Synopsis
On March 13, Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched the "Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Strategy and Action: A People's Plan" to fulfill the Pakke Declaration and meet the National Biodiversity Targets, emphasizing community empowerment in environmental conservation.Key Takeaways
- Launch of Arunachal Pradesh's Biodiversity Action Plan.
- Aligns with Pakke Declaration and National Biodiversity Targets.
- Empowers local communities and indigenous groups.
- Supports India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Establishment of a monitoring cell in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Itanagar, March 13 (NationPress) Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday introduced the "Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Strategy and Action: A People's Plan", designed to fulfill the Pakke Declaration and meet the National Biodiversity Targets.
Officials indicated that in 2021, the Arunachal Pradesh government embraced the "Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh".
The State Biodiversity Action Plan outlines specific, localized action items aimed at empowering communities, districts, and indigenous populations to take control of their environment, with governmental support, as stated by an official from the State Biodiversity Board.
Expressing gratitude towards the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the State Biodiversity Board, and the state’s Environment and Forests and Climate Change Department for their significant involvement in developing this document, the Chief Minister highlighted its alignment with the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas", which aims for inclusive and sustainable growth through collective efforts.
"Additionally, this plan supports the Pakke Declaration and its five focal areas: environment, climate resilience, well-being, sustainable livelihoods, and collaborative action. It will also play a vital role in contributing to India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that our state remains at the forefront of conservation initiatives," he remarked.
Khandu reminded attendees that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently stressed the importance of a balanced approach to development and environmental preservation. He noted that the PM's vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ embodies a strong commitment to sustainability, ecological conservation, and securing a green future for forthcoming generations. Under the PM’s leadership, India has made significant advancements in environmental conservation through initiatives like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)—promoting sustainable living and responsible consumption, the National Mission for Green India to expand forest cover and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, the Jal Jeevan Mission for clean and safe drinking water while advocating for water conservation, the Namami Ganga and National River Conservation Plan aimed at revitalizing and preserving sacred rivers, and the International Solar Alliance, a global movement toward renewable energy.
"These initiatives align perfectly with Arunachal Pradesh’s biodiversity strategy, strengthening our commitment to conservation while promoting economic growth through sustainable practices," he stated.
Khandu, who attended the inception workshop of this action plan in 2022, had earlier advised the WWF and the state Environment & Forests and Climate Change Department to develop a strategy and present it in book format so the government could utilize it as a roadmap.
"It is encouraging to witness how our collaborative efforts have culminated in a comprehensive and robust strategy. This document will guide us along a sustainable development pathway while protecting our rich biodiversity," he remarked.
Arunachal Pradesh, known for its diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and various ecological zones, has always served as a haven for life. Khandu noted that the state’s distinct landscape and the traditional wisdom of its indigenous communities have fostered a harmonious existence with nature.
"This action plan will further enhance conservation efforts and serve as a model for the world," he added.
The Chief Minister assured all stakeholders that the execution of this plan would be the state government’s utmost priority.
"We are dedicated to safeguarding Arunachal’s natural wealth, empowering local communities, and ensuring that development and conservation progress together," he stated.
Khandu announced that a cell would be established within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to oversee the implementation of schemes and projects outlined in the state Budget 2025-26, as well as the state Biodiversity Plan. He emphasized that the plan would be executed statewide, engaging communities at every level, including at the gram panchayat level.
"Biodiversity is our collective responsibility, not just that of the government. Unless we accept and fulfill our obligations toward our environment, no governmental action plan will succeed."
