Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 16: The one-week compulsory training course on “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystems” for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, organised by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre (ANRC), concluded on October 16, 2026. The valedictory function was held at Mansha Regency, Phoenix Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram. Shri Ravi Horo, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, attended as the Chief Guest, while Shri M. Rajkumar, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was the Special Guest.
A total of 51 IFS officers from various States and Union Territories participated in the training programme, conducted from October 12 to 16, 2026. The course was designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of coastal and marine biodiversity in island ecosystems through classroom sessions, expert lectures, interactive discussions and practical field exercises.
The programme featured four technical sessions comprising eight expert lectures delivered by eminent resource persons. The sessions covered sustainable management, biodiversity conservation practices and ecosystem-based approaches. Field visits were also organised to provide first-hand exposure to the unique ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The participants visited Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the Baratang Mangroves and limestone caves, Chidiyatapu Biological Park and Swaraj Dweep.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Ravi Horo highlighted the rich biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which encompasses coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, tropical rainforests and diverse marine and terrestrial fauna. He emphasised that these unique ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining ecological security, enhancing climate resilience and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
Earlier, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Scientist-F and Course Director, ZSI, ANRC, welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives and key components of the training programme. He highlighted the importance of strengthening scientific knowledge and professional capacity for the conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine biodiversity. Dr. Sivaperuman observed that the five-day programme had provided a valuable opportunity for participating officers to gain practical insights into the distinctive biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through technical lectures, interactive discussions and field-based learning. He noted that the training covered diverse ecosystems, including intertidal habitats, mangroves, coral reefs, marine protected areas and island landscapes.
Dr. Sivaperuman expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India; the Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Administration; the resource persons; participating institutions; and the organising team of ZSI for their valuable support and contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme. The valedictory session concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the distribution of certificates to the participating officers by the Chief Guest and the Special Guest.