International biodiversity day is being observed across the world today to increase understanding and awareness about biodiversity issues. The aim is to make people aware about the importance of biodiversity on the one hand and its unprecendented loss on the other. Our correspondent reports that the day is an opportunity to promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Several functions are being organised across the country to mark the day.Biodiversity refers to the variety of flora and fauna that make up the ecosytem. Preservation of the ecosystem is vital to natural balance and human existence