National Conference on “Biodiversity Conservation for a Sustainable Future”

National Conference on

“Biodiversity Conservation for a Sustainable Future”

11-12 October 2019

Venue:  IIS (Deemed to be University), Mansarovar, Jaipur 302020

REPORT

The two day National Conference on “Biodiversity Conservation for a Sustainable Future” held on 11-12 October 2019 was organized by Department of Botany, IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur in collaboration with Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board  and Indian Science Congress association, Jaipur Chapter. The conference comprised of 5 Technical sessions, each session was opened for healthy discussion. More than 130 delegates registered in the conference from all over the country. The conference began with the inaugural ceremony in the august presence of Dr. Ashok Gupta, Vice Chancellor, IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur. He extended heartiest welcome to all the delegates. Prof. Pradeep Bhatnagar, Dean, Faculty of Science, IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, acquainted the audience with the aims and objectives of the conference, followed by the release of abstract book by the dignitaries.

The guest of honour, Dr. G. V. Reddy, Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board delivered the inaugural remarks enlightening. The importance of biodiversity in cultural, supporting and regulatory services.

Chief Guest, Dr. V. B. Mathur, Chairman- National Biodiversity Authority, Delivered the Keynote address. He introduced new upcoming government projects for Biodiversity conservation and emphasized that students must have the ability and aptitude to spend time in nature for better understanding of biodiversity.

Thereafter, vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Kalpana Agarwal, Convener of the Conference.

Technical session-I was chaired by Prof. Sudhakar Mishra, Former Head, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur and Prof. Kailash Agarwal, Former Head, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

They invited Dr. M. C. Kharkwal, IAEA, Expert, Ex. Principal Scientist, IARI, New Delhi to deliver his lecture on current status of genetically modified crops in the world. He introduced different methods of plant breeding and also discussed advantages & controversies related to GM crops. The next speaker of the sessin was Dr. P. C. Trivedi, Former Vice Chancellor, DDU University, Gorakhpur. He enlightened the audience with current status of biodiversity and climate change.

The chairman for the session II was Dr. R. K. Gothwal. This session comprised of oral presentation by faculties and students, followed by lunch.

Dr. M. C. Kharkwal chaired the III technical session, inviting Dr. Veena Chandra, Formeer Scientist ‘F’ and Head (Botany division), FRI, Dehradun. On speaking about importance of eco-restoration, Dr. Chandra pointed out the impacts of mining operations. The session was opened for oral presentations thereafter.

The day two of the conference began with the commencement of session IV, chaired by Dr. Veena Chandra. The first speaker of the session was Mr. Ayush Sharma, CEO- Ecohoy. He highlighted the co-relation between carbon footprint and global warming and also gave an insight of various ecofriendly products of his startup company that can help in reduction of carbon emission. Second speaker of this session was Dr. Tarun Kant, Scientist ‘F’ & Head Genetics and Tree improvement division, AFRZ, Jodhpur. He talked about the effect of climate change on land degradation and also suggested various biotechnological interventions to achieve land  degradation neutrality and combating degradation.

Thereafter, the session was opened for oral and poster presentations.

Session V was chaired by Sh. Naresh Sharma and Dr. Shilpi Rijhwani. They invited Dr. Satya Prakash Mehra, RSNC, Rajasthan, to speak on indigenous eco-culture & sustainable development and goals-case studies of Rajputana Society of Natural History of Rajasthan. This was followed by the last lecture of the Conference by Shri Swapnil Kumbhojkar, Founder, Jhalana Wildlife Research Foundation. He discussed comparison of Human Animal conflict in Kruger National Park, South Africa, Neuras conservancy- Nambia and Jhalana Forest Research- India.

In two days conference we had about 28 oral presentations for faculty and 17 for students. In poster session total 60 posters has been displayed including faculty and students. The session concluded with the award ceremony for the best presenters in Oral & Poster categories.

The two day National Conference ended up with the formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Reenu Agarwal, Organizing secretary of the conference.