HECS ALONG WITH SHRUSTI FOUNDATION AND VELS INSTITUTE ORGANIZES A NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY SEMINAR FOR BIODIVERSITY EXPERTS, CORPORATES AND NGOS
Chennai, A National level Biodiversity Seminar on “Understanding Biodiversity Monitoring and Environmental Compliance” is being organized in Chennai by HECS (Hubert Enviro Care Systems Private Ltd), Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies along with India’s top wildlife and biodiversity scientists from Srushti Conservation Foundation. The 3 day training program is from the 13th to the 15th of March, 2023 at Rain Tree Hotel, Anna Salai, Chennai and field work training at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
The inaugural program was well attended by industrialists, academics, government officials and NGOs all over India seeking for ways to improve their environment by developing a better understanding on biodiversity surveys, monitoring, evaluation and exploring the interdependence of this with various environmental compliance frameworks.
The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Manivasan, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works Department. He spoke about the importance of scientifically robust environmental impact assessments with a strong scientific backing especially in development projects.
Dr. Ishari Ganesh, the founder, Chairman and Chancellor of Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies stressed on the importance of Biodiversity and the need for collection of regional biodiversity data in order to define baseline ecosystem conditions. Furthermore, Mr. Pankaj Patel, Director in Shreeji Port Limited emphasized on biodiversity expansion for the sustainable development of industries in India.
Dr. Deepak Apte, Director of Srushti Conservation Foundation, talked about how biodiversity studies are challenged due to absence or inadequate representation of the effect on ecosystem functions due to lack of regional biodiversity data; ill-defined baseline ecosystem conditions; lack of consideration of cumulative effects of projects; inadequate mitigation and post-monitoring. He continued to say that in order to avoid these challenges, the necessity for integration and adoption of scientific approaches arose. This training programme provides this opportunity. His team of scientists comprising of leading biodiversity researchers like Dr. Unmesh Katwate, Dr. Rahul Mungikar, Dr. Monsoon Gogoi and Dr. Mandar Sawant are set to train the delegates of the seminar over the next couple of days.
Dr. JR Moses, CEO and Managing Director of HECS further concluded the inauguration program by stressing on the importance of scientifically robust Environmental Impact Assessments which can balance the biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of industries in India.
