Itanagar, Aug 23: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for stronger scientific research, community participation and sustainable livelihood initiatives to safeguard the State’s rich botanical wealth and ensure long-term ecological security.
The Governor made the observation when Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Dr Kanad Das, called on him at Lok Bhavan here on Saturday. They discussed Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity, particularly its remarkable plant diversity, ongoing conservation initiatives and measures to strengthen botanical research in the State.
Appreciating the regular discovery of new species of flora and fauna in Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor highlighted the State’s importance as one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. He stressed that conservation must progress alongside development and called for greater emphasis on scientific documentation, habitat protection and community-based conservation.
Highlighting that Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 5,000 flowering plant species, around 600 orchid species, 75 rhododendron species and hundreds of medicinal plants, Parnaik advocated a dedicated Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Species Recovery Programme. He suggested GIS mapping, population monitoring, seed banking and habitat restoration in collaboration with the Forest Department and local communities.
The Governor also stressed the need for comprehensive botanical surveys in remote and lesser-explored parts of the State, particularly areas that had remained inaccessible in the past due to inadequate road connectivity. He suggested deploying additional scientific personnel for systematic documentation and research.
Referring to Arunachal Pradesh as India’s “Orchid Paradise”, the Governor noted that the State hosts nearly 40 per cent of the country’s orchid diversity. He recommended establishing a dedicated botanical garden, developing community orchid conservation areas and expanding ex-situ conservation through tissue culture and orchid rescue programmes.
Parnaik further advised the BSI to establish a Digital Flora and Climate-Change Monitoring Network, incorporating a real-time flora database and ecological monitoring system. He also called for enhanced public outreach and greater community engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Dr Krishna Chowlu, Scientist-in-Charge, Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was also present during the meeting.