AMWJU observes World Biodiversity Day

IMPHAL, May 22: The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) on Wednesday observed World Biodiversity Day under the theme - "Our bio-diversity, our food, our health" at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
Speaking at the event on the changing climate, Y Nabachandra Singh, Director, Directorate of Environment, said that a vast number of species have gone extinct due to human encroachment and other natural catastrophes. Thousands of species are going extinct every year.
President of Editors' Guild, Manipur Khogendra Khomdram talked on how deforestation and large scale felling of trees have increased global warming.
According to the United Nations, May 22 is celebrated as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When the Second Committee of the United General Assembly first observed the day in 1993, they had designated December 29 to be the International Day for Biological Diversity.
In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted May 22 as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on May 22, 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. As per census of Marine Life, there are about 8.7  million species (give or take 1.3 million) on Earth with 6.5 million on land and 2.2 million in oceans. Further, PLos Biology says a staggering 86 % of all species on land and 91 % of those in the seas are yet to be discovered, described and catalogued.
According to UN reports, the last century has witnessed more than 90 per cent of the crop varieties and half of the breeds of domestic animals being wiped out. This year's theme calls for reducing meat consumption, consumption of seasonal foods. It encourages purchase of local foods, usage of  reusable bags, reduce food waste and  avoid plastics. Bijoy Kakchingtabam, president AMWJU, Dr Y Premchandra Singh, Deputy Director Health and many journalists attended the event.