Department of Zoology, Sikkim University Celebrated International Biodiversity Day

Gangtok: The Department of Zoology, Sikkim University, celebrated International Biodiversity Day on 23rd May, 2016 in the University premises at 5th Mile Tadong, Gangtok.

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as “The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)” to increase understanding and awareness on biodiversity issues so that the larger goal of conservation is achieved. The theme for IBD 2016 was “Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Sustaining People and their Livelihoods”. MSc students, PhD scholars and faculty members of the department actively participated in the event. The main aim of the programme was to create awareness among the students and scholars about biodiversity values, their conservation needs and various acts related to the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

As a part of the event essay, painting and quiz competitions were organized on the topic related to biodiversity and their sustainable use for livelihood. Students and scholars expressed their creative artistic abilities on their comprehension on Biodiversity. Among the ten paintings on the theme Ms. Chayanika Borah, Mr. Bhupen Chettri and Mr. Saurab Pradhan were adjudged as 1st, 2nd and 3rd best artist respectively. Similarly, eighteen students participated in the brainstorming quiz competition.

The team comprising of Mr. Ishwar Chettri and Mr. Venyi Thingo proclaimed their stronghold securing the 1st position, Ms. Deepshika Saikia and Ms. Rita Chettri bagged the 2nd position and Mr. Bhupen Chettri and Ms. Julie Kumari Sharma were adjudged 3rd in the competition.

The International Biodiversity day is celebrated every year by the Department of Zoology, Sikkim University. IBD 2016 was celebrated highlighting biodiversity as the foundation for life and for the essential services provided by ecosystems. Therefore this biodiversity underpins peoples’ livelihoods and sustainable development in all areas of activity, including economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism, among others and that by halting biodiversity loss, we are investing in people, their lives and their well-being.