ITANAGAR, 9 Sep: The Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board (APBB) highlighted some its achievements, including the constitution of 1,806 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) across the state, as well as progress made in implementing the amended Biological Diversity Act, during the 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils in Chandigarh on 6 and 7 September.

APBB member secretary H.B Abo gave a presentation on the progress made by the state in implementing the amended Biological Diversity Act.

The Board highlighted the preparation of the Draft Arunachal Pradesh Biological Diversity Rules, 2026 and the State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP) 2025-2035 for the state, prepared in alignment with the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 and the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024.

The Board also shared the reconstitution of more than 100 BMCs, updating of 148 People's Biodiversity Registers, and the ongoing efforts for declaration and management of Biodiversity Heritage Sites in Arunachal Pradesh

The presentation also highlighted APBB's efforts in training and capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees, biodiversity documentation, awareness programmes for students and local communities, and preparation of conservation projects proposals for priority species of rare and threatened species and unique ecosystems in the state.

The two-day national meet, organized by the National Biodiversity Authority,  was attended by chairpersons and member secretaries of State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils to review the implementation of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, strengthening of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), Biodiversity Heritage Sites and State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (SBSAPs) and other biodiversity conservation activities.

APBB chairman Hawa Bagang and member Bakemso Tawsik also attended the meeting.