TCSRD organises Biodiversity Fair to promote awareness on pollinator conservation

Mithapur (Gujarat), 11January, 2020: Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development has organised the 4th edition of its’ two-day Biodiversity Fair in Mithapur based on the theme ‘Protecting our Pollinator’ that aims at promoting awareness on the importance of pollinator conservation.

Students and teachers from various local schools, employees and family members of Tata Chemicals Mithapur plant, as well as local people from the surrounding villages participated in the two-day Biodiversity Fair.

To spread the awareness of pollinator conservation, a competition—in the form of poster exhibition, protection models and PowerPoint presentations are also organised at the fair. The competition saw participation of over 175 volunteers, who pledged continuous support for such conservation awareness campaign in Okhamandal region.

Tata Chemical Vice President (Manufacturing)Mr. N. Kamathinaugurated the fair. Initiated in 2017, TCSRD organises this fair every year to promote biodiversity themes among the local community.

On the occasion, Kamath said that the pollinator conservation effort is of global relevance and it is even more relevant for Okhamandal region considering the farming community and the dependency of the local economy on agriculture.

According to an estimate almost 75% of the food crops - like vegetables, fruits, spices, nuts and oilseed that produce seeds and fruits we consume are influenced by pollinators. Pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, moths, specific ants, birds and bats are some of the most important living creatures on earth. Their relationship with flowering plants has evolved over millions of years and has led to the procreation of a rich diversity of species vital for the survival of human beings.

Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, Alka Talwar, Chief of CSR and Sustainability at Tata Chemicals, said, "The rapidly declining pollinator population and prevailing trends have sent alarm bells ringing around the globe as their loss is irreplaceable and would be disastrous for our planet. The only way out is to act fast to conserve our pollinators. This will have to include the promotion of pollinator-friendly practices, control on the spread of exotic alien weeds and its eradication, propagation and conservation of pollinator-friendly indigenous flora and protection as well as strengthening of ecosystems and wildlife habitats."