Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

‘With discipline environmental problems can be tackled’

Udhagamandalam: If people are disciplined problems relating to the environment can be tackled, observed the Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Rajiv K. Srivastava at Coonoor on Saturday.

Delivering the valedictory address at the week-long International Climate Champions Field Camp organised by the British Council and the Nilgiris Documentation Centre (NDC), Mr. Srivastava said that people must come on a common platform to deal with issues like climate change.

Expressing confidence that climate change can be dealt with, he said that the forest cover which was about 20 per cent should be increased to 33 per cent.

Pointing out that human beings were the cruellest form of life on earth, Mr. Srivastava said that egos should be put on the back burner and steps taken to protect the mute population.

Stating that the shola-grassland eco-system of the Nilgiris is unique, he said destruction of exotic species should not be encouraged.

He added that a great deal can be learnt from the tribals.

The Director (South), British Council, Chris Gibson said that many of the challenges facing contemporary society today are global in dimension. Among them are terrorism, extremism and climate change.

Stating that the world is inter-connected and the repercussions or impacts are felt globally, he opined that solutions require the global community to work together in a collaborative manner.

The Nilgiri mountain ecosystem is one of the most beautiful ecosystems of the world and “we need to preserve and protect it not just for future generations to enjoy but also in the context of the relentless climate change battle, for mountain ecosystems are important carbon sinks,” he added.

The Director, NDC, Dharmalingam Venugopal welcomed the gathering.

By forming themselves into different groups, the climate champions recorded their observations and offered suggestions to “make the world a better place to live in”.

The Deputy Director, British Council, Kartar Singh proposed a vote of thanks.

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