International Mountain Day Celebrations at IFGTB-ENVIS, Coimbatore
The ENVIS (Environmental Information System) Centre on Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) and Tree Improvement functioning at Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India observed the International Mountain Day 2015 on 11th December 2015. The function began with an invocation on mountains in Sanskrit by Dr Kannan C.S. Warrier, Scientist E and Co-ordinator ENVIS. Dr B. Gurudev Singh, Group Co-ordinator Research, IFGTB welcomed the gathering. The Director of the Institute Shri R.S. Prashanth, presided over the function and gave a insight into the major mountain resources of India. Dr Kannan C.S. Warrier informed the initiatives by the FAO around the world in connection with the International Mountain Day and introduced the chief guest. Dr P.V. Karunakaran, Principal Scientist from Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Anaikatty delivered the lead lecture, ‘Mountains - The Land of Maxima’. His talk detailed on how mountains which cover just 22 per cent of the Earth's surface area supports the billions of living beings on the Planet. He also elaborated on the need for Payment for Environmental Services (PES) for sustainable utilisation of the mountain resources. An awareness poster highlighting the importance of mountain ecosystems prepared by the ENVIS Centre was released on the occasion. Dr V.N. Mutharaian, Programme Officer-ENVIS proposed the vote of thanks. Scientists, forest officers, research staff of IFGTB and forest range officer trainees from Tamil Nadu Forest Academy participated in the programme.
Invocation on Mountains by Dr Kannan C.S. Warrier, Coordinator- ENVIS Presidential address by Shri R.S. Prashanth, IFS, Director – IFGTB
Release of awareness poster on International Mountain Day 2015 Introduction of the chief guest by Dr Kannan C.S. Warrier, Co-ordinator ENVIS
Lecture by Dr P.V. Karunakaran, Principal Scientist - SACON, Coimbatore A view of the participants
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