Hyderabad, Nov 30 (Agency) Stakeholders from 35 Indian cities deliberated on the pressing issue of conservation of varied species as a two-day National Conference on Urban Biodiversity began here on Friday. The conference has brought together mayors, municipal commissioners, policymakers, environmental experts, forest officials, and urban planners. The two-day event is aimed at raising awareness and facilitating knowledge exchange on how cities across India can integrate biodiversity conservation into urban development. Hosted by the National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, and ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, the conference seeks to foster collaboration between various stakeholders, working towards creating sustainable, biodiversity-friendly urban spaces across India.
The inaugural session marked the participation of Nayanben Pedhadiya, Mayor Rajkot and Chairperson Regional Executive Committee, ICLEI South Asia; Sarfaraz Ahmad, Metropolitan Commissioner of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Raghu Kumar Kodali, Advisor at the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change and C. Achalender Reddy, Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority. Speaking on the occasion, Hyderabad Mayor Vijayalaxmi Gadwal laid stress on understanding the significance of urban biodiversity and integrating the same with urban planning. She also highlighted the exemplary work that is being carried out in the field by the city of Hyderabad and the global recognition that the city has achieved for the same.