GCU observes biological diversity day

LAHORE

Government College University Environment Protection Society (GCU-EPS) Monday celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF-Pakistan) to increase understanding and awareness among students about the biodiversity issues.

The celebrations were marked by different activities including an awareness walk and seminar on biodiversity issues. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah inaugurated the day-long celebrations releasing the house sparrows to highlight the importance of free flight of birds and also as a symbol of their declining numbers.

Speaking on the occasion, GCU-EPS Adviser Dr Faiza Sharif said biodiversity, at the level of species and ecosystems, provided an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. “Recognition of the importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation,” she added. The adviser further said the Environment Protection Society in collaboration with environment experts had identified the perching sites of birds in GCU and scientific plaques of fifteen bird species were erected on the respective sites. The VC erected a plaque of Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) on a tree outside his office. Later, addressing a seminar on biodiversity, WWF-Pakistan resource persons Ms Warda Javaid and Ms Ana Farooq talked about Biodiversity of Pakistan with special focus on priority species and 'Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism. 

Seminar: Virtual University of Pakistan organised a seminar to celebrate “International Day for Biological Diversity” on Monday for creating awareness among the masses, especially the students on the importance of biodiversity and its threats. The VU Environmental Protection Society in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan organised the seminar in which Dr Masroor Elahi Babar, Dean Faculty of Science & Technology was the chief guest.