Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 December 2024
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, emphasized the need to conserve the Islands’ unique biodiversity while addressing a three-day training workshop on “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystems.” The event, organized by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, is being held at the ZSI Auditorium. Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the workshop aims to train personnel from various services.
Highlighting the integral role of flora and fauna in traditional knowledge, the Chief Secretary noted their presence in folklore and cultural narratives. He stressed the importance of reconnecting with nature, particularly for younger generations, and called for a deeper understanding of the Islands’ rich biodiversity.
Chief Secretary underscored the responsibility of conserving the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ natural heritage, which includes 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks, each with unique floral and faunal species. He emphasized addressing sensitive biodiversity issues carefully while promoting knowledge sharing across regions to enhance conservation efforts.
Chief Secretary also acknowledged the vital role of institutions like ZSI in blending scientific research with community engagement. He encouraged training programs that balance these aspects and foster mutual learning among participants.
Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Department of Environment and Forests, was the special guest at the event. He highlighted the ecological significance of the Islands, home to numerous endemic species, and their vulnerability to environmental and anthropogenic changes. He also discussed the intricate interdependencies within island ecosystems and the need for a sensitive approach to conservation.
In his welcome address, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Course Director, outlined the objectives of the training course. The program includes classroom sessions, field visits to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and Chidiyatappu Biological Park, and hands-on training on intertidal marine biodiversity at Burmanallah. He also emphasized ZSI’s role in conducting research and capacity-building programs.
The workshop’s technical sessions began with Dr. M. Vinod Kumar, Zonal Director, Fisheries Survey of India, delivering a talk on marine fishery resources in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Dr. C. Sivaperuman presented an overview of coastal and marine biodiversity, followed by Dr. K. Sivakumar, Professor at Pondicherry University, who spoke about the management of coastal and marine biodiversity in India. Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan discussed human-animal interactions with a focus on crocodile management in island ecosystems, while Prof. P.M. Mohan elaborated on the mangrove ecosystems of the Islands.
The workshop, which commenced on December 19, will continue until December 21, with participants from various departments, including the Indian Coast Guard, Andaman & Nicobar Police, CISF, Directorate of Agriculture, CBI, Directorate of Fisheries, and others.