Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 30: The valedictory function of the Three-Day Training Workshop on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystem for the Personnel of Other Services under the “Forestry Training and Capacity Building” sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India held at ZSI on 29.11.2025.
Dr. Kailash Chandra, Former Director, Zoological Survey of India was the chief guest for the valedictory function; Dr. Anil Addepally, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Prof. (Dr.) P. V. Nagendra Sarma, Andaman law College, Port Blair were the special guests. The workshop featured a series of insightful lectures along with field based practical exposure. A total of 21 participants attended the workshop from the diverse departments including the Indian Coast Guard, INS Jarawa, Indian Army, Andaman & Nicobar Police, Police Training School, Anti-Corruption Unit, Directorate of Health Services, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Education Department, and Andaman & Lakshadweep Harbour Works.
Dr. Kailash Chandra in his address emphasised that despite decades of scientific investigation, nature is still huge, complex and only half understood. He humbly stated that learning about nature is a lifetime effort, drawing on his more than forty-four years of experience conducting biodiversity studies both in India and other countries. He valued the knowledgeable lectures that gave attendees a thorough overview of island ecology, coastal ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. Dr. Kailash appreciated ZSI/ANRC for its significant contributions to biodiversity research, capacity building, and conservation awareness in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In closing, he thanked the organisers, dignitaries, and attendees for their dedication to comprehending and protecting the environment.
Dr. Anil Addepally in his address expressed gratitude to ZSI/ANRC for organising the training workshop on Coastal and Marine Ecosystems on a regular basis for the other stakeholders and services. He emphasised the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ natural diversity as well as the impact of the coastline and the vast Andaman Sea on the region’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of the local population. He emphasised the importance of coastal and marine ecology knowledge for all departments, not only the Forest Department or research institutes. In line with the ideas discussed during the program, he reaffirmed that sustainable management is essential for achieving a balanced approach between conservation and development.
Prof. (Dr.) P. V. Nagendra Sarma in his address emphasised the legal aspects of environmental preservation. He highlighted that environmental protection today is guided by three major concepts i.e., sustainable development, the public trust doctrine and absolute liability. He underlined that the Supreme Court of India’s have greatly influenced these principles, frequently surpassing the acts of the executive or Parliament. He noted that through a number of significant rulings, the Supreme Court has significantly contributed to the development of environmental jurisprudence. Strong environmental protections are the result of the judiciary’s proactive involvement as well as the availability of scientific knowledge, he added.
Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Scientist-F & Course Director, Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, A & N Islands in his welcomed address inform that this is the third straight training event under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change’s for the “Other Stakeholders and Other Services” in this year. According to him, the program was structured in accordance with ministry directives and addressed important subjects like biodiversity, environmental issues, coastal and marine ecosystems, and conservation strategies. The program included four technical sessions, expert lectures, and practical field training to study the dynamics of coastal ecosystems and marine biodiversity. Both assessment and feedback session also conducted in compliance with ministry standards. Dr. Sivaperuman assured that the participants gained substantial knowledge about ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental conservation, and he urged them to share what they had learnt with co-workers, students, and the general public.
At the conclusion, certificates were then given to the participants by the chief guests and special guests.