Loksabha Speaker Meira Kumar has said that economic and social development of our people is essential and while pursuing a development model we must not neglect the protection of the ecosystem.<br/><br/>Inaugurating a symposium on ‘Urgency in Addressing the Needs of Environment and Conservation of Wildlife’ in Bhopal today Meira Kumar said we have a legacy of respecting rivers, trees and animals therefore, to protect them is not only our obligation and responsibility but also a compulsion for our own survival.<br/><br/>She advocated greater involvement of local communities and local governments in the conservation of environment and said that the joint forest management system is a good example.<br/><br/>Mrs. Kumar also underlined the importance of women in all conservation efforts and said they should be duly represented in all the decision making and implementing processes.