The International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 was observed under the theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” at the auditorium of St. Xavier College, Jalukie, Peren on 22nd May 2026. Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC) and Chairman of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB), Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS attended the programme as the special guest and called for collective responsibility and community participation in biodiversity conservation.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Sema said the International Day for Biological Diversity is observed globally to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1992. He stated that biodiversity is fundamental for food security, water, health, climate resilience and livelihoods, adding that biodiversity conservation is no longer merely an environmental concern but a survival issue for humanity.
Referring to the theme of the year, he said global environmental protection begins with local action and emphasised that small initiatives such as tree plantation, village-level conservation, community clean-up drives, sustainable lifestyles and responsible use of natural resources contribute significantly towards achieving global biodiversity goals.
Highlighting the rich biodiversity of Nagaland, Sema said the State lies within the ecologically significant Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and is endowed with rich forests, wildlife, rivers, medicinal plants, orchids and traditional agro-biodiversity. However, he expressed concern over the growing threats posed by deforestation, pollution, forest fires, soil erosion, water scarcity and the unsustainable extraction of natural resources.
He also pointed out the impact of climate change and stated that it is “no longer barking, but biting.” Citing reports of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), he informed that Nagaland witnessed a forest cover loss of about 794.88 sq. km between 2013 and 2023, and around 235 sq. km between 2019 and 2021.
Addressing students and youth, Sema described young people as the future custodians of nature and urged them to become “Ambassadors of Nature” through everyday conservation practices such as avoiding plastic waste, planting and protecting trees, conserving water, protecting wildlife and participating in the documentation and conservation of local biological resources through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
On environmental education, he stressed the importance of incorporating biodiversity and conservation awareness through school curriculum, Sunday schools, eco-clubs, nature clubs, biodiversity walks and community awareness campaigns.
Sema further underscored the importance of partnership between the government and communities in biodiversity conservation, noting that more than 95 percent of land and forests in Nagaland belong to the community. He said conservation efforts require the active participation and support of local communities, educational institutions, churches and civil society organisations alongside the Forest Department and Biodiversity Boards. Referring to Article 371A, which grants the people of Nagaland control over land and natural resources through customary ownership systems, he appealed to the people not to destroy the State’s rich biodiversity, but to protect and conserve it for future generations.
Calling for a balance between development and conservation, Sema envisioned Nagaland as a model for community-led biodiversity conservation with strong potential in Eco-Tourism- Biodiversity, Culture & Community Socio-capital.
Concluding his address, Sema said the theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” also reflects biblical principles of stewardship, faith and responsibility towards creation. Referring to verses from Genesis, Matthew, Galatians and James, he said caring for nature and doing good through action are collective responsibilities, and called upon the people to preserve Nagaland’s rich biodiversity and culture for future generations.
Short speeches were delivered by Chairman, NCCAF, Heirang Lungalang; APCCF, DEFCC, Supongnukshi, IFS; and Principal of St. Xavier College Jalukie, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis S. Cheerangal.
Earlier, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Peren Division, Chisayi Vadeo, IFS delivered the welcome address, while CCF (D&P) and Member Secretary, NSBB, Sidramappa M. Chalkapure, IFSC delivered the keynote address.
The programme also included a special presentation by Kimjapal, a second semester student of St. Xavier College Jalukie, along with prize distribution for painting and essay competitions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by RFO, NSBB, Savinuo Kikhi.
(Mamang, IA, Peren)
