Experts emphasise importance of wildlife

Jammu, Oct 10 (UNI) Emphasising importance of all natural creatures, scholars and experts said wildlife represents an important link in the food chain which guarantees the survival of life on the earth.

Addressing a state-level valedictory function on the observance of wildlife week-2006 at a government college here last evening, Minister for Forests Qazi Mohammad Afza said wildlife has its importance for their aesthetic, recreational, spiritual, cultural and economic values also.

''The great diversities in floristic, climatic and altitudinal conditions in state present excellent environment for rich and varied fauna. It is only in Jammu and Kashmir where one comes across the oriental as well as European flora.

The state government has notified 15,781 sq kms under the protected area network which is about 15 per cent of the total geographical area of the state, he further added.

He said the state government is contemplating to evolve some ambitious plans for promotion of eco-tourism in the selected national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with active involvement of local communities.

UNI HGV SAM VC1338