Protecting Biodiversity is not a Choice but a Necessity

Kapurthala, May 22, 2025: Pushpa Gujral Science City, in collaboration with the Punjab Biodiversity Board, celebrated International Biodiversity Day with great enthusiasm, focusing on the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” Over 300 students from various schools across Punjab participated in the event, showcasing their creativity and commitment to environmental conservation. A series of engaging competitions like Face Painting, Photography and Slogan Writing were organized to promote awareness and inspire action among the youth.

Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Pushpa Gujral Science City, in his introductory remarks on the occasion emphasized the significance of this year’s theme. He highlighted the urgent need to shift from an exploitative relationship with nature to one based on respect, balance and long-term sustainability. He mentioned that nature provides us with essential resources viz. food, clean air, medicine and energy while also protecting us from natural disasters and supporting vital ecosystems. Expressing concern over the alarming global decline in biodiversity, he cautioned that this crisis threatens not only wildlife but also human health, economic development, and global stability. He urged everyone to recognize their collective responsibility in safeguarding biodiversity as the key to a healthier planet and a sustainable future for generations to come.

On this occasion, Dr. Jagbir Singh, Former Professor from the Department of Zoology & Environmental Science, Punjabi University, Patiala in his keynote address highlighted the alarming loss of biodiversity across the globe. He pointed out global warming and large-scale deforestation as two of the most significant threats to plant and animal species worldwide. He informed that 10% of India's plant species are currently under threat, with over 150 medicinal plants having disappeared in recent decades. Further, approximately 10% of flowering plants, 20% of mammals, and 5% of birds in India are endangered. He also brought out that nearly one million animal species are at risk of extinction and warned that all corals could be bleached by the end of the century. Dr. Singh emphasized that education and dedicated actions are essential to combat biodiversity loss and to build a sustainable future for generations to come. In the photography competition, Mr. Sukhpreet Singh from Government High School Hamira  secured the first prize. Paavni and Akshara from Kamla Nehru Public School, Phagwara, stood first in the face painting competition. The first prize in the slogan writing competition was bagged by Gurnam Kaur from Saffron Public School, Phagwara."

The event concluded with a strong message: protecting biodiversity is not a choice, but a necessity for humanity for the planet and for a resilient future.