By Amrit Pal Sidhu @ Babushahi Network
Ropar, Punjab | June 20, 2026
In a heartfelt celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, the Abhilasha Foundation organized an impactful Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Workshop titled "Behaviour Change towards Biodiversity Conservation" in Village Railon Khurd, District Ropar. The workshop aimed to foster community awareness and inspire collective action for biodiversity conservation through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from 55-58 community members, with a special emphasis on engaging progressive women from the village. This focus on grassroots involvement underscored the critical role of local communities in safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
The workshop was inaugurated by Jasvir Kaur, the progressive Sarpanch of Village Railon Khurd, who highlighted the importance of preserving natural resources and ecosystems for future generations. In her address, she urged the community to unite in their efforts to protect biodiversity and ensure ecological balance.
Renowned motivational speaker Pardeep Gandhi delivered an inspiring session, emphasizing the significance of community-led conservation initiatives and the pivotal role of individuals in protecting nature. Manpreet Kaur, Program Manager of the Abhilasha Foundation, further elaborated on the indispensable contributions of women and Self Help Groups (SHGs) in driving biodiversity conservation and sustainable rural development.
The event also featured vibrant participation from young students, who delivered thought-provoking speeches and recited poems on environmental protection and biodiversity. Their performances served as a rallying call for adopting eco-friendly practices and inspired attendees to take actionable steps toward sustainability
To solidify their commitment, all participants took an oath to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological harmony. A signature campaign was also conducted, allowing individuals to publicly pledge their support for conserving local biodiversity.
One of the highlights of the workshop was a plantation drive, where community members actively planted saplings and pledged to nurture them. This hands-on activity symbolized the community's dedication to enhancing local greenery and protecting native plant species.
Prominent members of the community, including Sukhwinder Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Baljit Kaur, Dalvir Kaur, Parbinder Kaur, Devinder Kaur, Arshpreet Singh, Balvinder Kaur, Jasvir Kaur, Sukhdeep Kaur, Rajbir Singh, Dharam Singh,. Amarjit Singh, Amrik Singh. Daljit Singh, and Daljit Kaur, actively participated in the event, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the cause.
During interactive sessions, participants were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices at both household and village levels. The key pledges made during the workshop included:
- Conserving biodiversity and protecting natural ecosystems.
- Promoting millets as sustainable and nutritious food crops.
- Enhancing greenery through plantation drives and safeguarding native plant species.
- Implementing effective solid and liquid waste management practices.
- Ensuring judicious use and conservation of water resources.
These discussions emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable lifestyles, fostering ecological stewardship, and mobilizing community-driven actions to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Punjab Biodiversity Board and received generous sponsorship from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Government of India, New Delhi. Representatives from the Abhilasha Foundation expressed their heartfelt gratitude to both organizations for their support and guidance in making this event a success.
As the workshop concluded, Abhilasha Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community stewardship, raising environmental awareness, and fostering collective action for biodiversity conservation across Punjab. The event not only celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity but also laid a strong foundation for sustained community-driven efforts to protect and preserve our planet's invaluable natural resources.