Sri Vijaya Puram | February 25, 2026
A two-day National Conference on “One Health Synergy: Integrating Human, Animal, Plant and Aquatic Life for a Sustainable Future” was inaugurated at the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) here on Tuesday.
Organised by ICAR-CIARI in collaboration with the Andaman Science Association (ASA), the conference is being held in hybrid mode and has brought together scientists, policymakers, academicians and other stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on integrated health and ecosystem sustainability.
The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Among those present were Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health); Dr. Jai Sunder, President, ASA and Director, ICAR-CIARI; Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Additional Director, Botanical Survey of India; and Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Vice President, ASA and Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Sinha underscored the relevance of the One Health concept in addressing emerging challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and food safety concerns, particularly in fragile island ecosystems. He noted that endemic flora and fauna form the backbone of a healthy ecosystem and stressed the need for conservation, sustainable resource management and inter-sectoral collaboration. He called for a holistic and integrated approach to safeguard public health, wildlife and environmental sustainability.
Presiding over the function, Dr. Jai Sunder highlighted the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, stressing the importance of coordinated and multidisciplinary efforts to tackle complex issues such as AMR and zoonotic diseases. He pointed out that the World Health Organization has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the most serious global health threats of the 21st century. Reaffirming ICAR-CIARI’s commitment to the One Health framework, he expressed confidence that the deliberations would lead to actionable recommendations and sustainable mitigation strategies.
Dr. Lal Ji Singh described the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as biodiversity-rich yet ecologically fragile, and cautioned that climate change poses significant threats to island ecosystems. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to conserve medicinal plants, coastal ecosystems and natural resources while ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. C. Sivaperuman highlighted the ecological importance of the islands, which support unique assemblages of mammals, birds and other wildlife, many of them endemic. He called for focused research, conservation planning and long-term protection of island habitats.
Earlier, Dr. T. Sujatha, Principal Scientist and Organising Secretary, ASA, welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the conference, including scientific sessions, expert deliberations and interactive discussions aimed at strengthening the One Health framework.
During the event, Fellow Awards, Young Scientist Awards, Best Scientist Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to science and research. Institutional publications were also unveiled on the occasion.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar, Scientist, and Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Subject Matter Specialist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman. More than 190 researchers from across India participated in the conference, both in person and virtually.
The conference is expected to strengthen collaboration among experts in human health, animal health, plant sciences, aquatic systems and environmental sectors, reinforcing the One Health approach toward building a sustainable and resilient future.
