Green Skilling - Students trained to document Himalayan biodiversity
A two months duration course in Preparation of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) under the Green Skill Development Program of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India concluded today at HP ENVIS HUB, Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), Shimla.This program is an initiative for skill development in the environment and forest sector to enable State’s youth to get gainful employment and/or self-employment through short term courses.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Dr. S.S. Samant, Director, Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla said that biodiversity conservation needs urgent attention the world over, especially in Himachal Pradesh which is home to many species of flora and fauna.He emphasized that small steps like appreciating local biodiversity, learning names and traditional uses of medicinal plants will go a long way in making people aware about conservation efforts. Dr. VaneetJishtu, Scientist-D, HFRI and Dr. Anil Thakur, Associate Professor, Govt. Degree College, Theog were also present during the function and were highly impressed by the enthusiasm shown by students during the course.They urged students to participate in some upcoming projects/ initiatives. 14 students have been trainedthrough this program: 1 from Chandigarh, 1 from Jammu & Kashmir, 1 from Ladakh and 11 from Himachal Pradesh.Earlier in the day, an expert committee headed by Dr. S.P. Bhardwaj, Associate Director, Regional Fruit Research Station, Nauni University took viva exam of the trainees.
Dr. Aparna Sharma, ENVIS coordinator highlighted achievements of the course and informed that it was noteworthy that five students trained through these courses have been placed in various scientific research projects in HIMCOSTE & HFRI. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change at New Delhi has lauded this achievement and termed it an important contribution in biodiversity conservation. Two more courses on Green skill development of local youthare shortly commencing at HP ENVIS Hub: Wild Beekeeping & Non Timber Forest Produce (Plant Origin): Medicinal Plants.
During the course, for field and lab visits students were taken to best institutions in HP and Uttarakhand. Some of them include HFRI & Potters Hill; Indian Agricultural Research Institute; Water Catchment Area, Kufri, Forest Research Institute; Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board;Uttarakhand Council for Science & Technology; Wildlife Indian Institute, Botanical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India andRajaji National Park. These activities were shared by the Ministry on its twitter handle. Students also attended one day seminar on Faunal Diversity of Trans-himalayas at ZSI, High Altitude Research Station, Solan organized by MoEF&CC, GoI and interacted with eminent scientists. As a part of field training the task of making PBR in Sargheen near Pujarli was assigned under the supervision of experts from HFRI. The function concluded with distribution of certificates and mementoes to students and experts.
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