AWANTIPORA: The Biodiversity Park, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (DESCC) and Alpine Club, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 at Campus-II under the global theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST, as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Registrar emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable development. He appreciated the initiatives taken by the Biodiversity Park and DESCC for organizing awareness-driven activities aimed at encouraging environmental responsibility among students and society. He further highlighted the need for collective efforts and local action to address global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss and climate change.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Dharam Chand, Coordinator, Biodiversity Park, highlighted the significance of observing the International Day for Biological Diversity and stressed the urgent need to conserve biological resources for future generations. He also spoke about the role of educational institutions in fostering environmental consciousness and sustainable practices among youth.
As part of the celebrations, plantation and cleanliness drives were conducted within the Campus-II premises to promote environmental stewardship and encourage community participation in maintaining a clean and green environment. The programme was attended by university officials, faculty members, research scholars, students, and non-teaching staff. The event proceedings were moderated by Dr. Sumira Nazir Zaz, Coordinator, DESCC, and Dr. Yasir Altaf, Assistant Professor, DESCC. The programme was partly sponsored by Jammu & Kashmir Bank. Dr. Farooq Hussain Bhat, Dean, School of Sciences, presented the vote of thanks and appreciated the participants and students for their active support in making the event meaningful.