Two-Day National Conference on “Environmental Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Climate” commences at University of Jammu

JAMMU: A Two-Day National Conference on “Environmental Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Climate- The Himalayan Perspective”, funded under RUSA-2.0, commenced today at the University of Jammu. The conference aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and scholars to deliberate on pressing environmental issues and explore sustainable solutions in the context of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The inaugural function was graced by Dr. Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary (IAS), Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, who presided over the event as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural remarks, Dr. Shahid stressed upon the urgent need for robust scientific research, evidence-based policy interventions, and innovative strategies to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in the Himalayan region.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. G. S. Rawat, Former Dean and Director, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, who also graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Drawing on his extensive professional experience, he provided an insightful analysis of the impacts of climate change and highlighted the pivotal role of scientific research in shaping sustainable strategies, while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and sound ecological management in the Himalayan region.

Prof. Yashpal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and Rector, Udhampur Campus, presided over the inaugural session and highlighted the importance of integrating nature-centric Indian philosophy and traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches to effectively address various environmental challenges posed by mountain environment.

The inaugural ceremony began with a welcome address by Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head & Convener, wherein, she emphasized the significance of organizing such integrated events and expressed her confidence that the deliberations over the next two days would lead to substantive discussions and constructive outcomes in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. She thanked various Govt. Departments of J&K such as Jammu and Kashmir Science and Technology Innovation Council; Department of Ecology, Environment, and Remote Sensing; J&K Pollution Control Committee and Department of Wildlife Protection for their financial support in organizing the conference. 

Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Organizing Secretary, introduced the central theme of the conference and elaborated on its primary objectives, emphasizing the rationale for organizing the event from a Himalayan perspective. He highlighted the region’s unique ecological sensitivity, socio-economic vulnerability, and climate-related challenges, underlining the need for interdisciplinary dialogue and region-specific policy interventions.

An abstract book of the conference, comprising the research abstracts submitted by participants, was also released during the inaugural session, highlighting the thematic focus and scholarly contributions of the event.

Among others present in the inaugural session included eminent experts and dignitaries including Prof. Anzar A. Khuroo, Dr. S. Sathya Kumar, Prof. Sunil Nautiyal, Dr. Krushnamegh Kunte, Dr. Sami Ullah Bhat, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Dr. Sonam Lotus, Dr. Majid Farooq, Dr. Rajan Singh, Prof. Anil K. Raina, Dr. C. M. Seth, Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Jasrotia, Sh. O. P. Sharma Vidyarthi, Prof. Piyush Malviya, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Dr. Anshu Gupta and faculty members from other departments of the University. 

Following the inaugural session, the conference commenced with its first technical session on the theme Plant Ecology, chaired by Prof. Yashpal Sharma and co-chaired by Prof. Anzar A. Khuroo, Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir. The session began with an expert talk by Prof. Anzar A. Khuroo, who deliberated upon the “Long term monitoring of the Himalayan high-elevation ecosystems in an era of Anthropocene.” His talk was followed by oral presentations on the theme by academicians, scientists and research scholars from different institutes of the country.

Pertinent to mention that the conference has brought together over 75 participants including leading experts, academicians, faculty members, scientists, research scholars from diverse and premier institutions from across the country and will feature expert lectures and plenary sessions on six diverse but important themes on plant ecology; wildlife ecology; aquatic ecology and water pollution; atmospheric science and air pollution; bioremediation, disaster management, sustainability and environmental governance, where invited speakers and participants will present their work through oral and poster presentations. A total of 12 expert talks by eminent scientists, renowned academicians, and distinguished researchers in the field; 50 oral and 18 poster presentations will be delivered during the two days in the conference.