Srinagar, Oct 25(KNS): A one-day training program titled “Forest-Based Enterprises to Improve Sustainable Livelihood in Tribal Communities of District Bandipora” was held in Chitternaar and Athwatoo villages, organized by the Division of Social and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Benhama, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Bandipora Forest Division.
The event aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for participants from Bandipora and neighboring districts, focusing on utilizing forest resources responsibly.
In the inaugural address, Prof. Naseem Geelani, Head of the Division, highlighted the potential of forests as a source of livelihood for the younger generation. He stressed the importance of innovation in using these natural resources while ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Waseem, DFO Bandipora, emphasized the importance of sustainable forest management, pointing out that forests are crucial for the sustenance of local communities.
He urged the participants to adopt eco-friendly practices, particularly avoiding the use of plastics in fragile forest areas, and using nature-compatible alternatives.
Davinder Singh, Principal of the Forest Training School, Chitternaar, underscored the ecological role of forests as carbon sinks and the vital source of oxygen.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe expressed concern over habitat destruction and its impact on wildlife, particularly the rising man-animal conflicts due to encroachment into buffer zones that were once natural barriers between humans and wildlife.
All speakers encouraged the participants to take their studies seriously and consider both entrepreneurship and competitive examinations. Entrepreneurship in forest-based enterprises, they noted, requires serious commitment and innovative thinking.
The program coordinator expressed gratitude to the Forest Department officials, the Principal of the Polytechnic College, and the staff for their collaboration. Special thanks were extended to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Director Planning, and Dean of the Faculty of Forestry for their support, as well as to the sponsoring agency, MSME, for their contribution.
The program emphasized the need for responsible forest management and provided a platform for participants to explore forest-based entrepreneurship as a sustainable livelihood option.(KNS).