Category: Biodiversity News
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Training on Herbarium Techniques
The National Herbarium organized one day training on Herbarium Techniques at the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS), Phongmay on June 7, 2013. About 30 forestry officials from all Range and Beat offices under the SWS and NBC team attended the training. The primary objectives of the training were to standardize herbarium techniques across the country and strengthen ecological data collections.
Demonstrating herbarium mounting techniques Further, a small herbarium unit was also established at headquarter of the SWS, Phongmay. It was unanimously decided that Mr. Jangchuk Wangdi, Forest Ranger, will look after the floral specimen collections for documentation of the floral diversity within the SWS. A herbarium focal person from each range was also identified to carry this endeavor forward.
The training participants were introduced to the herbarium techniques at international level, various equipments used and some taxonomy tips for identifications of plants. The practical session included a hands-on training on collecting, pressing and mounting of specimens.
Participants Most of the participants echoed the same feedback that although they were briefly introduced to herbarium techniques during their training periods in their respective institutes, it was the first time that such techniques were explained and demonstrated in detail. They also stated such exposure to herbarium techniques will be very useful to gather floral information for any floral research and publication in the sanctuary. However, it was felt one day training period was too short. Some SWS staffs were involved during the field work to make them understand the standard ecological data collections for floral research and taxonomic studies.
This was the first time such training has been organized by the center. Similar trainings will be organized in the future in various Parks and Institutes for nationwide herbarium technique standardization.
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A seminar on “The National Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Utilization Program with special focus on Access and Benefit-sharing, Traditional knowledge and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
PD of NBC explaining the ITPGRFA A seminar on “The National Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Utilization Program with special focus on Access and Benefit-sharing, Traditional knowledge and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” was held at the College of Natural Resources (CNR), Lobesa on 6th June, 2013.
The objective of the seminar was to create awareness and understanding on Biodiversity conservation efforts in the country including the documentation and protection of Traditional Knowledge and implementation of the Access and Benefit-sharing regime as well as to educate and disseminate information on the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
This is the second seminar that NBC organized at CNR and is part of the initiative to educate and broaden the knowledge of the students on the national as well as international developments in the field of conservation and sustainable utilization of biological diversity. It is hoped that the insight that the students will gain from such seminars will enable them to work more effectively in the implementation of biodiversity conservation and sustainable programs in the country.
The key areas that were presented to the participants were:
- Biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization initiatives in the country.
- National and international conventions, treaties and legal frame work on biodiversity namely the CBD, MLS of ITPGRFA, Nagoya protocol and Access and Benefit Sharing Policy of Bhutan.
- Importance of Traditional Knowledge and its documentation.
- Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) and procedure for execution of MTA.
CNR students at the seminar The seminar was organized by the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. It was attended by the staff and students of the College. Similar seminars are also planned for other colleges such as Sherubtse College and Royal Thimphu College, as part of NBC’s education and awareness program.
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Results of Essay and Art competitions
The National Biodiversity Centre,MoAFis very pleased to announce the winners of the Essay and Art competitions organized to celebrate the International Biodiversity Day May 22, 2013 on the theme Water and Biodiversity.
Please click here for the results: Results of Essay and Art competition
