ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday called for balancing development with environmental conservation, stressing that sustainable progress must be rooted in ecological protection and indigenous knowledge.
He was addressing the Van Mahotsav celebrations organised by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in collaboration with the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE) at the BSI campus in Itanagar.
The programme, themed "Initiative for a Green Earth through Plantation Drive-cum-Training Programme on Capacity Building in Taxonomy and Ethnobotany," featured a plantation drive in which Mein joined scientists, academicians, researchers, NCC cadets and students in planting saplings.
Addressing the gathering, Mein said true progress lies in embracing modernity while remaining firmly rooted in culture and tradition. He urged the younger generation to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems, noting that these traditions have enabled communities to live in harmony with nature for centuries.
Highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation, the Deputy Chief Minister said biodiversity, cultural diversity and sustainable development are closely interconnected. He commended the Botanical Survey of India and the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment for promoting scientific research, environmental awareness and capacity building in taxonomy and ethnobotany.
Emphasising the need for long-term care of planted trees, Mein said plantation drives should be judged by the survival of saplings rather than the number planted. "Planting a sapling is only the beginning. Our responsibility continues until that sapling grows into a healthy tree. Every plantation drive should be measured not by the number of saplings planted but by the number of trees that survive," he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that Arunachal Pradesh is part of one of the world's 12 biodiversity hotspots and possesses ecosystems ranging from tropical evergreen forests to alpine regions. He said researchers continue to discover new species of plants, insects, amphibians, fishes and wildlife in the state, underscoring its ecological significance.
He called for greater efforts to conserve rare and endangered plant species threatened by habitat degradation and climate change, and encouraged students and young researchers to pursue taxonomy and ethnobotanical research to document and protect the state's biodiversity.
Mein also stressed that environmental conservation and sustainable development must go hand in hand, saying the protection of forests, rivers and watersheds strengthens biodiversity, livelihoods, water security and rural development.
Expressing concern over indiscriminate hunting and the decline in bird and wildlife populations, he appealed to communities to protect nature and promote responsible eco-tourism, birdwatching, trekking and other nature-based activities that generate sustainable livelihoods while conserving the environment.
He further highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural relationship indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh share with nature and said traditional practices of respecting forests, rivers and mountains offer valuable lessons for sustainable living.
Referring to environmental challenges such as climate change, global warming, floods, landslides and soil erosion, Mein said development must always be planned with environmental sustainability at its core.
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for describing the Northeast as "Ashtalakshmi", saying the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 can only be achieved through inclusive development while preserving the region's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
During the programme, Mein was presented with Ophiorrhiza chownaii, a newly described plant species named in his honour in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development. He dedicated the honour to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the state's natural heritage.
The programme was attended by Dr Krishna Chowlu, Scientist and Head of Office, BSI, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre; Dr Paromita Ghose, Head of Office, GBPNIHE, NERC; Dr Arindam Barman of Rajiv Gandhi University; NCC Commandant Samudra Singh, scientists, academicians, researchers, students and other participants.