bhojvaid, Chief Conservator of Forests, Veena Chandra fromF.R.I, Dehradun, . A. K. Singh of National Bureau for Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, V. N. Pandey and A. K. Dwivedi from D.D.U. University, Gorakhpur, Heads of Departments and faculty members of Life Sciences Faculty , research scholars and students were present on the occasion. A commemorative souvenir was released in the inaugural session.
