ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific research to strengthen biodiversity conservation and protect the State’s rich natural heritage.
The Governor made the observation when Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board Chairman Hawa Bagang called on him at Lok Bhavan here on Thursday and briefed him on initiatives to conserve biodiversity, protect biological resources and promote their sustainable use.
Parnaik highlighted the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities about forests, medicinal plants, wildlife, sacred groves and sustainable resource management. He advised the Board to document and preserve this knowledge in collaboration with local communities and ensure that it complements modern scientific approaches.
The Governor stressed the need to address challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and the erosion of traditional knowledge. He called for strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees and promoting effective preparation and maintenance of People’s Biodiversity Registers.
Emphasising community participation, he urged the Board to engage youth, students, researchers and village institutions in conservation initiatives while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Governor called for making biodiversity conservation a people’s movement by encouraging younger generations to learn from village elders, revive sustainable traditional practices and take pride in the State’s ecological wealth.
He also emphasised that development and conservation must go hand in hand to ensure that Arunachal Pradesh’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.
Bagang assured the Governor of the Board’s commitment to taking concrete steps to strengthen biodiversity conservation across the State.