Srinagar 5 March (KNB): Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department today organized a “One day Sensitization-cum-Orientation Programme on People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and Forest Rights Act (2006) for Forest Guards of all the three Forestry Training Schools.
A statement issued to Kashmir News Bureau said that the programme started with an inaugural address by Dr. Mohit Gera, IFS Pr.CCF and HoFF, J&K Forest Department in which he spoke about the need and objectives of Biodiversity Conservations, People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and its significance.
He said that PBRs have to document the availability and knowledge on biological resources and their uses, besides, diverse information on bio-habitats and bio-resources including sacred plants and animals, medicinal aromatic taxa, soils, wildlife etc.
“Since PBRs have already been prepared, they are now being updated,” he added.
He also directed the Forest Guards to use and maintain Plantation Journals, Nursery Register and Forest Guard books in the field.
He informed that all these three important basic documents have been revised, updated, printed and distributed in sufficient numbers to all the Divisions/ staff.
O.P. Sharma, IFS, Ex. Pr.CCF, J&K Forest Department/ Member J&K Biodiversity Council also shared his experience on People’s Biodiversity Registers and biodiversity of J&K.
He gave insights on wild relatives, rare, endemic and threatened taxa and the related indigenous knowledge.
Irfan Ali Shah, IFS , Conservator of Forests, Working Plan Circle conducted the concluding session in which he spoke about importance of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and need for protection of ecologically sensitive areas, which are repositories of rich biodiversity.
He exhorted the Forest Guard trainees to work with full commitment and dedication for effective protection of Forests and stressed on management of forests in a participatory mode and people friendly approach.
As per the statement, a film on FRA (2006) was also screened and an awareness pamphlet on FRA (Series No. 03) was also released on the occasion
The programme was attended by DFO Urban Forestry Division, Jammu, Principals and faculty of all the three Forest Training Schools, J&K Forest Department. (KNB)