Webinars

Title: Wetland_Treasure of Bangalore-World Wetland Day
Speaker: Ramachandra T.V., Co-ordinator, EWRG, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Date: Feb 1, 2021
Link: link

Abstract:

Wetlands (and lakes) constitute the most productive ecosystems with a wide array of goods and services. These ecosystems serve as life support systems; serve as habitat for a variety of organisms including migratory birds for food and shelter. They aid in bioremediation and hence aptly known as 'kidneys of the landscape'. Water bodies constitute vital components of the regional hydrological cycle. Major services include flood control, wastewater treatment, arresting sediment load, drinking water, protein production, and more importantly recharging of aquifers apart from aiding as sinks and climate stabilisers. The wetlands provide a low cost way to treat the community's wastewater, while simultaneously functioning as wild fauna sanctuary with public access. These ecosystems are valuable for education and scientific endeavours due to rich biodiversity. They also enhance the aesthetics of the landscape and support many significant recreational, social, and cultural activities, aside from being a part of our cultural heritage. Today, most urban wetlands are being seriously threatened by conversion to non-wetland purposes, encroachment of drainage through landfilling, pollution (sustained inflow of untreated domestic and industrial effluents, disposal of solid wastes), hydrological alterations (water withdrawal and inflow changes), and overexploitation of their natural resources. This results in loss of biodiversity and disruption in goods and services provided by wetlands. These are highly productive ecosystems, evident from the tangible benefits (fish, fodder, etc.) of Rs10500 per hectare/day at Rachenhalli Lake.

Title: Bio indicators for Biodiversity Monitoring and Ecosystem Health

Speaker: Dr V.P. Uniyal Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun

Date: 24/05/2022

Link: link

Number of participants: 95

Abstract:

Bio-indicators include biological processes, species, or communities and are used to assess the quality of the environment and how it changes over time. There is increasing demand to identify the bio-indicators corresponds to the need to state an efficient and cost-effective means for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of conservation policies. Changes in the environment are often attributed to anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., pollution, land use changes) or natural stressors (e.g. drought, late spring freeze). Understanding the response of species to forest fragmentation and landscape modification is essential for ecological monitoring and also for the formulation of effective conservation program and areas. Bio-indicator based ecological monitoring can provide advanced warning of undesirable ecological change such as habitat degradation and alteration, anthropogenic pressure and natural stressors, thus permit managers to adopt an adaptive management approach to conserving biodiversity. Distributions of insects are strongly influenced by the vegetative cover, fragmentation, physical structure, environmental elevation and also anthropogenic disturbances in forest fragments severely affected composition and distribution of increase increasing the isolation of populations and negatively affect the various ecological processes hence they can perform as a very excellent indicator of ecosystem health and can be used for ecological monitoring.

Invitation:

Title: Water conservation through Sustainable approaches

Speaker: Dr. Harikumar PS, Sr. Principal Scientist, CWRDM

Date: 30/03/2022

Link: link

Number of participants: 80

Abstract:

The amount of water used in a country not only depends on minimum requirement and/or how much water is available, but it also depends on the levels of economic development and urbanisation. People use water for a wide variety of activities. It is difficult to estimate the amount of water essential to maintain a minimum living standard. A person needs 1 or 2 litres of water per day to survive, and it is also required for other domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs. Different agencies and organizations have been proposed different amounts of water as the minimum standards. According to World Health Organization (WHO), minimum “survival” allocation (sustainable for few days) of water is 7 litre percapita per day (lpcd) and medium-term allocation (sustainable for few months) is 15-20 lpcd. According to International norms set out by the agencies such as World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, minimum requirement of water is 20 litres per person per day from a source within 1 kilometres of the household. This is sufficient for drinking and basic personal hygiene. But the average water use of the countries varies from 10 to 575 lpcd, in which the highest water usage (575liters) reported for United States and lowest (10 litres) for Mozambiquueis. In India, the average water usage for the domestic needs is 135 lpcd. The water use and wastewater generation are interrelated. The volume of wastewater generated by domestic, industrial, and commercial sources has also increased with population, urbanization, improved living conditions, and economic development. It is the main cause of pollution of rivers, lakes, and other natural water resources. Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) estimates, about 70-80% of total water supplied for domestic use gets generated as wastewater. According to WHO (2006) from the total water use, 80% is discharged as wastewater. Much of the daily-generated wastewater is recognized as greywater. The total volume of greywater from the average household represents about 60% of the generated wastewater. Discharges of untreated greywater often create pressure on the natural water bodies and deteriorate its quality. Assessment of the existing or potential magnitude of wastewater and greywater management will provide a key to the policy formulation or adjustment that may be needed. An understanding of the quantity and quality of the wastewater is essential in the design and operation of collection, treatment, and reuse facilities and in the management of environmental quality. Efficient wastewater management system together with the conservation of water resources should be an important component for the implementation of any water management policy.

Invitation:

Title: The lion-tailed macaque [LTM] conservation initiatives from the Central Western Ghats
Speaker: Dr. Honnavalli N. Kumara, Principal Scientist, SACON
Date: 04/03/2022
Link: link
Abstract:
The forests of Aghanashini Lion-tailed Macaque Conservation Reserve which inhabits the largest population of LTM in the contiguous forest also have the highest rate of deforestation with a loss of 11.50% of evergreen forests at the rate of 1.90% loss yearly. They coexist with about 15000 people. The reason for this is the high dependence of people for firewood to process the rind of Garcinia gummi-gutta conventionally, and the gradual conversion of the rainforest into agriculture. The consequence of this may lead to fragmentation of habitat that may result in the largest population to smaller sub-populations. The initiatives taken to address these issues are discussed.
Invitation:

Title: Nature-based Solutions (NbS), for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), & Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)
Speaker: Dr. Shalini Dhyani, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NEERI
Date: 22/02/2022
link
Abstract:
Increasing climate variability and multi-dimensional vulnerabilities have severely affected the social, ecological, and economic capacities of the people in the region. Climatic and anthropogenic risks, coupled with weak and wavering capacities, severely impact the ecosystems and Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) and, thereby, to human well-being. Nature-based Solutions (NBS) as a cost-effective approach utilizes ecosystem and biodiversity services for addressing diverse societal challenges, while also providing a range of co-benefits like sustainable livelihoods and food, water, and energy security etc. NBS can be used to address and realize diverse global targets with active community participation.
Invitation:

Title: Mangroves never die: yet, understanding their resilience, succession and restoration is critical
Speaker: Dr Nehru Prabakaran, DST-INSPIRE Faculty, Wildlife Institute of India
Date: 04/02/2022
link
Abstract:
Mangroves, a unique ecosystem that inhabits the ocean and land interface, play a critical part in maintaining the coastal and marine biodiversity. Having inhabiting the inter-tidal zones in the densely populated tropical coastal lines, mangroves are frequently subjected to a number of disturbance factors related to human and natural sources. Especially, forest clearing for development and agriculture purposes was reasoned for the continuous decline of mangroves globally. Additionally, management and conservation of mangroves might see an uncertain future due to the sea-level rise. In this context, this talk will address a few critical challenges for mangrove conservation globally and provide optimism for mangrove conservation in India. 
Invitation:

Title: Ecosystem Restoration to Meet Agenda 2030 -Conservation initiatives at TATA steel
Speaker: Dr Hishmi Jamil Husain, Head Biodiversity, Corporate Sustainability
Date: 24/01/2022
link
Abstract:
Nature's Dangerous Decline 'Unprecedented' Species Extinction Rates 'Accelerating' Current global response insufficient. We need 'Transformative changes' to restore and protect nature. More than 1,000,000 species threatened with extinction. Nature underpins our societies, our economics and our physical wellbeing.  Loss of nature has direct implications for us all who are depended heavily on nature. Nature loss increases their vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change. Nature's decline directly impacts on the security of future generations. Ecosystem restoration means preventing, halting and reversing this damage to go from exploiting nature to healing it. Only with healthy ecosystems can we enhance people's livelihoods, counteract climate change and stop the collapse of biodiversity. Recognizing the impact on nature across all sectors, and the need to work together to restore it, is the first step for developing a coalition for the nature and people agenda.  Protecting and caring for nature is not simply a moral responsibility; it is essential to our well-being, and indeed our survival. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are targets to tackle the world's most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges.  SDGs are developed by engaging with stakeholders including businesses. It make accountability of implementation to all sectors with time bound targets taken by 2030. Which is also famous  as Agenda 2030.
Invitation:

Title: The Jumbo science: Understanding the basics of elephant ecology
Speaker: Dr Sanjeeta Sharma Pokharel, Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellow, Visiting Scientist @CES, IISc
Date: 04/1/2022
link
Abstract:
Wildlife ecology is one of the emerging branches of biology. The rapidly deteriorating natural habitats necessitate understanding the wildlife present in such habitats and their conservation. One of the megaherbivores that are highly susceptible to massive scales of ecological changes is elephants. In this lecture, I will introduce basic concepts behind elephant biology, stress physiology and conservation-related issues; highlighting the significance of the field ecology and wildlife biology.
Invitation:

Title: Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and Wetland Restoration Using ICM Methodology
Speaker: Dr. Arun B. Inamdar, Professor (Retd.), CSRE, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Date: 10/12/2021
link
Abstract:
Conflicts between 'need for immediate consumption of natural resources' and 'need to ensure their long term supply' has always been a sensitive issue across the globe, where burgeoning human population keeps feeding on fast depleting natural resources. Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is a powerful tool to address conflicts arising out of our need to conserve coastal environment while balancing it with our developmental needs. It's a process of governance comprising legal and institutional framework to ensure that developmental plans for coastal zones are integrated with environmental goals and made with participation of those affected. Most importantly, its logical, transparent, science based and highly effective, if strictly followed. Although its highly recommended by UN and IPCC for implementation in management of our coastal resources, the ICM methodology can be very easily applied in any conflict resolution that involves two or more entities with incompatible views regarding any issue, but ready to agree on certain principles for conflict resolution and looking for an amicable settlement in a democratic and scientific way. As an example, we consider the case of a dying wetland in Mumbai that is in dire need of attention for several decades and is currently being considered for a recreational project by the civic authorities. We discuss how best ICM methodology can be applied to restore and manage the wetland in a most effective way to cater to the needs of the public while addressing the environmental needs.
Invitation:

Title: Geospatial technology for Biodiversity: Applications, prospects and new directions
Date: 08/10/21
Speaker: Dr. Sudhakar Reddy C, Head, Forest Biodiversity and Ecology Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, Hyderabad, Telangana.
link
Abstract:
This presentation covers information on current status of geospatial technology and its applications for biodiversity conservation. The twenty-first century has already shown ever accelerating advances in technology that are transforming our daily lives. Assessing, monitoring and reporting on biodiversity are important activities intended for sustainable management. There is a need for high-quality, reliable, continual and real-time data to track and understand the status of biodiversity and its drivers is at its greatest. Rapid developments in the fields of geospatial technology can provide the datasets necessary for research and conservation. Earth Observations through remote sensing is the only technology able to provide a global coverage and continuous measures across space. Remote sensing is at the interface between engineering, geography, ecology and various other disciplines. Remote sensing has gained significance due to its capability to monitor compositional, structural and functional aspects of biodiversity at global to local levels. It provides relevance of remote sensing in measuring of biodiversity metrics and understanding of land cover distribution, forest cover monitoring, forest type, forest intactness, forest fragmentation, biomass, leaf phenology, disturbances, species distribution and various biodiversity monitoring components. Future of geospatial technology largely involves the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced image processing techniques.
Invitation:

Title: Climate Change and Covid-19: The Zoonotic Linkage
Speaker: Dr. Krishna Raj, Professor, Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Date: 03/09/21
link
Abstract:
The interrelationship between climate change, public health and Covid-19 is well established in the literature. The growing scientific evidences show that the corona virus is zoonotic or spillover in nature and which can be transmitted to humans from animals. The public health is increasingly affected by the growth of vector-borne diseases influenced by climate change, loss of biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, land-use change, domestication of the wild animals, bringing the unwanted pathogens into the human body. The Economic Cost of Climate change is pervasive and increasingly observed on Public health in the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The world is facing an inconvenient truth where the economic development is promoted at the cost of public health and environmental destruction. This begs a very genuine question, Economic Development for whom? and at Whose cost? and How does Climate Change impose Health and Economic Costs on the general Public ?
Invitation:

Title: Diatoms: Ecological perspective
Speaker: Dr. Praksh Nautiyal, Professor, HNBGU, Uttarakhand
Date: 09/07/21
link
Abstract:
The knowledge on mountain ecosystem is still inadequate. High mountain regions are strategic areas for biodiversity conservation and for water and energy supply and the creation of the worldwide databases on mountains is considered a principal goal contributing to the sustainable development of these areas. Studies help to understand how the various species of diatoms are distributed along the environmental gradients, which change rapidly in the mountains and therefore help in understanding the ecological processes, which govern the biodiversity in the mountain regions.
Invitation: Title: Great Lakes Eco-Systems
Speaker: Dr. Rajasekara Murthy, Scientist Emeritus, National Water Research Institute, Govt. of Canada
Date: 28/06/21
link
Abstract:
The concept of sustainable living, suggests that the society move from an exclusive, sectoral approach to valuing and using natural assets to an integrated approach: “Eco-System Approach” The concept of ecosystem approach for sustainable living recognizes humans are integral parts of the ecosystems in which they live and work. The concept of sustainable development recognizes humans are integral parts of the ecosystems they live and work. The Great Lakes is the source of drinking water for over forty million inhabitants around the perimeter of Canada and USA. The waters of the Great Lakes are interconnected and part of a single hydrologic system. The multiple uses of these resources for municipal, industrial and agriculture, mining, navigation, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and the sustenance of fisheries and wildlife habitat , a balanced ecosystem approach is very much needed to protect and preserve these vital water resources.
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