Environment Education Programme
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
Environment Education Programme   
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  6 day ago

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Exploring Biodiversity, Building Conservation Leaders.

A three-day Capacity Building Programme on “Making Biodiversity Register” was organized by the Department of Zoology, Maa Manikeshwari University, in collaboration with CES, Odisha, under the Environment Education Programme (EEP). The programme aimed to train undergraduate students in identifying, collecting, and documenting local faunal biodiversity and to promote awareness of biodiversity registers in conservation.

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The event commenced with an inaugural session led by the Department of Zoology. Expert-led theoretical sessions covered classification, morphology, ecological roles, and preservation techniques of various faunal groups such as earthworms, grasshoppers, butterflies, spiders, mosquitoes, and fishes.

Field and laboratory training sessions were held on the university campus and at the nearby Pipalnal Stream. Students collected and identified over 50 species using standard taxonomic methods. Key focus areas included ethical specimen collection, morphometric analysis, and habitat documentation.

The valedictory session emphasized the importance of biodiversity documentation for ecological conservation and local policy-making.

Outcomes

  • Skill Development: The programme enhanced participants practical knowledge and technical skills in specimen collection, identification, classification, and data recording.
  • Scientific Awareness: Students developed a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and its ecological significance.
  • Data Generation: Over 50 species of invertebrates and vertebrates were documented, forming the basis for the University Biodiversity Register.
  • Collaborative Learning: Interaction with subject experts provided students with valuable insights into taxonomy, field methods, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Institutional Outcome: The Department of Zoology now possesses a preliminary species database that can be expanded into a comprehensive biodiversity register in future research and student projects.

By integrating theory with field and laboratory practice, the programme provided participants with a holistic understanding of biodiversity assessment and conservation documentation. The collected data and experiences gained will contribute to the establishment of a University Biodiversity Register, serving as a valuable reference for future research, environmental education, and local conservation planning.

Content Provided by Environment Education Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change