MDU professor emphasises need to conserve biodiversity
Prof Surendra Yadav, Coordinator of the University Outreach Programme at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) and Professor in the Department of Botany, has emphasised that biodiversity forms the foundation of life on Earth. However, in today’s world, the rate at which biodiversity is disappearing has increased to nearly a thousand times the natural rate of extinction.
He warned that the consequences of declining biodiversity could be extremely severe, making its conservation more urgent than ever.
Prof Yadav was addressing students at Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, Gandhinagar, during an environmental awareness programme organised on the eve of World Biodiversity Day.
He urged youth to act as brand ambassadors for biodiversity conservation, spreading awareness and becoming proactive guardians of the environment. “Biodiversity acts as a protective shield for all life forms, including humans, protecting us from natural disasters. Conserving it is not just important — it is essential,” he pointed out.
Prof Yadav noted that environmental balance is rapidly deteriorating due to the extinction of various species. “The relentless race for development has severely disrupted natural habitats. Additionally, invasive alien species—both plants and animals—have become a serious threat to native biodiversity,” he added.
He explained that factors such as climate change, global warming, pollution, changing lifestyles, and increasing consumerism are pushing thousands of plant and animal species toward extinction. “In this scenario, it is crucial for young people to step forward and play a decisive role in the conservation of biodiversity,” he stressed.
He encouraged the students to plant and care for trees, avoid single-use plastic, conserve water and adopt a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. He also emphasised the close connection between biodiversity and sustainable development, stating that both should go hand in hand.
The programme was coordinated by School Eco Club Coordinator Satish Malik, along with Jyoti Deshwal and Parul. The stage was conducted by Sanjay Kumar. School principal Sanjeev Dangi was also present on the occasion.
Haryana Tribune