JAMMU: The Department of Botany, University of Jammu, under the aegis of the Botanical Club, celebrated International Day of Biodiversity on today. A drive entitled "To Know the Biodiversity of the Campus" was carried out by faculty members, research scholars, and students of the department. During the drive, all the plants in the “Cactus Garden” were labelled with QR codes in continuation of the ongoing initiative of the department to digitise the Flora of the University.
Additionally, several new aromatic plant species, including Artemisia stelleriana, Salvia rosmarinus, Pimenta dioica etc. were planted in the “Touch and Smell Garden” of the department. These activities were undertaken in tandem with the theme of International Biodiversity Day 2024, “Be Part of the Plan." This theme emphasizes the importance of a collective and coordinated approach to address and reverse biodiversity loss, supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Susheel Verma, Head, Department of Botany, highlighted the importance of the celebration of the International Day of Biodiversity to the students. The main aim of the event was to appreciate and foster a deeper understanding of biodiversity, thereby preventing its mismanagement, misuse, and destruction so that its conservation is ensured. All the faculty members, research scholars, students, and non-teaching staff participated in the event.