Biodiversity is the source of all ecological goods and services that constitute the source of living of all. India is not only gifted with geographical, climatic, cultural and social diversity but is also endowed enormously with biological diversity.

A boat carrying used lubricants of motor launches dump the toxic waste straight into the Buriganga with little regard for the environment and the lifeline of Dhaka. The photo was taken at the Sadarghat in the capital.Photo: Shawkat JamilHelemul Alam

Mangroves should not be used as sewage disposal sites. It is killing them mangroves grow in highly saline, coastal waters, representing a very unique ecosystem. According to an estimate, a mangrove forest supports 100 species of plants and about 500 species of animals, birds and fish. These forests also act as filters for nutrients from water; the fine soil sediments act as sinks for a

As no clear picture of changes in vegetation or micro flora and fauna in the Sunderbans is available, the state forest department is contemplating carrying out a thorough survey in the area soon.

The department will send a proposal to the Centre for conducting the survey jointly with the Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India for a timespan of at least two years.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof AFM Ruhal Haque has said necessary measures will be taken to reduce indoor air pollution (IAP) to minimise its dire impact on human body, preserve ecosystem and mitigate global warming.

THRISSUR: A Comprehensive study on the linkage between ecosystem services and human livelihood depending upon the Thrissur kole wetlands by the research unit for Livelihood and Natural Resources of the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad was launched, with an inception workshop organised by the district administration and CESS here on Saturday.