The National Campaign for Updating and Verifying the People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) was launched in Goa, India, in collaboration with various government entities and attended by notable dignitaries. This campaign aims to document and preserve India's diverse biological resources. The event was hosted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change and included the participation of the Goa State Biodiversity Board, the National Biodiversity Authority, and the Government of Goa. Distinguished guests, such as Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, were present at the launch.
During the event, the Union Minister of State, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, underscored the importance of preserving the delicate balance of nature. He highlighted the necessity of giving back to nature as much as we take from it, stating, "Maintaining nature's delicate balance is crucial; we must restore what we extract." Choubey emphasized the significance of conserving biodiversity, stating, "Preserving biodiversity is essential for upholding harmony in nature." He further stressed the importance of public engagement in successfully implementing the requirements of the Biodiversity Act 2002.
Additionally, he stressed the significance of the "Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)" concept proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow on November 1, 2021. This concept promotes the responsible and mindful use of resources by individuals and institutions to preserve and sustain the environment.
Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, commended the people of Goa for their remarkable endeavours in safeguarding biodiversity and emphasized the crucial role of local communities in achieving success in this area. "The achievements of Goa in this field are a testament to the dedication of the people on the ground," he stated. He further emphasized that while the government can support local communities in their biodiversity conservation efforts, the credit for any achievements belongs solely to the community.
The People's Biodiversity Register is a comprehensive record that encompasses various aspects of biodiversity, including habitat conservation, preservation of land races, folk varieties, cultivars, domesticated animals, microorganisms, and accumulated knowledge on biological diversity. As mandated by the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) are formed by local governments across India to promote the conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biodiversity. These committees collaborate with local communities to prepare People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
