Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 19: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, has said that flora and fauna have always been an integral part of our traditional knowledge and folk tales often featured animals, birds and other living beings. He stressed on the importance of understanding and conserving the Islands’ unique biodiversity. Mentioning that modern lifestyles have distanced us from having close connection with nature, he urged younger generations to make an effort to experience nature in its truest form.
This was stated by the Chief Secretary, addressing the 3-days training workshop being organized by Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre in the Auditorium of ZSI on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystem under the Training of Personnel of Other Services sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
The Chief Secretary also threw light on the importance of Island biodiversity and scientific classification of animal species. Emphasizing on India’s unique geography and rich biodiversity of A&N Islands, the Chief Secretary said that it is our responsibility to maintain this natural heritage. A&N Islands have 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park, and each protected areas have its own unique faunal and floral species, the Chief Secretary said underlining the need to address the sensitive issues related to biodiversity conservation cautiously and ensuring that knowledge is shared across States and regions. This exchange will enrich not just local communities but the entire country. Active participation and mutual learning will make programs like this more impactful and beneficial for everyone involved, he added.
The Chief Secretary further pointed out that the organizations like ZSI, with their wealth of resources and facilities, should structure their programs to include this dual approach. Training programs like this should aim to balance scientific knowledge with community engagement, he said. It is equally crucial to encourage a two-way communication approach where participants share their knowledge and insights, the Chief Secretary said adding that Science has a purpose to connect with society and maintain the wellbeing of ecosystems.
The Chief Secretary also appreciated ZSI for organizing this kind of workshop, as it has become essential not just to focus on scientific knowledge but also to reconnect participants with their environment.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Department of Environment and Forests, Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS as the special guest discussed the importance of understanding and conserving the unique biodiversity of island ecosystems. As these Islands are fascinating ecological treasures, hosting numerous species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. This endemic richness also makes them extremely fragile and susceptible to environmental and anthropogenic changes. He highlighted on the historical context of the Island ecosystems which have long been examples of intricate ecological interdependencies.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Course Director mentioned about the objectives of the training course, and briefed about the next three days programme which includes class rooms teaching and field visit to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiyatappu Biological Park, besides hands on training on the intertidal marine biodiversity at Burmanallah, South Andaman. He also emphasized the roles and responsibilities of ZSI, A&N Regional Centre in conducting research and organizing various levels of training courses.
After the inaugural session, the technical session began with Dr. M. Vinod Kumar, Zonal Director, Fisheries Survey of India delivering talk on the Marine Fishery Resources in A & N Islands. This was followed by Dr. C. Sivaperuman delivering a talk on the overview of Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of A & N Islands. Dr. K. Sivakumar, Professor, Pondicherry University spoke on the Introduction to Management of Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in India-‘Challenges and Prospects’ while Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, delivered a talk on human-animal interactions with special reference to management of Crocodiles in Island Ecosystem and Prof. P.M. Mohan enlightened the participants about Mangrove ecosystem of A & N Islands.
The training workshop which began today will continue till Dec.21 and is being attended by Officers from Indian Coast Guard, Andaman & Nicobar Police, Directorate of Shipping Services, CISF Veer Savarkar Airport, CISF Haddo Wharf, Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULBs, Directorate of Agriculture, Central Bureau of Investigation, Directorate of Tribal Welfare, INS Utkrosh, Port Management Board and Directorate of Fisheries.
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