International Day For Biological Diversity

22 May : International Day For Biological Diversity

Theme of International Day For Biological Diversity 2022 

“Building a shared future for all life” is the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity for 2022. The theme was chosen to continue developing momentum and support the post-2020 global biodiversity framework at the forthcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15).

The year 2010 was celebrated as International year of Biodiversity

The purpose of International Day for Biological Diversity is to raise awareness about the environment and all species that live on this planet.

Biodiversity is a broad phrase that refers to the diversity and variability of life on Earth. It is self-evident that the ecological world's equilibrium is required for survival. Every year on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity commemorates the value of biodiversity.

The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about the environment and all species that live on this planet. It also encourages people to recognise and address similar concerns and issues.

Recent Special Covers

CUBE (Centre for Urban Biodiversity Conservation & Education

CUBE (Centre for Urban Biodiversity Conservation & Education)

Singanallur Lake (10°59' 46" N, 77° 0 I' II" E) is one of the largest lakes of Coimbatore on the banks of River Noyyal. Though the lake is situated in an urban area, it harbours over 720 species of flora & fauna and has a significant percentage of natural vegetation along its bunds, which serve as a nesting site for freshwater turtles and 58 species of birds. The lake is also known to support a large congregation of migratory birds of which 10 species are globally threatened birds. In tum the identities of these life forms indicate the quality of an ecosystem that is unique and gives an opportunity for urban people to heal their collective disconnection from Mother Nature. 

The lake was declared as "Urban Biodiversity Conservation Zone" on 30 July 2017 by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation in the exercise of the powers conferred by The Constitution of India, 1950 and The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act, 1981. 

First Flight Cover : 

 Coimbatore - Delhi

Direct Inaugural Flight Coimbatore -Delhi

The National carrier Air India is introducing a direct flight between Coimbatore and Delhi from 1st December 2018. The new service connecting Coimbatore to Delhi is non-stop flight.The flight will leave Coimbatore International Airport at 01 :00 hours and reach Delhi at 04:00 hours. To Commemorate the event the inaugural first flight cover is released by the Department of Posts. 

- Suresh.R, Bengaluru

New stamps on Biodiversity from Ireland

 

Date of Issue : 31st July 2014 

On July 31st, 2014, An Post issued eight new stamps “Continuing the celebration of Ireland’s biodiversity”

The species featured in this issue are the scallop, otter, viviparous lizard, badger, wren, mute swan, basking shark and violet snail. These eight new stamps are a part of An Post’s Irish Animals and Marine Life definitive series.

As an island, Ireland and its surrounding waters provide a home for many species of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. This variety of life is called  biodiversity and here, as in many other places on Earth, it is a very important part of our day to day life.

Compared to the rest of Europe, Ireland does not have a great many indigenous species of animals. There are only 26 land mammal species native to Ireland, one land reptile, three amphibians, about 400 birds and 400 types of fresh and saltwater fish. The stamps will promote the protection of  natural heritage.

In this series, 8 new animal species are featured. The series features 50 animal species found in Ireland and its surrounding waters and aims to bring as diverse a sample of Irish animal and marine life as possible.

Club News

EXHIBITION ON THE INDIAN NATIONAL FLAG

Curated by Sekhar Chakrabarti

14 – 20 August 2014

On the eve of India’s 68^th Independence Day on 14^th August 2014, the Rabindranath Tagore Centre-Kolkata, the cultural flagship of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India will host a unique exhibition on Indian National Flag commemorating the 68^th anniversary of its adoption. 

The Venue  :  Rabindranath Tagore Centre, 9A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700071

The Gallery : Abanindranath Gallery

 

 The exhibition will showcase a surprising rich collections of the Indian National Flag symbols on visual objects - sourced from – a plethora of materials, namely, postage stamps, news-paper clippings, books and various other myriad articles and even unconventional sources like match box labels, propaganda leaflets, 78RPM gramophone records, et al, have been pieced together to reconstruct the history of ‘Flags of India’ right from the Vedic periods. Perhaps, the collections itself is only one in kind in our country at the moment. The exhibition explores and celebrates the rich and colourful history of the Indian National Flag and the process by which the National Flag in its present form was born on 22^nd July 1947, its uses and abuses, etiquette and protocols, etc.

Flags are ‘short hand of history’.

It will be also a tribute to the heroes of our freedom struggle, who fell for the cause of the flag during various phases of our freedom movements. Going through the exhibition one will find, many, unknown, or, ‘little known’  or forgotten ‘flag events’ -  which were once pivotal in drawing volunteers - young and old, men and women -  to free our country from the foreign rulers – The Dutch, British, French and the Portuguese. There will be dedicated sections on each of them and the impacts they had on our societies since the ‘Age of discovery’.

Read More…

New UNESCO stamps from France..

 

 

In the month of  November, the French National Post Office released two new UNESCO stamps.One stamp (shown above)  calls attention to the endangered red-crowned crane (Grusjaponensis), and the need to protect this species. In Japan, the crane, known as the “tancho,” is a powerful national symbol, representing longevity and immortality.

 

The second stamp features the Ancient City of Sigiriya (Sri Lanka), a UNESCO World Heritage site, where one can wind through ancient galleries and staircases, and out through the mouth of a gigantic lion. The “Lion Mountain” is a unique witness to the civilization of Ceylon during the years of the reign of Kassapa I. Its frescoes inaugurated a pictorial style which endured over many centuries. Poems inscribed on the rock, known as “Sigiri graffiti,” are among the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language. They attest to the considerable influence that Sigiriya exerted on both literature and thought.

 

My Recent Cover

Cover from  Latvia : Winter Holidays

Thanks to Limanski EN, Riga – Latvia

 

Cover from Poland

Thanks to Andrzej Bek, Poland

Wildlife on stamps..

 

Date of Issue : 12 April 2013

Kingfisher

A new stamp issue by Poczta Polska from the Polish Birds series is dedicated to Common Kingfisher.The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.

This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upper parts, orange under parts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptions to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.

Club News

Stamp exhibition on Wildlife

 

A stamp exhibition “ Wildpex - 2013 ” on wild Life – Biodiversity was organized by PARITRI UPADHYAY & HETVI SHAH of Rajkot Philatelic society at Shri Shyama Prashad Art Gallery,  Rajkot. The Exhibition was inaugurated on 13^th April 2013 by Shri Govind Patel – Hon’ble Minister – Forest & Environment, Govt. of Gujarat.  Hon’ble PMG – Shri Ram Bharose  was the Chief Guest , Shri R N Maheshwari – Sr. Post Master GPO Rajkot , Prof. Anamik Shah of Saurashtra University, Shri. H C Mehta – noted philatelist of Gujarat were the Guests of Honor.

 

In  welcome speech, Ms.Paritri said that Postage stamps are not  just small pieces of paper  but they can tell the story of a particular topic. Stamps are the cultural ambassadors of  a country. Ms. Hetvi told that the main objective of the exhibition was to create awareness among local people, their families & particularly the school Children towards  Philately. She also said that wildlife unfolds rich heritage of flora & fauna and some of them are at the stage of serious threat.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by well attended audience, including invitees, and more prominently the  children from the various schools. While welcoming the guests she  stated the importance of philatelic exhibitions. 

There were more than 70 frames of exhibits mostly on Wild life Theme along with the display of PRIDE OF INDIA COLLECTION - Replica of 25 postage stamps on Gold.

A Work shop on Stamp collection; Power point presentation on Stamp collecting & News Clippings of Rainbow Stamp News were shown to School Children by Sanjay Rathod – President of RPS.

Closing ceremony was held on 15^th April 2013, by Dr.M G Maradia – Superintendent of Pradyuman Zoological Park, Rajkot. “The success is judged on the basis of how many visitors take the advantage of such philatelic exhibitions & we are happy that large number of visitors spent hours and enjoyed the exhibition.”- said Ms. Surbhi Rathod.

- Sanjay Rathod – Rajkot

New Stamps from India..

 

Endemic Species of Indian Biodiversity Hotspots

Date of Issue : 16 October 2012

XI Conference of the parties of the Convention on Biological Diversities

Today, on 16th October 2012 India Post released a Miniature sheet featuring endemic species of Indian Biodiversity Hotspots .

: Kasinath R.
Blog - http://shipthemegallery.blogspot.com/

Stamps on ‘WORLD HERITAGE’

 

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve (RUSSIA)

‘Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve’ was included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 2004. It is the most northern located World Heritage Site. Wrangel Island (7608 sq. km.) is located about 500 km north of the Arctic Circle, at the intersection of Western and Eastern hemispheres, it is separated from the Russian mainland by the Strait of Long.

Russia 2012

A fragment of the landscape of Wrangel Island is beautifully depicted on the S/S, printed partially offset and partially lacquer paint stencil technique, issued on 27^th February 2012.

The site includes the mountainous Wrangel Island, Herald Island (11 sq. km.), located 70 km east, and surrounding waters. Wrangel was not glaciated during the Quaternary Ice Age, resulting in exceptionally high levels of biodiversity for this region. The island boasts the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus and the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens. It is a major feeding ground for the grey whale migrating from Mexico and the northernmost nesting ground for 100 migratory bird species, many endangered. Currently, 417 species and subspecies of vascular plants have been identified on the island, double that of any other Arctic tundra territory of comparable size and more than any other Arctic island. Some species are derivative of widespread continental forms, others are the result of recent hybridization, and 23 are endemic.

-  Pradeep Kumar Mallick, Patna

email : mallikphila@gmail.com

 

Carried Cover by Science Express…

 

The special cover issued on arrival of Science Express - Biodiversity Special  at Berhampur (Odisha)on 28 July 2012. The covers are carried by SCBS to Vishakhapatanam and delivered there.  The cover is priced at a nominal 100/-.

These covers can be had from Mr. PRAMOD KUMAR SARAF. Ph . 09437325200.

 

Mr Sudhir Sharma handing over the covers to Mr. Pramod Saraf at Vishakhapatanam Rly. Station. 

The covers being cancelled under the supervision of the Deputy Post Master of Waltair R.S. P.O.

 

  Mr. Mallikarjun the stamp vendor cancells the covers.

: K. Venkat Rao – Berhampur ( Odisha)

Science Express – Biodiversity Special…

 

New Special Cover on Biodiversity

A special  cover was released in Berhampur (Odisha) on the arrival of Science Express – Biodiversity special on 28bJuly 2012.

Biodiversity Decade –2011 - 2020

 

Arrival of Science Express – Biodiversity Special

 

back side of the cover

: K. Venkat Rao – Berhampur (Odisha) email : linak1969@gmail.com

Also view..

New special covers..

 

New Special Cover on London Olympics 2012

 

On the occasion of the Games of the XXXth Olympiad London 2012, “OLYMPHILEXINDIA 2012” Olympic and Sports Philately Exhibition will be held in Bangalore at the GPO Philately Museum from 27 July to 5 August, 2012. About 50 frames are being displayed by five Olympic Philatelists and a few sport philatelists.

Their will be release of a special cover with a special cancellation approved by the CPMG Karnataka Circle on 27th July, the inaugural day of the Exhibition and summer Olympics, the inauguration ceremony is at Megahdoot Auditorium, Bangalore GPO, all are invited to the “OLYMPHILEXINDIA 2012” and make the event the grand success

The function will be at 10.00 hrs on the Inaugural day and regular days the exhibition will open from 10.00 hrs to 16.hours (excluding Sundays and Public Holidays)

: Jagannath Mani - Bangalore

Special Cover on Biodiversity

Ministry of Environment & Forests  and Department of Science & Technology is running a train called Science Express Biodiversity special.   To commemorate the occasion, The South Odisha Philatelist's Association (SOPHIA), Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha is going to release a special cover on Biodiversity today  28th July 2012. The cover will be release by Sh. S.P. Rajlingam, PMG, Bderhampur Region in the Science Express(Biodiversity) which will arrive at Berhampur today on 28 July 2012.

- K Venkat Rao – Berhampur ; Ajit Dash - Bhubaneshwar

Private Special cover

: Pradip Jain Patna

 

World Environment Day

 

 

World Environment Day is held every year on June 5. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations (UN) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

World Environment Day 2012 : Theme - Green Economy

The 2012 theme for World Environment Day is Green Economy:  Evidently, there are two parts to this theme and the first tackles the subject of the Green Economy. The Green Economy is really something that is applicable all around you and it is easy to imagine how you fit in it.

A green economy is described as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In other words, we can think of a green economy as an economic environment that achieves low carbon emissions, resource efficiency and at the same time is socially inclusive.

Practically speaking, a Green Economy is one whose growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be catalyzed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes.

But what does all this mean for you? Well, this essentially what the second part of the theme is all about. If the Green Economy is about social equity and inclusiveness then technically it is all about you! The question therefore asks you to find out more about the Green Economy and assess whether, in your country, you are being included in it.

Read More….

 

Club News

Pictorial Cancellation   : Save the Sparrow 

A pictorial cancellation , on World Environment Day (5 June 2012) ) on the theme “ Save the Sparrow “ will be proviede  from Sansad Marg HPO, New Delhi 110001 . This pictorial cancellation will be provided w.e.f. 5-16^th June , 2012 and thereafter , treated as discontinued .

Stamp exhibition on World Environment Day at Jabalpur

On WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, A solo Stamp Exhibition by Mr. Arvind Mullick of  Jabalpur will be held on 5th June 2012  at  KALAVITHIKA , RANI DURGAVATI MUSEUM,BHAWARTAL,JABALPUR FROM 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M.. The exhibition has been sponsored by Rotary Club of Jabalpur HAS BEEN SPONSORED BY ROTARY CLUB OF JABALPUR.                          

Sea Birds from South Georgia..

 

To be  issued on  : 21 March, 2012

 

This stamp issue, produced in association with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), recognizes some of the lesser-known species of seabird breeding on South Georgia. The species depicted are part of the rich biodiversity found in South Georgia's unique environment. WWF is one of the world's leading conservation organisations who work towards conservation and sustainability.

The cold waters around South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are highly productive and provide rich feeding grounds for many species of seabirds. Twenty five species of seabird breed on South Georgia (with two additional species, Adélie penguin and Antarctic fulmar, breeding on the South Sandwich Islands) and many vagrant and non-breeding species are also seen around the islands.

Imperial shag (Phalacrocorax atriceps) (60p)

The imperial shag is found in rocky coastal areas and breeds in small colonies in most parts of South Georgia. They are a monogamous species and usually lay 2 -3 eggs (though can lay up to 5). Laying occurs in October/November with eggs taking 5 weeks to hatch and fledging occurring in March. Their nests are made of seaweed and grass glued together with mud and guano. Imperial shags forage mainly in inshore areas (though can also travel further offshore) on small fish, crustaceans, polychaetes, gastropods and octopuses. They dive down to an average of 28m for around 5 minutes to catch their prey, although they have been recorded to dive as deep as 70m.

Antarctic tern (Sterna vittata) (70p)

Distributed throughout the Southern Ocean and common throughout the year around South Georgia, the Antarctic tern start breeding from mid-November to early December with chicks fledging in January. Nesting close to shore in natural depressions in the rock or shallow scrapes in the ground, their eggs and chicks are well camouflaged. These small birds (31-38cm long) are susceptible to human disturbance and to predation of their eggs and chicks by rats, however they will defend their nest sites vigorously, dive-bombing anything passing too close. Feeding in inshore waters, often in the kelp zone, their main prey is small fish but they also take crustaceans, polychaetes, molluscs, insects and algae.

Southern skua (Catharacta antarctica) (95p)

The southern skua is a sub-Antarctic species and is regarded as having a stable population. They are distributed widely around South Georgia but are commonest on offshore islands where there are the greatest numbers of small burrowing petrels. Their hooked beak and webbed feet with sharp claws allow the skua to be a highly predatory bird, which, besides burrowing petrels, feed on penguin chicks and eggs. They will also scavenge on carrion on land as well as around fishing vessels. During the winter, skuas migrate northward, departing in April and returning to South Georgia in September. Egg laying starts in November with chicks fledging in late February.

Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) (£1.15p)

Kelp gulls are omnivores with their diet depending on food availability. They take and scavenge on small prey including molluscs, fish, crustaceans, other seabirds and even chicks and eggs of their own species. This coastal gull is common throughout the year around South Georgia and inhabits sheltered bays. They build nests lined with vegetation and feathers which are little more than a shallow depression in the ground. Two or three eggs are laid during November to December and both parents raise the chicks. Fledging takes 45-61 days and the young gulls take 3-4 years to reach maturity.

In addition to the set, there is a Souvenir Sheet showing a Juvenile Southern skua (£3.50p) and a sheetlet of 16 (4 sets in staggered format) with face value of £13.20p.

Read More …

Species information from Bird Life International species factsheets www.birdlife.org

 

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From Our Readers..

Srinivasa Ramanujan

Maxim Card prepared by Sanjiv Jain, Dehradun