Training for skill development in Para-Taxonomy and Biodiversity Conservation

21 August 2024: Amidst the growing challenges of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, the need for well-trained professionals and community members to actively contribute to conservation efforts has become more urgent than ever. In response to this need, the Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board, in collaboration with the Botanical Survey of India and the State Forest Research and Training Institute, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, organized a training program from July 22, 2024, to August 18, 2024.

Delegates from Botanical Survey of India as well as Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board attended the function. The program began with the lighting of the lamp by the esteemed guests, which was followed by the official welcoming by Shri Amitabh Bajpayee, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). Further, B Anand Babu, PCCF & Director of SFTRI, Chhattisgarh, Raipur also welcomed the gathering and discussed about the importance of the training programme. Dr Rakesh Chaturvedi, Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board, Raipur addressed the gathering. Dr A A Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, then addressed the audience. Dr S S Dash, Scientist-F, In-charge Technical Section at the Botanical Survey of India, provided an overview of the course to the participants. The event concluded with the proposal of vote of thanks by Dr Neetu Harmukh, Senior Scientist, Chhattisgarh Biodiversity Board, Raipur.

Over the course of this 28-day training, experts from the Botanical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, and traditional Indian herbal medicine healers conducted sessions covering a wide range of topics, including the floral diversity of Chhattisgarh, IUCN red-listing, herbarium techniques, plant morphology, taxonomy, and classification. The training also included classes on lower plants such as algae and fungi, with some sessions focusing on specific important plant families. Field visits were organized to various locations around Raipur, including Nandavan Jungle Safari, Rajiv Gandhi Energy Park, Purkhoti Mukthangan, Sirpur Forest Range, Barnawpara, Indira Priyadarshini Nature Safari, Kharora, and Singha Dhruva Gond Cave Borind, Churhi. Experts from the Zoological Survey of India provided insights into the faunal diversity of the state, while traditional Indian herbal medicine healers shared their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and diagnostic techniques.

The valedictory function was honored by the presence of dignitaries from the Chhattisgarh Forest Department and the Botanical Survey of India. The dignitaries began by interacting with all the participants. Srinivasa Rao, PCCF, HOFF, Chhattisgarh Forest Department, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the resources available around them to enhance their knowledge. Following this, Dr S S Dash, Scientist-F, and In-charge of the Technical Section, delivered an address. The function was also honored by the presence of Dr Dinesh Kumar Agrawala, Scientist-E and In-charge of the Publication Section, and Dr Vinay Ranjan, HoO of the Central Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India. The event concluded with the distribution of Certificates of Completion to the participants.