Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 12: The Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, today inaugurated a one-week mandatory training programme for IFS Officers on ‘Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystems’ organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Mansha Regency, Phoenix Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram. He addressed Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers who had arrived from across the country to participate in the programme.
In his address, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor highlighted the rich biodiversity of the archipelago and the importance of conserving its unique coastal and marine ecosystems. Emphasising the need for sustainable management of natural resources and the maintenance of ecological balance, he stated that scientific research, modern conservation practices and capacity building of officers could further enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts.
The programme was attended by Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Scientist, Zoological Survey of India; Shri Raj Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman; the Chief Conservator of Forests; the Superintendent of Police; the President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators; and other dignitaries.