Manipur University- 02/02/2024: The Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, successfully observed World Wetland Day on 2nd February 2024 on the theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” organizing an extempore competition, quiz competition, and film show on wetlands.
The observance of World Wetlands Days was conducted in the presence of the Chief Guest Prof. N Lokendra Singh, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University, Guests of Honour Prof. Th. Binoy Singh, Head, Dept. of Zoology (Life Science) and Salam Rajesh, Member, Technical Committee, Manipur Wetlands Authority, IUCN, CEESP, IPBES and President Dr. Vivek Vaishnav, HOD (i/c) Department of Forestry & Environmental Science, Manipur University along with faculties, office staffs, research scholars, and the students of the department.
Following the felicitation of the guests, watering of plants by guests, and welcome speech by the president of the programme, Prof. Th. Binoy Singh, Head, Department of Zoology (Life sciences) raised concerns about the current status of wetlands in Manipur in his speech. Mr. Salam Rajesh, Member of the Technical Committee, Manipur Wetlands Authority, highlighted the association of Wetlands and Climate change and how climate change has accelerated the loss of wetlands. ProftN. Lokendro Singh, the Vice Chancellor, Manipur University, unfolds the ecological history of Manipur and how Loktak Lake plays an important role in the ecosystem of the state.
With a short tea break, there was a special invited talk on the “Wise use of Wetlands” by Salam Rajesh Member, Technical Committee, Manipur Wetlands Authority, IUCN, CEESP, IPBES. Focussing on the central Asian Flyway, he highlighted migratory birds as crucial indicators of sustainable Wetland management. He reiterates the importance of sustaining wetlands for the benefit of both human and wildlife communities, emphasizing their role in climate regulation.The program was concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Konthoujam Khelchandra Singh, co-ordinator of the World Wetlands Day Observation Committee and the distribution of the certificates to the winners of quiz and extempore speech competition.