Abhijit Kalita,Guwahati,Nov 19: In a pioneering move aimed at addressing the pressing threats to wildlife and other environmental challenges of our time, Girijananda Chowdhury University launched the Centre for Wildlife & Environmental Studies on at its Guwahati campus today.
The Centre was launched with a special ceremony featuring esteemed speakers and participants from academia, civil society organisations, and government. C.P. Marak, Chairman of Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) and former Chief Conservator of Forests, Shillong, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Marak spoke glowingly of GCU’s unique endeavour to contribute towards wildlife conservation and the importance of such efforts in the face of the ecological crises that confront humanity today. In addition, GCU signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council and Aaranyak, a leading wildlife NGO based in Guwahati, respectively.
Earlier, Jasoda Ranjan Das, President of SSA Society, delivered a warm welcome address where he underlined the significance of wildlife conservation in the threatened biodiversity hotspots of the Northeast. Prof. Jayanta Deka, Chancellor, GCU, spoke in detail about the various activities planned for the Centre for Wildlife & Environmental Studies, which are aimed to boost collaboration between academia, civil society and government. Subsequently, Prof. Kandarpa Das, Vice Chancellor, GCU, illustrated the rich legacy of Girijananda Chowdhury University in promoting social and ecological well-being in Assam, with the newly launched Centre being the latest initiative on this front.
The two-day long launch programme (on 19th and 20th November) includes talks by eminent environmentalists, panel discussions among experts and a variety of competitions among students of higher secondary and above levels from different parts of the state – including contests in wildlife photography, videography and poster art. On 20th November, renowned naturalist Soumyadeep Dutta of Nature’s Beckon delivers a talk on ‘Wild Birds and their Conservation’. In addition, a vibrant exhibition is to be held on the central theme of ecological conservation, followed by the screening of a wildlife documentary as well as a cultural function.
The Centre for Wildlife & Environmental Studies is designed to be a multidisciplinary hub that brings together students, faculty, researchers, grassroots organisations, community partners and government agencies to foster innovative research, training and awareness about wildlife protection and environmental safety and sustainability. The facility aims to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate these complex issues. The new Centre shall focus on several key objectives, including promoting research excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, engaging in biodiversity conservation, education and training as well as community engagement.
