Awantipora: Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in collaboration with the Department of Social Forestry, Government of J&K today held Plantation Drive under the theme Donate a Plant & Own a Tree (DPOT) and also conducted One day Seminar on the theme “Role of Forests in Mitigating Climate Change”.
Mr. Roshan Jaggi, IFS PCCF/ Director Department of Social Forestry J&K was the chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of forests in Climate Change mitigation strategy and said that halting deforestation and increasing the green cover helps in reduction of greenhouse gases. He also talked about initiatives afoot towards making Green India a reality.
Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo Vice Chancellor IUST and Patron of the event, said that climate change impacts all aspects of human activity, therefore collective efforts at global level are needed to alleviate the impact of climate change. He highlighted the global mechanisms and protocols adopted by nation states and also referred to the COP 27 and said that the survival of human race depends on timely action and awakening about the importance of climate change issues and said that developed countries will have to fulfill their commitments. He also highlighted the green initiatives taken by the university particularly setting up of a solar energy park, biodiversity park etc. Registrar IUST Prof Naseer Iqbal and Dean Outreach Prof Lily Want also spoke about the threats posed by the climate change and lauded the efforts of social forestry department in increasing the green cover.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Aijaz Qureshi, Coordinator Natural Interpretation Centre, Biodiversity Park and Research Officer MCSS, IUST.