International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) was celebrated with Colourful programs at Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) on May 22 for creating awareness among masses especially students on importance of biodiversity and threats to it. This year’s theme of the Day was “Water and Biodiversity”.

PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was the chief guest at inaugural ceremony of the celebration. PSF Member Science Dr. Khalil Ahmad Ibupoto, Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre’s (PASTIC) Director General (DG) Dr. Akram Sheikh, PMNH DG Dr. Ata Ul Mohsin, ICIMOD Country Representative Mr. Abdul Wahid Jasra and senior officials from MoST were present on this occasion. A large number of students, teachers and scientists attended the inaugural ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the PMAS-Arid Agriculture University VC said there is dire need to conserve water to save biodiversity for continuation of life on planet earth. He said if we failed to meet this challenge then we should be ready to face the consequences of this irreparable loss. He said PMAS-Arid Agriculture University and PMNH have singed a Memorandum of Understanding for research cooperation. Dr. Ahmad said the MoU should be revisited for jointly working on biodiversity conservation.

The VC stressed the need for using water carefully as wastage of every drop of water is impacting biodiversity and ecological system, which is endangering many species.

Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) jointly chalked out a series of events at PMNH, Garden Avenue, Shakarparian, Islamabad, to celebrate IDB in an effective way for creating awareness among the masses and students about the significance of Biodiversity.

The celebration activities included a Symposium on Biodiversity, Speech Competition, Nature Photography and Painting Competitions among students from twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

PSF Member Science Dr. Khalil Ahmad Ibupoto, PMNH DG Dr. Ata Ul Mohsin, ICIMOD Country Representative Mr. Abdul Wahid Jasra and PMNH Zoological Sciences Director Dr. Muhammad Rafiq also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the significance of the Biodiversity and various threats to it including pollution, deforestation, over-hunting, overgrazing, over-fishing, water logging, salinity and desertification.

ICIMOD Country Representative Mr. Abdul Wahid Jasra read the message of ICIMOD Director General Mr. David Molden. Mr. Molden in his message said, “What can we do to better take care of our mountains and water supplies? Part of the answer is easy, and we can all play a part. Let us resolve to use water sparingly and wisely, not to pollute, and to share clean water with our neighbours.”

“The other part of the answer is more complicated, as there are complex links between water and ecosystems, especially when people use waters for food, drinking, and energy. There are strong links between upstream and downstream users, but the impact of changes in water use upstream on downstream users is often hard to predict and communicate. Many of the rivers originating in the region cross boundaries between countries, requiring special consideration. The policies, institutions, and incentives that govern water use need to take into consideration better information on these issues.”

The theme Water and Biodiversity was chosen to coincide with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. Designation of IDB 2013 on the theme of water provides Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the public at large the opportunity to raise awareness about this vital issue, and to increase positive action. Coincidently, the period 2005-2015 is the International Decade for Action 'WATER FOR LIFE'.

IDB is celebrated all over the world to highlight the significance of Biodiversity conservation and importance of biodiversity in ecosystem. IDB symbolizes and highlights that nations throughout the world cooperate to halt and reverse the accelerating loss of biological and genetic resources of the planet earth. It gives an opportunity to all to join hands and talk about the existing and emerging problems caused by biodiversity loss and prospects of biodiversity conservation.

At the end of inaugural ceremony, the chief guest awarded prizes to students who won positions in different completions on the theme of the day.