Parallel Sessions

Ecosystems in Action: Collaborative Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

The session brought together experts from various domains to discuss collaborative approaches and strategies for biodiversity conservation and the importance of multistakeholder engagement and ecosystem-based approaches for effective conservation outcomes.

Speakers

• Ms Pankti Shah, State CSR Head, Adani Foundation, Ahmedabad
• Shri R K Sugoor, IFS, Chairman, Gujarat Biodiversity Board, and Director, GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar
• Dr V Vijay Kumar, Director, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj, Kachchh
• Ms Neha Raghav, Director, Education, World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India, Delhi
• Mr David Manski, Former Director, Acadia National Park, USA
• Dr Biswajit De, Founder President, WildRoots India, Guwahati
• Dr Gayatri Doctor, Program Chair, Masters in Urban Management Program, CEPT University, Ahmedabad
• Dr Mohmadnavaz Dahya, BKM Science College

Key Recommendations from the Session

• Strengthen multistakeholder collaboration across sectors and integrate conservation education at all levels to raise awareness and build capacity.

• Implement data-driven ecosystem management leveraging advanced technologies like GIS, AI, and satellite monitoring.
• Focus policy efforts on preserving genetic and agro-biodiversity while empowering local communities through initiatives like People’s Biodiversity Registers.
• Promote responsible ecotourism, sustainable urban planning, efficient waste management, and nature-friendly livelihood opportunities for long-term environmental sustainability.

Session Highlights

• Collaborative Efforts for Impactful Conservation: Emphasis was placed on moving beyond fragmented efforts, with multistakeholder collaboration identified as a key to resource efficiency and effective biodiversity conservation.
• Corporate Role in Biodiversity and Community Well-being: Strategic corporate initiatives, such as those by the Adani Foundation, were highlighted for enhancing biodiversity while promoting community well-being through alternative livelihoods and sustainable practices.
• Education and Capacity Building: Conservation education, particularly for youth, and capacity building among stakeholders were stressed as critical for fostering long-term commitment to biodiversity preservation.
• Technology-Driven Ecosystem Management: Advanced technologies like GIS and AI were identified as transformative for large-scale ecosystem monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
• Collective Responsibility and Data-Driven Restoration: The session underscored the need for collective responsibility and detailed, data-based ecosystem health monitoring plans to ensure sustainable conservation efforts.

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