We have to recall traditional methods to protect our biodiversity and adopt them to save the Earth, said environment minister Rajendra Arlekar at the Goa state biodiversity board's International Day for Biological Diversity event at Kala Academy, Panaji, on Sunday.

The MLA, who is also chairperson of the Goa state diversity board said, "Knowledge about our biodiversity has been passed down through the generations, which is why values of environmental protection have been instilled in us traditionally. Yet, we have turned a blind eye towards the environment. Had we honoured traditions, the need to observe a day for biological diversity and stress on saving the environment would not have been so critical," he said.

Speaking at the event, member secretary of Goa state biodiversity board, Pradeep Sarmokadam said, "Understanding biodiversity is important. We are looking at mainstreaming biodiversity and sustaining people's livelihoods with our initiatives."

Environmentalist and physicist Vandana Shiva said that the damage to biodiversity at various levels is responsible for the disappearance of water.

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