A one-day International Workshop on “Competencies Development for Biodiversity Conservation” was held in DHSK College jointly by the Department of Zoology, Department of Botany, IQAC of DHSK College, and IQAC of Tinsukia College in association with Zoological Society of Assam (ZSA) on 27th March 2024. Prof. Ramesh “Zimbo” Boonratana, a Retired Professor of Conservation Biology at Mahidol University (Thailand) was invited as the speaker as well as guest of honour. Prof. Ramesh Zimboo Boonratana is serving as the Regional Vice Chairman of the IUCN SSC Primates Specialist Group and Editor Chief of the Asian Primates Journal. Prof. Boonratana is also one of the International Academic Advisor of DHSK College, Dibrugarh.
The inaugural session embarked with the lighting of the lamp by the guest of honour along with the esteemed faculties of the college followed by the Mangalarcharan by Dr. Sayanika Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit. The guests were then welcomed to the dais and felicitated. Vice-Principal Dr. Priyadev Goswami gave the welcome address and designated anchor of the workshop Ms. Sankranti Devi, Assistant Professor of Zoology, gave a brief introduction of the resource person of the workshop, Prof. Boonratana.
The inaugural session was followed by the first technical session, presented by the guest of honour, Prof. Boonratana, on the aim, objective, and importance of competencies development for biodiversity conservation. The workshop aimed to enhance science undergraduates' and postgraduates’ critical thinking by identifying the knowledge and skills needed for pursuing pathways in biodiversity conservation (including goals to achieving sustainable development and mitigating the climate crisis) through the delivery of instruction of special topics, and breakout and brainstorming sessions. The workshop will provide a platform for participants to engage with an international transdisciplinary expert, share insights, and acquire practical competencies essential for effective conservation practices and determining individual pathways in the field of biodiversity conservation and related. Prof. Dr. Ramesh Boonratana, a renowned expert in biodiversity conservation, will conduct interactive sessions to impart theoretical knowledge and share practical experiences. Participants will brainstorm ways and methods of applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios under guidance. Participants will discuss ‘case studies’ of biodiversity conservation projects and propose ‘best’ solutions to remediate or mitigate the threats and impacts. Participants will have the chance to network with professionals, researchers, and fellow students, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The workshop will adopt an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, integrating the broader natural and social sciences to address the complex challenges of biodiversity conservation. Participants will receive intensive sharing on effective communication strategies for conveying scientific findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, communities, and the general public, and on understanding the UN-SDGs and GBIF for biodiversity conservation. Participants will receive a certificate of participation, recognizing their commitment to enhancing competencies in biodiversity conservation. After the presentation, a hands-on training session was organized among the participants from the UG and PG students of both of the colleges involved. Participants were grouped into groups of ten members each. The groups were then provided with a list of topics to choose from and instructed to give a brief presentation on their chosen topic.
After the lunch break, the 2nd technical session commenced and the students successfully gave their presentation. After that, Prof. Boonratana gave a presentation on the identification of the core competency needed for carrying out Biodiversity Conservation Research Projects, or Programs. A fruitful interactive session with the participants followed this.
After the second technical session, the workshop concluded with a final valedictory session followed by the vote of thanks given by Dr. Sudarshana Borah, Assistant Professor of Zoology.
