Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Dr Suneesh Buxy, IFS, on Saturday inaugurated a “Two-Week High-Altitude Ecology Course” at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Campus.
Organised jointly by SKUAST-K and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, under the aegis of the Indica School of Field Ecology and Conservation and supported by the Murthy Trust, the course will be held from September 5 to 18.
Designed for young wildlife enthusiasts aspiring to pursue careers in high-altitude ecology and conservation, the course seeks to strengthen field-based ecological training, research capabilities and conservation education in the Himalayan region.
The commencement of the course in Kashmir marks a further step in the collaboration between SKUAST-K, NCBS and the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, with a shared focus on quality research, capacity building and conservation.
Prof. Khursheed Ahmad, Programme Coordinator and Head of the Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Briefing the gathering about the programme, he highlighted the growing challenges associated with high-altitude field ecology and said the course would help bridge existing capacity gaps.
Dr Suneesh Buxy, the chief guest, appreciated the efforts of Dr Khursheed Ahmad and stressed the need for specialised programmes to build professional capacities among the next generation of wildlife biologists in the Himalayan region.
Prof. Azmat Alam, Registrar, SKUAST-K and guest of honour, shared his experiences in wildlife-related fieldwork and encouraged participants to make the most of the course.
Former APCCF and Chief Conservator of Forests Farooq Geelani, IFS, also addressed the participants and motivated them to undertake quality research.
Prof. Manzoor A. Shah, Director, DIQA, University of Kashmir, described the programme as a unique opportunity for participants to strengthen their research careers.
Dr Sachin Sridhara, course coordinator, provided an overview of the themes and topics to be covered during the 15-day programme.
Dr Tawqir Bashir, Assistant Professor, Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K, proposed the vote of thanks and termed the initiative a significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in J&K.
