ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity.

The United Nations declared 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity, and since then, the day has been celebrated every year with different themes. This year, the day was observed under the theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”As part of the celebration, the Extension Division organized a “Bird Watching” programme at the institute campus under the guidance of Dr. Arun Pratap Singh, Scientist-G & Head, Forest Protection Division.At the outset, Dr. Charan Singh, Scientist-G & Head, Extension Division, delivered the opening remarks and welcomed Shri D. P. Khali, Group Coordinator (Research) and Director In-Charge of the Institute, Dr. Arun Pratap Singh, subject expert for bird watching, and all the participants of the programme. He highlighted the direct and indirect benefits of birds and emphasized their important role in the propagation and conservation of biodiversity.In his inaugural address, Shri D. P. Khali spoke about the importance of biological diversity and the need for its conservation to maintain ecological balance in nature, with special emphasis on birds. He also appreciated the organizing team for successfully conducting the programme.

A quiz competition was also organized for the participants, during which oral questions related to biological diversity were asked and enthusiastically answered by the participants.Dr. Anita Tomar, Scientist-F, Extension Division, delivered the vote of thanks. She appreciated the efforts of the Extension Division team, as well as the Head, Forest Botany Division, and his team for their support in managing the Botanical Garden and contributing to the successful completion of the programme. The programme was anchored by Shri Lokinder Sharma, Scientist-C, Extension Division.The Extension Division team, including Dr. Anita Tomar, Shri Lokinder Sharma, Ms. Chitra Bharadwaj, and supporting technical staff members Mr. Naveen Chauhan, Mr. Amit Singh, and Mr. Pushkar Singh, worked commendably under the supervision of the Head, Extension Division, to make the programme successful.More than 60 participants, including scientists, officers, staff members of the institute, and students of FRI Deemed University, participated in the programme.