CHIMPU : The Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board (APBB) celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2026 at the Dr Verrier Elwin Conference Hall of the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) here on Friday under the global theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”
Delivering the keynote address, APBB Member Secretary HB Abo highlighted the significance of the International Day for Biological Diversity and stressed the importance of local action in achieving global conservation goals. He spoke on Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biological heritage, indigenous conservation practices and the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 through initiatives such as the preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and sustainable use of biological resources. He also appreciated the active participation of students and youth in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife Protection and Information Technology) Devendra Dalai described Arunachal Pradesh as part of one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots. He urged citizens to adopt simple and sustainable practices in their daily lives, stating that collective local efforts could create a meaningful global impact.
The technical session featured presentations by G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Itanagar Centre Head Dr Paromita Ghosh and Rajiv Gandhi University Professor Dr Hui Tag. Dr Ghosh spoke on the global biodiversity crisis, climate change, sustainable use of biological resources and India’s conservation initiatives, while emphasising the role of youth and community participation.
Prof Hui Tag highlighted issues relating to global biodiversity governance, the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP-17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh. He also stressed the importance of biodiversity documentation, community-based conservation and the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
APBB Chairman Hawa Bagang reiterated the Board’s commitment to strengthening biodiversity conservation across the state. He highlighted initiatives to strengthen Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), mobilise funding support for conservation programmes and encourage greater participation of students and local communities in biodiversity-related activities and research.
The programme also featured prize distribution to winners of painting, model-making, craft-making and short film competitions organised to promote biodiversity awareness among students, youth and BMCs. Plantation drives were also conducted in several schools as part of the awareness campaign.
More than 70 participants, including scientists, senior forest officials, staff of SFRI and APBB, representatives of Biodiversity Management Committees, teachers, students and other stakeholders, attended the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by APBB Research Officer Dr Bamin Yakang, who said that every small action for nature contributes towards creating a lasting global impact.
