Biodiversity Day celebrated

Rawalpindi
International Biological Diversity Day celebrated at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) by organising a seminar, here on Friday, with the objective to raise awareness on biodiversity related issues and its significance.
Seminar was organised by the Department of Environmental Sciences in collaboration with ICIMOD, National Cleaner Production Centre and Technology Times, with this year theme “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development.
On the occasion, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was the chief guest and was also attended by Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra Country representative ICIMOD, Dr. Muhammad Khursheed DG Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Professor Dr. Tariq Mahmood (Advisor R&D HEC), scientists from various organisations, representatives of environment and wildlife conservation agencies as well as a large number of students and teachers from University.
PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, highlighted the significance of biodiversity and emphasised the community role to conserve vegetation with collective initiatives. He said that biodiversity Pakistan is facing different threats and there is a need to protect biodiversity for future generation by adopting the practical measures.
Professor Dr. Tariq Mahmood (Advisor R&D HEC) and Dr. Muhammad Khurshid DG, EPA, while addressing, said that conservation of biological diversity ensures economic prosperity and ecological sustainability and is also the tool to fight against climate change.
On the occasion, Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra, country representative of ICIMOD read the message of ICIMOD Director General David James Molden, on biodiversity and its importance for sustainable development.
Students of the Department of Environmental Sciences also organized competition of posters and models in connection with Biodiversity Day where they displayed their art work and scientific models. They highlighted the significance of Biodiversity conservation and importance of biodiversity in ecosystem. Students also presented a skit on biodiversity theme and it was excellent activity to express the conservation of biodiversity. The first prize in Poster/Model Competition was awarded to Shehrish Rubab of MS Environmental Sciences, second position was secured by Huma Naseer of Environmental Sciences, whereas, third position was obtained by Afsah Khalid of MSC Environmental Sciences. In the Research Project Presentation Competition the first prize went to Muhammad Bashir Ahmad and second position was secured by Muhammad Sadaat Mazhar of MS Environmental Sciences. Winners of competitions were awarded prizes and shields by Professor Tariq Mahmood (Advisor R&D HEC) and chief guest (Technical Session) Dr. Muhammad Khurshid DG, EPA.