The Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystem, in collaboration with IQAC Martin Luther Christian University celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2024 on the 22nd May 2024. The program started with an inter-college quiz competition in the morning session in which students from Synod college, St. Edmund’s college, St. Anthony’s college, Sankardev college, Shillong college, Lady Keane college and Martin Luther Christian University participated.
The quiz was convened by Dr. Marlon Brando Rani, Assistant Professor in department of Botany, Thomas Jones Synod college, Jowai. St. Edmund’s college from Shillong secured the first position, followed by St. Anthony’s college at second place and Synod college at third
position. The second session of the program was an interactive session with experts which started with a talk on the topic “Current Research in Bird Science within the State of Meghalaya” delivered by Dr. Glenn C Kharkongor, Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University. This was followed by an interactive session with Mr Ezra Rynjah, Research Affiliate at Conservation Initiatives and expert on bird watching who delivered a presentation on the topic “Birds and Bird Watching in Meghalaya: A Call to Citizen Science”. He also gave a short training to students on basics of bird watching through practical approach by using common tools involved in bird watching – cameras, binoculars and bird
identification handbook.
In conclusion, the program was a resounding success. The students gained a learning experience through quiz and interaction with other colleges and also learnt about many things relating to biodiversity conservation and bird watching.