Green Haat:an initiative to raise awareness on the rich forest and bio diverse heritage of the country

MoEF Organising “Green Haat ” to Raise Awareness of Rich Forest and BIO Diversity of the Country Green Haat 2013 “Brings Nature to Our Lives”

The Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) in its endeavor to promote Non Timber Forest based Handicrafts, Herbal/Health/Cosmetic Medicinal & Food items (Forest/Argo/Biodiversity food) is organising 15 Days program: “GREEN HAAT” with primary objective of “Connecting nature with our lives”. The event would be organized at DILLI HAAT, Opp. INA market, New Delhi from tomorrow (16th January 2013). It will continue till 31st January 2013 (Green Haat will be closed on 26th January 2013 on the occasion of Republic Day). Green Haat is an initiative of Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), Govt. of India to raise awareness on the rich forest and bio diverse heritage of the country among the growing urban population often living far off from the forests. The initiative is to showcase various value added forest based products developed by Rural Artisans, Community Self Help Groups, NGOs, and State Federations and thus provide support to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. The first Green Haat was organized on the eve of World Environment Day 2011 where India played as a Global Host. Encouraged by the response received a decision was taken to make it an annual event. This year, the event is providing platform for the exhibition of Forest based Handicraft, and Bio diverse and Organic Food & Herbal Remedies under different categories of value added forest products. Through Green Haat the Ministry of environment & Forest intends to build and capitalize upon the rich traditional knowledge of the local communities to augment their forest based livelihood and generate awareness about the economic significance of forests among all sections of the society. Green Haat 2013 will be showcasing an array of bio diverse and forest based products from 10 States involving 55 partner organizations. Eco Clubs from various schools will participate in activities like painting, nukad natak, writing, dancing, singing, etc. on “Green Haat” theme. In the evening cultural performances by Indian folk, forest songs and dances, ethnic dancers will also be organized.