The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and EIACP Centre on Island Biodiversity, A&N Regional Centre, concluded the week-long Wildlife Week 2025 with a valedictory function on October 8, celebrating the theme ‘Human Wildlife Coexistence’. The programme, held from October 2 to 8, engaged over 390 participants across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through a series of events including storytelling, quiz and drawing competitions, nature walks focusing on butterfly and bird watching, a plantation drive, wildlife awareness rally, and a one-day seminar.
The valedictory function was graced by Prof. (Dr.) P. V. Nagendra Sarma, Principal, Andaman Law College, as the chief guest. In his address, Prof. Sarma emphasized the importance of conserving the region’s critical habitats, including mangroves, coral reefs, turtle-nesting beaches, megapode mounds, and hornbill habitats, highlighting the need for targeted preservation efforts to maintain ecological balance. Speaking as guest of honour, M. Vinod, President of the Andaman and Nicobar Tourism Officers Association (AATO), noted that all species and their habitats play a vital role in sustaining island life, underscoring the intrinsic link between nature and human well-being.
The week’s activities were summarized by Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Additional Director, ZSI, ANRC, who welcomed the chief guest and acknowledged the support of various individuals and institutions in successfully organizing the Wildlife Week 2025. Certificates were distributed to participants of the one-day seminar and winners of the drawing competitions, recognizing their contributions and engagement with wildlife awareness initiatives.
The one-day seminar, held on October 8, featured technical sessions with expert lectures on island biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, spoke on “Wildlife conservation and management in the islands.” Dr. C. Sivaperuman discussed the island and marine wildlife ecosystems, while Dr. Jai Sunder, Acting Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, highlighted the role and significance of domestic animals in maintaining island ecosystems.
The Wildlife Week 2025 successfully combined educational, participatory, and awareness-building activities, promoting the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife. Through interactive sessions, competitions, and nature-based engagements, the programme aimed to instill conservation values among students, local communities, and stakeholders, strengthening the commitment to preserving the fragile biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
