On Sunday, in Panaji, the International Day for Biological Diversity was being held at Kala Academy. In this event the environment minister of the Goa state biodiversity board, Mr. Rajendra Arlekar said we have to recall traditional methods to protect our biodiversity and adopt them to save the Earth.
The chairperson of the Goa state diversity board who also happens to be the MLA said Knowledge about our diversity has been passed down through the generations, which is why values of environmental protection have been instilled in us traditionally. Yet, we have turned a blind eye towards the environment. He also said that had we honoured traditions, the need to observe a day for biological diversity and stress on saving the environment would not have been so critical.This event was also attended by Mr. Pradeep Sarmokadam, who is a member secretary of Goa state biodiversity board.While speaking at the event, he said understanding biodiversity is important. We are looking at mainstreaming biodiversity and sustaining people’s livelihoods with our initiatives. This event was also graced by Vandana Shiva, Antonio Fernandes and Lakshmi Harmalkar.
Vandana Shiva, an environmentalist and physicist, said that at various levels our biological diversity is damaged which is a major cause for the disappearance of water. Antonio Fernandes, who is 95 years old and who is popularly known as the bundhs in South Goa, was felicitated for his important role of continuing the tradition of bundh sanskriti in Goa. Lastly in this event they also honoured Lakshmi Harmalkar, who is 72 years old for her work of enriching the agricultural and horticultural biodiversity of the state.
