The launch of the National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) took place in Goa today, marking a significant milestone in the documentation and preservation of India’s diverse biological resources. The event was organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, the National Biodiversity Authority, and the Government of Goa. Esteemed dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Minister for Environment and Climate Change of Goa Nilesh Cabral, Chairman of the National Biodiversity Authority C. Achalender Reddy, and other senior government representatives, graced the occasion.
During the event, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey underscored the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of nature, stating, “It is crucial to maintain the delicate balance present in nature and give back as much as we take.” He emphasized the significance of biodiversity conservation, stating, “Conserving biodiversity is key to maintaining balance in nature.” He also stressed the need for active public participation in the successful implementation of the provisions outlined in the Biodiversity Act of 2002, noting, “It is essential to not only raise awareness but also ensure people’s active involvement to achieve the intended objectives of these provisions.”
Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey informed the audience that to date, 267,608 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) have been prepared across the country by Biodiversity Management Committees. These committees have been entrusted with the vital task of documenting natural resources and the associated traditional knowledge. He also highlighted the progress made in digitizing the People’s Biodiversity Registers, transforming them into e-PBRs.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the significance of the “Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)” concept, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow on November 1, 2021. LiFE calls upon individuals and institutions worldwide to promote conscious and responsible resource utilization to protect and preserve the environment. The Minister highlighted how activities like the preparation and updation of PBRs align with the principles of Mission LiFE.
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, expressed his pride in Goa being chosen as the launch site for this national campaign. He acknowledged the remarkable efforts of the people of Goa in preserving biodiversity and underscored the crucial role played by local communities in achieving success in this field. He stated, “The successes of Goa in this sector are a result of the enthusiasm of the local community. The government can only support local communities in their endeavors to preserve biodiversity, and therefore, every success belongs to the community.”
In addition to the campaign launch, an exhibition showcasing unique products from each Biodiversity Management Committee was inaugurated during the event. The occasion also witnessed the distribution of special awards for the Best Biodiversity Management Committee in North and South Goa, the Green Journalist Award, and individual contributions to biodiversity preservation.
