Intl Day for bio-diversity observed

KATHMANDU, Nepal–With the theme of ‘Island Biodiversity’ the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed across the country with the initiation of International Center for integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Friday.

Arrays of events ranging from national to regional levels were also organized to celebrate this day. A talk on the biodiversity of Kailash Sacred Landscape is being organized at the Institute of Forestry in Pokhara at the initiation of ICIMOD.

Aiming to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues, The United Nations proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity.

This day also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation both in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region and across the world.

Located at the confluence of three global biodiversity hotspots (the Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and mountains of Southwest China), the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is known for its astounding biological diversity.

“The rich biodiversity of the HKH provides direct ecosystem services to more than 200 million people in the mountains and to 1.3 billion people in the downstream river basins, making a significant contribution to global goods and services”, ICIMOD states.