Assam’s Borjuli wetland notified as Biodiversity Heritage Site

The Borjuli wetland in Assam has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), marking a major milestone in the conservation of India’s wild rice genetic resources.

About Borjuli wetland

The wetland is known for harbouring a disease and pest-resistant variety of wild rice. The wild rice species, Oryza rufipogon, is the progenitor of present-day cultivated rice, Oryza sativa. It is resistant to pests and diseases and can tolerate flooding and saline conditions, making it a valuable genetic resource for developing climate-resilient crop varieties.

The recognition follows the implementation of the project, “In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam,” which has been underway since 2022.

Wild rice species are an invaluable source of genes for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding and nutritionally superior rice varieties.

About Biodiversity Heritage Site

Biodiversity Heritage Site is a unique conservation approach recognised under the Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Biodiversity Heritage Sites have rich biodiversity with wild as well as domesticated species; high endemism; rare and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of domesticated/ cultivated species; fossil beds; cultural, ethical or aesthetic values for maintaining cultural diversity, with or without long human association with them.

As per Section 37 (1) of the Biological Diversity Act,2002 the State Government may, from time to time in consultation with the local bodies, notify in the Official Gazette, of areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites.

Source: DD News & PIB

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)