World Biodiversity Day celebrated

CHENNAI: In an attempt to create awareness, the Forest Department organised competitions for students on World Biodiversity Day. Under the theme ‘Marine Biodiversity’ chosen by the UN, elocution and painting competitions were conducted. Prizes were distributed by forest officials and environmentalists at the Guindy National Park. V Karunapriya, the Wildlife Warden, highlighted the benefits of marine biodiversity to the human race. V Kalaiarasan, director, Adyar Poonga, stressed the need to protect marine ecosystems. Forest officials conducted an awareness campaign among the fishermen community at Kasimedu. Students were taken on a trek inside the Guindy National Park, where biologists Dr Kamaraj and Forest Range Officer S Davidraj explained the basics of biodiversity.