Press Release
A lively book talk was organized by the IAS Association, Rajasthan on the Facebook page of the IAS Literary Society, Rajasthan. The conversation was based on the book ‘Will and Wilful’ authored by Ms Neha Sinha. She was in conversation with IAS Literary Secretary, IAS Association, Rajasthan, Ms Mugdha Sinha. The talk focused on biodiversity conservation, planning and policymaking approaches, the role of technology in conservation, creating awareness of the conservation of biodiversity in the community, etc.
Talking about understanding biodiversity conservation, Ms Sinha said that biodiversity is the fabric of life, with more diversity one has more ecosystem services. Methodically combining local knowledge with scientific documentation should be applied for biodiversity conservation. With human-induced climate change, disasters are bound to come. To face this, humans need to be resilient and need their biodiversity. For example, Rajasthan showcases unusual plants, birds and animals that have adapted to the heat and aridity of the State.
Talking about reframing planning and policymaking, she said that we often fail to understand that conservation may be hindered by other issues faced by localites. If the State steps in to handhold the rural people, conservation can be very successful. Providing quick compensation for wildlife-related disasters will also be beneficial.
She further said many Government schools in India have ‘Eco Clubs’. The message of conservation can be spread through these clubs. Every Indian child must know the names of 20 flowers, birds and animals native to India. The officers from different departments need to exchange ideas with each other and work together. Traditions can be combined with technology to move forward. There is a need to understand the nature of a particular animal before engaging them in a certain activity. For example, elephants are not meant to carry heavy weights or be tamed to become submissive. There is a need to work with the young people of the communities consuming illegal animal products like fur coats, tiger wine, etc. to get them to switch to alternatives that do not harm animals.
