Coimbatore, March 6-7, 2025 – Kongunadu Arts and Science College
(Autonomous), Coimbatore, in association with the Zoological Survey of India,
Kolkata, and various NGOs from Coimbatore, successfully organized the National
Symposium on The Western Ghats: Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem
Management (WGBCEM-2025) and Western Ghats Fest-2025 on March 6th and
7th, 2025. The event, held at the prestigious Dr. Marappa G. Aruchami Auditorium,
brought together renowned scientists, conservationists, and academicians to discuss
the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and strategies for its conservation.
The inaugural session commenced at 10:30 AM with an invocation. The event began
with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the esteemed dignitaries, symbolizing the
spread of knowledge and the collective commitment to preserving biodiversity. Dr. V.
Sangeetha, Principal, KASC, delivered the welcome address, setting the stage for
an insightful symposium. Dr. S. Raja, Organizing Secretary, WGBCEM-2025,
elaborated on the objectives of the symposium, emphasizing the need for
collaborative efforts in biodiversity conservation.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. C. A. Vasuki, Secretary &
Director, KASC, highlighting the significance of the event in fostering research and
conservation initiatives. The Secretary, in the Presidential Address, acknowledged
the presence of a distinguished gathering of academicians and dedicated NGOs
actively involved in the Western Ghats Fest. She emphasized the collective
responsibility of reaching out to policymakers, who had graced the occasion, to
advocate for the protection of the environment. She further announced that the
forthcoming symposium would feature insights from the Botanical Survey of India.
Expressing pride in the institution’s initiatives, she highlighted the establishment of a
Tribal Centre and the wide range of certificate programs offered by the college,
including Apiculture and Vermi Technology, among others. In conclusion, she urged
everyone to commit to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem harmony, reinforcing
the shared duty of preserving the natural world for future generations.Dr. Vasuki,
emphasized the significance of the Western Ghats as a global biodiversity hotspot
and called for a united approach to safeguard its rich flora and fauna. She
encouraged participants to leverage research and technology to develop innovative
conservation strategies.
The symposium also featured a significant milestone – the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KASC and Chennai Snake
Park, aimed at advancing research and conservation efforts.
The event also witnessed the release of books and the symposium abstract
book by eminent dignitaries including Dr. C.A. Vasuki. Authors and editors of these
publications were honored for their contributions to environmental research.
Following this, the gathering was addressed by Dr. S. Paulraj, IFS (Retd.),
Executive Chairman, Chennai Snake Park Trust, Chennai, who felicitated the
dignitaries. The Special Address was delivered by Shri. V. Thirunavukarasu, IFS,
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Principal, Ministry of
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Coimbatore, who emphasized the
importance of policy-driven conservation strategies.
The symposium featured two keynote addresses by distinguished speakers: Dr. P.
S. Easa, Former Director, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Kerala, and
Dr. Deleep Kumar, IFS, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest
(Protection), Madhya Pradesh. Their insightful discussions provided an in-depth
analysis of conservation challenges and strategies for preserving the Western Ghats'
fragile ecosystem.
The first day of the symposium continued with technical sessions led by eminent
resource persons:
Session I: Avian Fauna of Western Ghats – Dr. P. Pramod, Senior Principal
Scientist & Head, Division of Nature Education, Salim Ali Centre for
Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore.
Session II: The Western Ghats – A Hot Spot on Indian Flora – Dr. M.
Murugesan, Scientist-D, Botanical Survey of India, Central National
Herbarium, Howrah, Kolkata.
Session III: Aquatic Insect Diversity of the Western Ghats and Their
Conservation – Dr. K. A. Subramanian, Scientist-E & Officer In-charge,
Zoological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Chennai.
Session IV: An Introduction to Coleoptera (Beetles) – Dr. V. D. Hegde,
Scientist-E, Zoological Survey of India, Western Ghats Regional Centre,
Kozhikode, Kerala.
This two-day symposium brought together academicians, researchers,
conservationists, and students to discuss critical issues related to the biodiversity
and sustainable management of the Western Ghats ecosystem.
The event featured multiple oral and paper presentation sessions across various
disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to conservation. The following
venues hosted presentations:
Zoology and Wildlife Biology – Conference Hall
Botany – Computer Lab – I
Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Clinical Nutrition – Computer Lab – II
Computer Science – Computer Lab – III
Costume Design and Fashion (CDF) – Computer Lab – IV
Tamil – Computer Lab – V
English – G5 Hall
Psychology (Role of Psychologists in Forest and Environmental
Management) – C50 Hall
Online and Digital Poster Presentation – Library & Information Centre
Presentations commenced on March 6 at 2:00 PM and will be continued till March 7
from 10:00 AM onwards, featuring insightful discussions on biodiversity,
conservation strategies, ecosystem management, climate change impact, and
indigenous knowledge in conservation.
Alongside the symposium, the Western Ghats Fest-2025 hosted various awareness
programs, exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive stalls at Tmt.
Dhanalakshmi Multipurpose Auditorium. Participants included schools, colleges,
NGOs, and the general public, fostering greater community involvement in
environmental conservation.
The closing ceremony will be held at Dr. Marappa G Aruchami Auditorium at 3:30
PM on March 07, 2025.
The symposium underscores the significance of the Western Ghats as a biodiversity
hotspot and emphasizes collaborative efforts for its conservation. With the
participation of distinguished researchers, students, and environmentalists,
WGBCEM-2025 set the stage for future research and policy discussions to
safeguard this ecologically vital region.
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