Menu
National Symposium at KASC Highlights Western Ghats Conservation
A National Symposium on ‘ The Western Ghats: Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management’ (WGBCEM-2025) & ‘Western Ghats Fest’ 2025’, was inaugurated today at Kongunadu Arts and Science College (KASC). The two-day event being held on 6th and 7th March, 2025 is being organized by the PG and Research Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, in association with the Zoological Survey of India, Prani Vigyan Bhawan, Kolkata.
Dignitaries present during the inauguration included Dr. C.A. Vasuki, Secretary & Director, KASC, Dr. S. Paulraj, IFS (Retd.), Executive Chairman, Chennai Snake Park Trust, Mr. V. Thirunavukarasu, IFS, Additional Principal, Chief Conservator of Forests & Principal Ministry of Environment forest and Climate Change, Coimbatore, Dr.P. S.Easa, Former Director, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Kerala, Dr. Deleep Kumar, IFS, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Protection), Madhya Pradesh , Dr. S.Binukumari, Associate Professor, Dept. of Zoology, KASC and Dr. V. Sangeetha, Principal, KASC.
Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr. Vasuki highlighted the strategic location of the college in Coimbatore, nestled amidst the picturesque Western Ghats and in close proximity to the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. She emphasized the collective responsibility to protect and preserve this rich natural heritage.
Describing the Western Ghats as a vast treasure trove of biodiversity, home to millions of species of flora and fauna, she stressed the importance of such events in raising public awareness about conservation.
Dr. Vasuki also took pride in the college’s strong legacy in zoology, noting that the program has been offered for over 52 years. She further underscored KASC’s commitment to environmental education, highlighting its unique initiatives such as a dedicated bird club and specialized certificate and diploma programs in apiculture, sericulture, ornamental fish culture, and vermitechnology.
Dr. Paulraj in his address expressed his happiness at the Chennai Snake Park Trust signing an MOU with the college. He congratulated the college on the excellent conduct of the event.
He further emphasized the vast potential of biodiversity in medical applications, highlighting the need for continued exploration and innovation in this area.
In his speech, Mr. Thirunavukarasu emphasized the significance of the Western Ghats, describing it as one of the country's key biodiversity hotspots. He commended KASC for successfully organizing the event, which underscores the urgent need for the conservation of this rich ecosystem.
Addressing the ongoing debate between conservation and development, he highlighted critical challenges such as infrastructure expansion, human-wildlife conflicts, and the spread of invasive species. He further stressed the importance of promoting sustainable, eco-friendly tourism as a means to balance environmental preservation with economic growth.
Mr. Thirunavukarasu concluded by advocating for a holistic approach to development, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to achieving long-term sustainability.
Earlier Dr. V. Sangeetha, delivering the welcome address mentioned that the symposium serves as a crucial platform to discuss innovative solutions, research findings and collaborative strategies for preserving this invaluable natural heritage i.e. the Western Ghats, for our future generations.
The signing of an MOU between KASC and the Chennai Snake Park Trust, Chennai, was another highlight of the event.
The symposium extract book was released on the occasion by Dr. Vasuki.
Dr. S. Raja, Organizing Secretary, WGBCEM-2025 gave detailed insights about the symposium on the occasion.
Dr. S.Binukumari proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.