ReportNature Conservation Society, Amravati had organised a certificate

course recognised by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board on"Implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002" for the Gram Panchayat levelBiodiversity Management Committee (BMC) leaders at Muthwa Community Centre inMelghat, Dist: Amravati from 16th to 19th February 2016.

Around 21 BMC Members of 12 BMCs from Amravati District attended this course.

16th February 2016 :The participants were given a training manual in Marathi as well as a

training kit which includes information brochures on Biodiversity. Dr.G.N.Vankhede,Member of Animal Expert Committee of MSBB inaugurated the programme.

Dr. G.N.Vankhede also guided the participants during first session on variousaspects of Biodiversity like its definition, its importance, threats, need ofconservation, Earth summit, post CBD events etc.

Mr.Amol Sawant conducted the second session and guided the courseparticipants on various aspects of "People's Biodiversity Register (PBR)". He alsoexplained the methodology to prepare a PBR. Course participants were also taken toshow the biodiversity on Muthwa Community Centre in the evening. Dr. Vankhedealso conducted a lecture on personality development.

Participants enjoyed a short film on importance of Biodiversity.

17th February 2016 :

Course participants started the day with Yoga. They were also taken for birdwatching. The participants also observed the plant biodiversity during the naturewalk.

Mr. Kishor Rithe conducted a morning session on Biodiversity Act 2002 andMaharashtra Biological Diversity Rules, 2008. He also reviewed various laws like FRA2006, FRA rules 2008, MGNRGS-2005, PESA 1996, Maharashtra State PES Rules2014, RIA-2005 and IPR Act etc. He explained the relevant provisions in a simplelanguage. The note was circulated along with the photo copies of all the above acts.

Mr. Rithe also guided the participants on function and activities of MaharashtraState Bio-diversity Board and various committees like Self Govt. level BMC. Theformats of minutes and related issues were also explained and distributed toparticipants.

Mr. Amol Sawant explained various formats of PBR. Dr. G.D.Muratkarconducted a detailed session on plant biodiversity and role of grasses. He later tookthe participants around Muthwa Centre to explain the plant biodiversity. Hesuggested several activities to be conducted around village and also provided the

tips on documentation of plants in PBR. Participants also visited the library to seedifferent books on biodiversity. Mr. Ashok Athawale Education officer of NCSAexplained them about the liabrary. Participants were taken for a walk. Thedemonstration on in-situ existing Chulla was given to participants. It was alsoexplained on how to put a metal jali to existing Chulla’s.

Mr. Kishor Rithe conducted a lecture on personality development in theevening. They also observed a movie on nature walk and do's and don'ts during theactivity.

18th February 2016 :Participants were taken to show the Biodiversity Park at Bori village and a

tank (Bori talao) where community fishery programme was implemented byNCSA. Mr. Rahul Kalmegh Conservation Officer of NCSA explained them theseinitiatives with local community leaders who actually has shown these successstories. Mr. Ashok Athawale, education officer of NCSA took the participants to Borivillage for data collection in PBR forms. Participants later collected the data in Borivillage in PBR formats.

Participants were demonstrated a Solar Cooker and they also tested the ricecooked in the solar cooker. Mr. Madhu Gharad of Vanarai Mitra Mandal conducted amorning session on sustainable development of village and role of BMCs. Mr. AmolSawant requested the participants to present the data that they had collected duringthe village visit.

Mr. Ravi Patil, a livestock expert spoke on "Biodiversity Conservation throughLivestock management." He inspired participants to conduct several activities atvillages to stop free grazing and insist for stall feeding of cattle. He also explainedon fodder development at private areas.

Feedback were collected from the participants. Participants also spoke on thisoccasion and expressed happiness about the entire course. The certificates weredistributed to them.

They also observed a movie on Biodiversity conservation in Melghat TigerReserve. The course was concluded by a cultural programme arranged byparticipants. The list of participants is attached.

19th February 2016: Participants departed after the tea and breakfast at 9am.