Mangaluru:The valedictory function of National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), organized by the Department of Biosciences, Mangalore University under the auspices of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change-Govt. of India, and Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishath was held recently at UBMC Model Higher Primary School, Parande, Konaje.
Dinesh Nayak, Advisor, Green Belt, SEZ Mangalore presided over the function and said that as long as we do not show the concern towards our environment, various ill effects of pollution and deforestation are continued. The intensity of the negative impacts will be high in the near future days if not we become serious about the conservation of environment. Western Ghats, one among the fewest biodiversity hotspots of the world is also known for various endemic medicinal plants. But unfortunately, many of them are in the verge of extinction due to unsustainable developmental activities. Each one of us has to plant and grow at least five such saplings to conserve them before they become extinct.
Chief Guest of the programme Mr. Jayaprasad, Retd. Head-master of UBMC School, Belma said, “it is appreciated that Mangalore University for the first time has arranged the seminar in a village. The scientific knowledge and latest research information should be shared with village people; in turn village people share their traditional knowledge and experiences which will be effective in nature conservation practices”.
Sri Shankara Bhat Badanaje, Smt. Vasanthi K and Shree Padre were honored in recognition of their contributions in environment conservation activities through organic farming, guiding students for environmental science projects at the international level and rainwater harvesting, respectively.
Prof. K. Byrappa, Vice Chancellor who presided over the seminar on organic farming and in situ conservation of seed diversity, said that Mangalore university is intended to conduct various outreach activities in the villages for the benefit of farmers, tribal community and school children. Having realized various negative consequences of modern agricultural practices, we are coming back to organic farming, a traditional system, which is also an eco-friendly approach. To compensate the massive destruction of forest, the wastelands should be used for afforestation.
Exhibitions of the nature photographs of renowned photographer Mr. Apul Alva Ira and paintings of famous artist Sri G. R. Upadhyaya have also been conducted as a part of the NEAC programme for 3 days in the Dept. of Biosciences, Mangalore University. Satish Kumpala, vice President, D.K. district zilla panchayat and Prof. B. Abdul Rahiman, Former VC of Kuvempu University (acting) inaugurated the photo and painting exhibitions respectively.
At the seminar, Dr. Harish Shenoy gave a talk on In situ conservation of seed diversity. Shree Padre delivered a talk on importance and strategies of conservation of water resources. Dr. Prashantha Naik convener of the programme proposed vote of thanks. Mr. Thyagam anchored the programme. Prof. M. Rajashekhar, Prof. K. Chandrakala Shenoy, Dr. Taravathy N.C. Dr. Shreepada K.S. Dr. Chandra M. JFM Prabhakar Jogi, Smt. Dorathy Ammanna were present.
The programme was co-sponsored by Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust (R) and Sri Durga Lab Equipment Supplies, Mangalore.
