ITANAGAR, Sep 17: The Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (APSBB) organised a one-day Orientation-cum-Capacity Building Programme for Reconstituted Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023) here today.
The programme, inaugurated by APSBB Chairman Hawa Bagang, in presence of H B Abo, member secretary APSBB, saw the participation of over 35 representatives of BMCs, including chairpersons and members from the districts of West Siang, Siang, Kurung Kumey, Papum Pare and West Kameng, along with officials and stakeholders associated with biodiversity conservation.
In his inaugural address, Bagang underscored the crucial role of BMCs as the foundation of biodiversity governance at the grassroots level. He stated that BMCs are the backbone of biodiversity conservation in Arunachal Pradesh. The success of the Biological Diversity Act depends on active participation of local communities, because they are the true custodians of our forests, rivers, medicinal plants and traditional knowledge.
Abo, in his address, emphasised the Board’s commitment to strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees across Arunachal Pradesh through continuous capacity building, technical guidance, and institutional support.
He informed participants that APSBB is working towards operationalizing key provisions of the amended Act, including Access and Benefit Sharing and Certificate of Origin, through the Arunachal Pradesh Biological Diversity Rules.
The technical sessions focused on creating awareness among BMC members about the important provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023).
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion during which BMC members raised queries on Access and Benefit Sharing, Biodiversity Heritage Sites, Local Biodiversity Funds, Certificate of Origin, and implementation of the amended Biological Diversity Act in Arunachal Pradesh.
APSBB officials clarified the provisions of the Act and encouraged BMCs to work in partnership with the Board for effective implementation of biodiversity conservation initiatives across the State.