India Biodiversity Awards 2021 was recently presented on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22.
Winners:
Shaji N.M.:
- Shaji N.M., who is also called as ‘Tuber Man’ of Kerala has won in the individual category of ‘Conservation of domesticated species.’
- Mr. Shaji has been conferred the award as he conserves about 200 tuber crops such as greater yam, elephant foot yam, lesser yam, arrowroot, sweet potato, Chinese potato and colocasia, on his farm. He has received State awards seven times for his contribution.
KRAPAVIS:
- Krishi Avam Paristhitiki Vikas Sansthan (KRAPAVIS) won the award under the category ‘Sustainable Use of Biological Resources.’
- KRAPAVIS won the prestigious award for its support to communities in restoring water harvesting structures, recharge wells & water tables. It also helped to plant a million trees of local varieties in Orans.
KNCTS:
- Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) in Nagaland won the award under the ‘Sustainable Use of Biological Resources’ category. KNCTS was established on December 11, 1998.
- Sanctuary was awarded as it helps in maintaining biodiversity in the Khonoma area which is inhabited by several endemic plants and animals.
About India Biodiversity Awards:
- The India Biodiversity Awards initiative was started jointly by the ministry of environment, forest & climate change; National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2012.
- It recognizes and honour outstanding models from the grassroots level for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and governance.
The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated by globally on 22 May every year to raise awareness about the issue of a significant reduction in biological diversity due to certain human activities.
Biological Diversity comprises a wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms including genetic differences within each species, for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock.
The theme of 2021 is “We’re part of the solution”.
The slogan was chosen to be a continuation of the momentum generated last year under the over-arching theme, “Our solutions are in nature”, which served as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges.
The United Nations General Assembly in December 2000, adopted May 22 as International Day for Biological Diversity.
First published by Civil Service India on 25 May 2021
Also read Khonoma Community-based Conservation initiative wins Biodiversity Award 2021
Re. KRAPAVIS, read Agri body wins India Biodiversity Awards
