Department of Plant Sciences Celebrates “International Biodiversity Day”

The Department of Plant Sciences Quaid-i-Azam University celebrated the “International Biodiversity Day” here on Thursday with an aim to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. An exhibition of posters and models was also organized by the students of Plant Sciences in this connection where students displayed their art work and scientific models.

Dean Faculty of Biological Science, Prof. Dr. Mir Ajab Khan, in his welcome address, highlighted the objective to celebrate the Bio Diversity Day. He said Biodiversity and food security are interlinked. “There is a dire need for research to understand the functions of fauna and flora in various ecosystems, particularly the agro-ecosystem and its conservation for future generations” he added.

While addressing the audiences QAU, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said the biodiversity Pakistan is facing different threats i.e. deforestation, pollution, population, over exploitation of natural resources, invasive alien species, environmental problems and population pressure.

“There is a need to protect biodiversity for future generation in Pakistan by adopting the practical measures i.e. reforestation to control pollution and population, use renewable energy, increase the density of forests” he said.

Vice Chancellor also announced to establish a Botanical Garden and Department of Environmental Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University. Chairperson of the Department of Plant Sciences Prof. Dr. Asghari Bano said that Pakistan has rich Biodiversity of plants, animals and microbes. Biodiversity provides different services to the community of Pakistan epically 80% population in the rural areas in the form of food, medicines, energy, wood, fruits, vegetables, shelter and non timber forests products i.e. Honey, gums, resins, spices, beverages, food items.

She said that Biodiversity research group in Quaid-i-Azam University including Prof. Dr Mir Ajab Khan, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad and students of Plant Taxonomy and Biodiversity Labs are actively involved in the protection of biodiversity in Pakistan. The Department of Plant Sciences working on many projects including conservation of biodiversity, biodiversity of wild fruits and vegetables for food security as alternative food, biodiversity of medicinal plants in salt range and moist temperate forests, biodiversity of oil yielding plants for environment friendly renewable energy. While the Herbarium of QAU has also contains the rich diversity of plants in the form of digital data base.