Tawang, Aug 10: A one-day district level consultation workshop for Arunachal Pradesh state biodiversity strategy and action plan was conducted by WWF India at Tawang on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner in-charge Rinchin Leta,chaired the meeting which was attended by DFO Tawang, Piyush Gaikwad, other head of offices, President,Tangyom Tsogpa(NGO) and few PRI leaders.
Leta, in his address said it is matter of pride that Arunachal Pradesh has the highest forest cover in the country and it is our duty to conserve biodiversity. "Merely including it in the action plan will not serve the purpose; we should work towards achieving the result," he said. The DC requested the members of WWF India to include incentive oriented projects for employment generation to the locals with minimum damage to the natural biodiversity. 
He further said that the region is rich in medicinal plants and other resources but people are not aware, and requested that the action plan submitted to the government should benefit the locals.
Sharing similar sentiments, DFO Tawang said that the local people are not aware of the rich resources and the benefits are availed  by outsiders. He suggested that 'Cordicep' which is available in Tawang could be very good source of income with proper marketing. He also raised his concern on outlet of sewerage system of defence establishments in high mountains.
Ranju Dodum, Member WWF India, in his presentation informed the house that forest cover of the state is around 79% with six major types of forests. He advocated for sustainable development and nature based livelihood by promoting eco tourism and convergence of various schemes to conserve biodiversity. He informed that the meeting in every district is necessitated to understand the need and unique challenges faced by each district; the plan will align with the Pakke Declaration and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Later participating in the discussion on challenges of the district and measures to be included in action plan to be submitted to the government, the members placed their suggestions and views on challenges specific to Tawang district.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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