World Wetlands Day celebrated at SMVDU

School of Biotechnology in collaboration with NSS, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University organized an awareness programme at Matrika Auditorium on 2^nd February 2024 to mark the celebration of World Wetlands Day. World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2^nd February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 is “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”. Its goal is to highlight how all aspects of human wellbeing – physical, mental, and environmental – are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands. The programme started with the welcome address by the coordinator of the event Dr. Shafaq Rasool, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty member, School of Biotechnology. She emphasised in her welcome address the urgent need to restore the wetlands of crucial importance. Prof. Pragati Kumar, Honourable Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, was the chief guest of the event. The event was attended by Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Balbir Singh, Dean Faculty of Sciences, Dr. S.K. Wanchoo. and Heads of various other schools. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of the university. Dr. Ratna Chandra Head SoBT and convener of the event interacted with the participants and disseminated information related to the crucial importance of wetlands for meeting the sustainable development goals.

Prof Pragati Kumar in his address exhorted the younger generation to work for wetland protection for aesthetic and Wellness aspects. He also highlighted the role wetlands play in the wellbeing of the human race. He also underlined that lack of conservation of wetlands can have harmful consequences on aspects like climate change mitigation, water-food security, disaster management etc. He emphasized the need for preserving the wetlands for sustainable development and avoiding ill effects of climate change and consumerism. A declamation and poster competition on the topic “wetlands and human wellbeing” was planned as part of the event and awards were distributed to the winners. A cultural event was also organised by the students of the School of Biotechnology. A skit prepared by the students of School of Biotechnology on the importance and restoration of wetlands was the main highlight of the event and was applauded by the audience at large. The event concluded with the formal vote of thanks presented by the event Co-Coordinator Dr. Rajeev Kumar.