NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 1
India is opening new doors for biodiversity enthusiasts by allowing them to name newly discovered species, said Dr. Kailash Chandra, former Director of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). He was speaking at the inauguration of a three-day residential workshop on “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystem” held at Sri Vijaya Puram on 27 November 2025.
Delivering the Special Address, Dr. Chandra underscored the ecological significance of coastal and marine biodiversity, calling it the lifeline of island ecosystems. He noted that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands—one of India’s four biodiversity hotspots—harbour a rich blend of endemic, indigenous and migratory species. Raising concerns over rising sea levels, warming oceans and coral heat stress, he warned of the cascading impacts on marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. He urged participants to ensure that the scientific knowledge gained at the workshop is transferred to future generations.
- India Expands Citizen Participation in Taxonomy & Species Documentation
- National Coral Reef Research Institute Coming Up in South Andaman
- Digital Museum, Marine Awareness & Capacity-Building Initiatives Accelerated
In his welcome address, Dr. Sivaperuman, Officer-in-Charge, ZSI Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, announced a major development: the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is setting up India’s first National Coral Reef Research Institute near Chidiyatapu in South Andaman at a cost of ₹120 crore. The institute will function as the apex centre for coral reef research and monitoring across the country.
He further informed that a QR code–enabled digital museum system will soon be introduced at the ZSI Museum in Sri Vijaya Puram, helping visitors digitally access photographs, data and reference material on exhibited species—enhancing public engagement in biodiversity conservation.
A technical session on Coastal Agro-Biodiversity was delivered by Dr. Jai Sundar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, who explained the intricate links between agriculture, coastal ecology and island sustainability.
The three-day workshop (27–29 November 2025) is being organised by the ZSI Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre in collaboration with the EIACP Centre on Island Biodiversity under the Forestry Training and Capacity Building programme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
A total of 20 participants from key institutions—including the Indian Coast Guard, INS Jarawa, Indian Army, A&N Police, Police Training School, Anti-Corruption Unit, Directorate of Health Services, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Education Department and Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works—are attending the programme.
