Awareness Program on International Biodiversity

Venue: DAMITS Campus, Rourkela

Biodiversity is the essence of life on Earth, representing the incredible variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that coexist in harmony. To foster awareness about the importance of biodiversity, Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Institute of Technology and Science (DAMITS) hosted an International Biodiversity Awareness Program on campus. The event aimed to inspire students to understand, respect, and take action to preserve our planet's ecological balance.

Program Highlights

The awareness event, held on 22nd May 2023, was attended by over 200 students from diverse disciplines. Here’s a quick overview of the program's key features:

1. Expert Sessions:
   Renowned ecologists and conservationists from the region conducted interactive sessions to highlight the significance of biodiversity. Topics included:

   • The role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological stability.
   • The impact of human activities on ecosystems.
   • Steps to combat biodiversity loss.

2. Interactive Workshops:
   Over 50 participants engaged in hands-on activities such as creating biodiversity maps for the DAMITS campus and designing posters on environmental conservation.

3. Documentary Screening:
   A powerful documentary on the beauty and fragility of biodiversity captivated the audience, leaving them with a deeper understanding of their role in preserving nature.

4. Tree Plantation Drive:
   To take tangible action, students planted 100 saplings on campus, symbolizing a commitment to fostering a greener environment.

Key Messages Shared with Students

The sessions and workshops were designed to make students aware of these critical points:

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:
  Biodiversity provides essential resources like food, water, and medicine. It also regulates the climate and purifies air and water.

• Human Responsibility:
  Students were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving water, and minimizing the use of plastics.

• Global and Local Impact:
  While biodiversity is a global concern, students were reminded that action begins at the local level. They were urged to become active participants in conserving biodiversity in their communities.

Student Takeaways

The program resonated deeply with the students, sparking curiosity and commitment:

• Riya Patel, a 3rd-year student, shared, “I learned how even small actions like avoiding plastic bags can make a big difference for the environment.”
• Sanjay Kumar, an engineering student, added, “The tree plantation drive was my favorite part. It feels great to contribute to something that will benefit future generations.”

Our Commitment to Biodiversity

At DAMITS, we believe that education is not just about academics but also about building environmentally conscious citizens. The International Biodiversity Awareness Program is just one of many initiatives aimed at cultivating a sense of responsibility and action among our students.