Manguluru: The valedictory function of National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), organized by the Department of Biosciences, Mangaluru University under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change-Govt. of India, and the Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishat was held recently at UBMC Model Higher Primary School, Parande, Konaje.
Dinesh Nayak (Advisor, Green Belt, SEZ Mangalore) presided over the function and said that as long as we do not show concern towards our environment, various ill-effects of pollution and deforestation will continue. “The intensity of the negative impacts will be high in the near future, if we are not serious about the conservation of environment. The Western Ghats, one among the fewest biodiversity hotspots in the world, are also known for various endemic medicinal plants. But unfortunately, many of them are in the verge of extinction due to unsustainable developmental activities. Each one of us need to plant and grow at least five such saplings to conserve them before they become extinct.”
Chief guest of the programme Jayaprasad (Retd. Head-master of UBMC School, Belma) said, “It is appreciated that Mangalore University, for the first time, has arranged this seminar in a village. Scientific knowledge and latest research information should be shared with the people of villages; in turn they will share their traditional knowledge and experiences, which will be effective in nature conservation practices.” Shankara Bhat Badanaje, Vasanthi K and Shree Padre were honoured in recognition of their contributions in environment conservation activities through organic farming, guiding students for environmental science projects at the international level and rainwater harvesting, respectively.
Prof. K Byrappa, Vice Chancellor, who presided over the seminar on organic farming and in situ conservation of seed diversity, said that Mangalore university has intended to conduct various outreach activities in villages for the benefit of farmers, tribal community and school children. “Having realized various negative consequences of modern agricultural practices, we are coming back to organic farming, a traditional system, which is also an eco-friendly approach. To compensate the massive destruction of forests, wastelands should be used for afforestation.”
Photograph exhibitions of nature of renowned photographer Apul Alva Ira and paintings of famous artist G R Upadhyaya have also been conducted as a part of the NEAC programme for 3 days in the Dept. of Biosciences, Mangalore University. Satish Kumpala (vice President, D.K. district zilla panchayat) and Prof. B Abdul Rahiman (Former VC of Kuvempu University (acting)) inaugurated the photo and painting exhibitions respectively. In the seminar, Dr Harish Shenoy gave a talk on in situ conservation of seed diversity. Shree Padre delivered a talk on importance and strategies of conservation of water resources.
Dr Prashantha Naik (convener of the programme) delivered the vote of thanks. Thyagam compered the programme. Prof. M Rajashekhar, Prof. K Chandrakala Shenoy, Dr Taravathy N C, Dr Shreepada K S, Dr Chandra M, JFM Prabhakar Jogi, Dorathy Ammanna were present. The programme was co-sponsored by Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust (R) and Sri Durga Lab Equipment Supplies, Mangalore.
