The Department of Botany and Environmental Science, Government Degree College, Nubra, in collaboration with the Forest Department, Nubra, observed International Day of Forests on March 20.

Assistant Professor, Environmental Science, Tsewang Lahmo  presented an overview of International Day of Forests and its theme for this year ‘Forest and Innovation: new solution for a better world’. 

Principal of GDC Nubra, Dr Tsewang Motup, the chief guest, spoke about the role of trees in conservation of wildlife in the desert ecosystem of Ladakh. He emphasised on maximum plantation drive for conservation and promotion of forest and to develop an ecosystem. He encouraged students and teachers to act as green ambassadors for society and future generations. He also highlighted the vision of Degree College, Nubra, to establish an arboretum in the college campus, Which will serve as an invaluable resource for educational and research purposes, harbouring a repository of different indigenous and exotic tree species. 

Additionally, Forester, Sonam Wangyal presented an overview, historical background and importance of International Day of Forests, and highlighted the conservation work being executed by the Forest Department in Nubra valley. 

Assistant Professor, Botany, Dr. Konchok Dorjey highlighted the role of plants and trees in maintaining ecosystem balance and survival of diverse life-forms present in a forest ecosystem. He emphasised that forests represent a repository of life-forms and biodiversity and conservation of a forest may contribute to conservation of biodiversity. 

The event witnessed the inauguration of a mega plantation drive programme in presence of the chief guest, officials and participants. Dr Tsewang Motup planted a sapling of pine tree as a symbolic gesture to begin the plantation drive. All the students, faculties and staff members of forest department actively participated in the plantation drive and planted more than a hundred trees representing different species of pine, juniper, willow, polar, Russian olive and tamarix provided by the Forest Department, Nubra. During the event, many students also expressed their views on forest day and conservation of trees and biodiversity. 

The other attendees included the faculties, students of GDC Nubra  and staff members of the Forest Department.