Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity – 2025 (IDB–2025)

Shimla, May 22, 2025:
The Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (HPSBB), in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)–2025 with great enthusiasm and participation from students, researchers, faculty members, and biodiversity stakeholders. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Sh. DC Rana (Director, Disaster Management cum Member Secretary, HIP State Biodiversity Board) who delivered an insightful address on Biodiversity Conservation and the importance of community participation in conserving local biodiversity. He emphasized the role of youth and academia in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh and aligned the message with this year’s global theme “Harmony with nature and sustainable development”. Prof. J S Dhiman (Dean, Planning and Teacher’s Matters, HPU Shimla), Prof. D R Thakur (Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, HPU Shimla) and Dr. Suresh Attri (Joint Member Secretory, HPSBB, Shimla) were the Guests of Honour, and they shed light on the critical role of biodiversity in sustaining livelihoods, ensuring food security, and mitigating climate change impacts. Dr. Suresh Attri, Joint Member Secretary, HP State Biodiversity Board, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and participants. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Board in documenting and preserving the State’s biological wealth through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and other outreach programs were also highlighted. Salient features of Biological Diversity Act 2002 were also discussed.
On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity- IDB-2025, an event dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues, several individuals and organizations from Himachal Pradesh were honoured for their outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation in the State. Among the notable individuals recognized was (Retd.) Colonel P.C. Rana (Turmeric Man) from Jwalamukhi, Kangra, acknowledged for his sustained efforts and grassroots work in ecological preservation and community-driven conservation initiatives. From the scientific community, Dr. Amit Chawla, Principal Scientist at IHBT-CSIR, Palampur, and Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, Scientist at Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), were honored for their extensive research and fieldwork in biodiversity conservation, particularly in the Western Himalayan region. Dr. Pankaj Prasad Ratauri from Dabur India Limited was also recognized for integrating biodiversity sustainability practices in industrial and commercial frameworks.
The recognition of these individuals and institutions underscores the importance of collaborative action in preserving the biological diversity of Himachal Pradesh. Their efforts align with this year’s theme: “Harmony with nature and sustainable development” encouraging all sections of society to contribute towards the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The event featured insightful addresses and lectures by distinguished speakers. Prof. (Retd.) S.P. Bhardwaj, a veteran academician and researcher with over three decades of experience, shared his perspectives on “Conservation of Horticultural Biological Resources in Himachal Pradesh”. Dr. Y.P. Sharma, (Retd. Head), ICAR-IARI Regional Station, Shimla, GOI spoke about Utilization of Biodiversity for Food Security and Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, Scientist-E, ICFRE-HFRI, shared his thoughts on “International Day for Biologiacl Diversity: Issues and Challenges”.
The event, emphasized inclusive participation—from scientists and policymakers to grassroots communities—in protecting and sustainably using biodiversity. The State reaffirmed its dedication to achieving biodiversity targets and promoting ecosystem resilience through collaborative and science-based approaches.