Singalila National Park

Siliguri, Oct. 29: The arrest of the Czech entomologist and his companion for collecting beetles from Singalila National Park illegally has prompted environmentalists to come together to highlight biopiracy or theft of biodiversity at an event to be held here next week.

The purpose of the three-day fair to be held at Siliguri Boys’ School ground from November 1 will be to make people aware of the biodiversity of the region.

Events like interactive sessions, slide talks and panel discussions by foresters, environmentalists and experts in different fields would be organised at Biodiversity 2008.

“There has been an increase in biotic resources piracy and north Bengal is a vulnerable region because of its proximity to four countries,” said Animesh Bose, the founder coordinator of Siliguri-based Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation (Hnaf) and one of the organisers.

“It is important that people learn of the trends and also the legislation that can be used to curb such practices and crimes.”

At least 20 stalls on fish, birds, butterflies, avifaunal resources and medicinal plants would be built at the school ground.

Institutions like North Bengal University and different schools of the region will put up the stalls.

The forest department, the Association for Social and Environmental Development and the Development Research Communications and Services Centre are the other organisers of the event.

Pradip Nag, the secretary of Hnaf, said a number of award winning wildlife films, including Cherub of the Mist — a film on the red panda — would be screened.

“Cultural troupes from forest villages and eco-development committees will also perform at the fair.”