Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 27: The Government of India is actively encouraging biodiversity enthusiasts by providing opportunities to name newly discovered species, stated Dr. Kailash Chandra, Former Director, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), while inaugurating the three-day workshop on “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystem” at Sri Vijaya Puram.
In his Special Address, Dr. Kailash Chandra emphasised the crucial role of coastal and marine biodiversity in sustaining a healthy island ecosystem. He noted that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the four biodiversity hotspots in India, it has a rich collection of both indigenous and migratory species. Expressing concern over the rising sea levels and increasing temperatures, he highlighted the impacts of heat stress on marine habitats, particularly coral reefs. He called upon participants to ensure that the knowledge gained from this workshop is passed on to next generations.
I’m his welcome address Dr. Sivaperuman, Officer-in-Charge, ZSI Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, informed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, is establishing the country’s first National Coral Reef Research Institute near Chidiyatapu in South Andaman at a cost of ₹120 crore. The centre will function as the nodal and monitoring agency for coral reef research across India. He also announced that a QR code-based digital museum system will soon be introduced at the ZSI Museum in Sri Vijaya Puram, enabling the public to digitally access photographs and information related to displayed species.
A technical session on Coastal Agro-Biodiversity was conducted by Dr. Jai Sundar, Director, ICAR–CIARI, providing valuable insights into the interlinkages between agriculture and island biodiversity.
The Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, along with the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Centre on Island Biodiversity, is organising this three-day residential training workshop from 27th to 29th November 2025 under the Forestry Training and Capacity Building programme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
A total of 20 personnel from various institutions including the Indian Coast Guard, INS Jarawa, Indian Army, Andaman & Nicobar Police, Police Training School, Anti-Corruption Unit, Directorate of Health Services, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Education Department, and Andaman & Lakshadweep Harbour Works.
