Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 June 2025
In a significant initiative to promote sustainable and eco-conscious tourism in the islands, the Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team (ANET), will be hosting a special lecture titled “From Hatchling to Hope: Leveraging Turtle Nesting for Sustainable Tourism in the Islands” on June 14 at 11 AM. The event will be held at the Training Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management.
The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Karthik Shanker, a renowned marine ecologist from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Prof. Shanker is widely recognized for his pioneering work in marine biodiversity and sea turtle conservation.
This knowledge-sharing session aims to underscore the ecological and economic significance of turtle nesting sites, particularly in the context of the Olive Ridley sea turtles that visit the Andaman shores annually. These marine species serve not only as ecological keystones but also as flag-bearers of marine conservation and nature-based tourism.
Prof. Shanker will explore the delicate balance between tourism development and wildlife conservation in island ecosystems, offering insights into how responsible tourism can turn turtle hatchlings into symbols of hope for a sustainable future.
The Department of Tourism has extended an open invitation to researchers, conservationists, tourism stakeholders, and students to attend the session. The event is expected to foster dialogue and inspire action toward a tourism model that harmonizes with nature and ensures the long-term well-being of the islands.