The Andaman and Nicobar Islands joined global efforts to highlight the importance of protecting the ozone layer with a one-day seminar held at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) on the occasion of World Ozone Day 2025. The event, inaugurated by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, brought together students, teachers, scientists, and environmentalists under the theme “From Science to Global Action.”
The seminar saw participation from 71 students and teachers representing schools and colleges across the islands. Designed as both an awareness drive and an educational platform, the programme aimed to equip participants with knowledge about the science behind ozone depletion, global trends in recovery, and the steps individuals can take to reduce ozone-depleting substances. For students, it was also an opportunity to showcase their creativity and presentation skills on environmental issues, while teachers gained new insights to integrate into classroom learning.
World Ozone Day is observed annually on September 16 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, regarded as one of the most successful environmental treaties in history. The seminar’s inaugural address underscored the significance of this protocol in reducing ozone-depleting chemicals and preserving life on Earth. Participants were reminded that protecting the ozone layer is central to safeguarding human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
The event also featured perspectives from senior officials and scientists. The Chief Conservator of Forests called upon citizens to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, including energy conservation, tree planting, and reduced use of harmful substances. The Additional Director of ZSI emphasized the importance of historic international agreements such as the Vienna Convention of 1985 and the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which set the groundwork for coordinated global action.
In the valedictory session, the Director of the Central Island Agricultural Research Institute praised the ZSI for its consistent role in hosting meaningful scientific awareness programmes. He stressed that such events build a scientific temperament among youth, ensuring that environmental protection remains a community-driven goal. Complementing this, the Principal of Andaman Law College highlighted the role of scientific knowledge in nation-building, underlining that the country’s future strength rests on the dedication of its young scientists.
Throughout the day, participants engaged with sessions that connected scientific data with real-world action. They discussed how changes in consumption patterns, waste management, and adoption of sustainable practices could significantly lower the risks associated with ozone depletion. For many students, the seminar offered their first deep dive into how global policies translate into local environmental realities.
Certificates were awarded to all student participants, acknowledging their contributions and encouraging them to continue spreading awareness in their schools and communities. The distribution of certificates, conducted by the chief guest and guest of honour at the valedictory event, served as a symbolic recognition of the role of youth in carrying forward the message of conservation.
Events like the World Ozone Day seminar are particularly relevant for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where fragile ecosystems and biodiversity remain vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation. The involvement of schools and colleges ensures that the message of sustainability reaches future generations, who will play a decisive role in determining the islands’ ecological balance.
As the programme concluded, organisers noted that the seminar was more than an annual commemoration. It represented a step towards embedding environmental responsibility into daily life, ensuring that World Ozone Day continues to inspire meaningful action long after the event ends.
