Guwahati: Aaranyak, a leading research-based biodiversity conservation organization, recently hosted a two-day ‘Biannual Research Seminar’ that was attended by biologists and conservationists of the organization.
Held on September 27 and 28, the seminar was part of the organization’s year-long celebrations marking its 35th anniversary.
The seminar started with a welcome address by the convener of the seminar, Arup Kumar Das followed by a speech of chief guest Dr Bibekananda Saikia, Dean, Faculty of College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara.
Aaranyak’s Secretary General and CEO Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar delivered the inaugural speech.
Thirteen biologists and conservationists from Aaranyak namely Nibedita Talukdar, Sourav Gupta, Simanta Medhi, Jonmani Kalita, Karishma Sharma, Rashmi Rani Boro, Chandramika Nath, Anushka Saikia, Pranjal Deka, Madhumita Borthakur, Avishek Sarkar, Gayatri Dutta, Koushik Rajbongshi, presented their research findings on various facets of biodiversity conservation during the first day of the seminar.
Dr. Stuart Capstick from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust delivered an online presentation on the first day, addressing the topic “Part of the problem or part of the solution? The role of citizens in tackling environmental concerns and moving towards a sustainable future”.
Presentations under the‘ species theme’ were chaired by Prof Saibal Sengupta and moderated by Dr Debjani Borah, while presentations under the ‘habitat theme’ were chaired by Dr. Kasturi Chakraborty and moderated by Rumana Maheen.
On the second day of the seminar, another thirteen biologists and conservationists attended the seminar.
Guest speaker Dr Ambika Aiyadurai addressed on “Understanding the ‘social’ in Wildlife Conservation: Challenges and possibilities” on the second day of the seminar.
Presentations under the ‘Education and Community’ theme were chaired by Dr Namita Brahma and moderated by Barnali Chakraborty. Presentations under the ‘Human-Wildlife Interaction’ theme were chaired by Dr Ambika Aiyadurai and moderated by Anushka Saikia.
The best presentation honour was conferred on Dr. Debjani Borah, while Anushka Saikia received the second-best presentation recognition. Gayatri Dutta’s presentation was recognized as the third best. The best poster presentation award was conferred on Arif Hussain.
Aaranyak’s Research Advisory Board (RAB) member Prof Hilloljyoti Singha, Director of Centre of Wildlife Research & Biodiversity Conservation, Department of Zoology at Bodoland University, graced the seminar and provided his valuable input.
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The seminar was organised under the guidance of the advisors of the Organizing Committee Dr. Bibhuti P Lahkar and Dr. Parag Deka and convenor Arup Kumar Das, members Dr. Banasree Sharma, Avishek Sarkar, Genius Teron, members who are associated with the BRS committee and anchor Dr Alolika Sinha.
Senior scientists, conservationists, and officials from Aaranyak also attended the seminar.
