Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11: A five days training program in “Management of coastal and marine biodiversity: challenges and prospects” was inaugurated in Sri Vijaya Puram on 10 February 2025 (Monday). This specialized training program for Indian Forest Service Officers conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. This training program is aimed to provide exposure to various challenges and their practical solutions towards enhancing the marine ecosystem management in India.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Shri. Sanjay Kumar Sinha IFS, Principle Chief Conservator of Forest, ANI has emphasized the critical role the coastal and marine biodiversity play in the maintenance of the coastal ecosystem health and natural resource sustenance. The program coordinator, Dr. Nehru Prabakaran, Scientist, WII has informed the crucial role this training program has played over the past 10 years in building capacity in the coastal and marine ecosystem management among the IFS officers from various states in India. Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. K Sivakumar, Pondicherry University has elaborated on the various challenges and threats faced by the marine biodiversity and the efforts made by government agencies and various organizations towards the protection and management of marine fauna. He further emphasized the prospects of marine ecosystems in enhancing the blue economy potentials in India. Dr. Ramesh Chinnasamy, Scientist (WII) has thanked Shri. Virendra R Tiwari IFS, Director, WII for continuous support in organizing this important training program. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri. Ravi Hora IFS, Additional Principle Chief Conservator of Forest, ANI, Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan IFS, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), ANI, and 13 IFS officers from nine states across India.