Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 16: The valedictory function of the Three-Day Training Workshop on Conservation and Sustainable Management of 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 on 15th November 2025.
Captain P. Mahajan, Station Flight Safety Officer (SFSO), INS Utkrosh, Indian Navy, Port Blair was the Chief Guest and Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, A & N Islands was the special Guest. The workshop featured a series of insightful lectures along with field based practical exposure visit. Total of 28 participants attended the workshop from Indian Coast Guard, INS Jarawa, Indian Army, Central Industrial Security Force, Air Force, Police Training School, Anti-Corruption Unit, Directorate of Fisheries, Health Services, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, RD, PRI & Urban Local Bodies, Education and Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works.
In his valedictory address, Captain P. Mahajan highlighted the importance of marine and coastal habitats, such as sea grass, coral reefs, mangroves, and the abundant marine biodiversity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He emphasised that these ecosystems support local livelihoods, such as fishing, tourism, and related sectors. He emphasised that the erosion of coastal and marine environments over time had affected the delicate ecological balance of island ecosystems. He pointed out that the communities and means of subsistence of the islanders are immediately impacted by any disruption to these ecosystems. Workshops for capacity building are crucial for bolstering conservation efforts and developing an informed and conscious workforce, he recognised. In addition to thanking Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Additional Director for regularly organising such kind of training workshop. Captain Mahajan thanked all participants for completing the training workshop successfully.
Dr. Jai Sunder in address conveyed his gratitude and honour for participating in the Three-Day Training Workshop’s closing ceremony. He expressed gratitude to the 28 officials who participated from different organisations, saying that their varied representation highlights the significance and applicability of biodiversity protection. He highlighted that the forests, coastal habitats, and marine resources that make up the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ distinctive and delicate ecosystem are under growing strain from population increase, development demands, and climate change. He extended his gratitude to ZSI/ANRC’s efforts, particularly Dr. C. Sivaperuman, who made important contributions to the study, documenting, and preservation of the islands’ abundant faunal diversity.
Earlier, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Officer-in-Charge & Course Director, ANRC/ZSI welcomed the Chief Guest, Special Guest and expressed his profound gratitude to all of the dignitaries for accepting the invitation and attending. In his address, he gave an outline of the training program’s components, which comprised eight technical lectures, and a field visit to Burmanella for hands on training of intertidal marine fauna and visit to Biological Park Chidiyatappu.
Dr. Sivaperuman emphasised the importance of participants acting as ambassadors of conservation, carrying forward the knowledge gained on marine biodiversity, island ecosystems, and conservation measures into their respective departments and communities. He encouraged participants to share the knowledge with their colleagues, juniors, seniors, and the wider community to promote ecosystem sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The chief guests and special guests later distributed the certificates to the participants.