The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, on Monday inaugurated a one-week compulsory training programme for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers on “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystem” at Minni Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The training programme, scheduled from December 8 to December 12, 2025, aims to strengthen the understanding and capacity of Forest Service officers in conserving coastal and marine ecosystems, particularly in fragile island environments such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Balachandran, IAS (Retd.), former Secretary to the Government of India, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the vital role played by coastal and marine ecosystems in maintaining environmental balance and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighting the global ecological importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he said the archipelago is recognised as one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots. He stressed that IFS officers bear responsibilities beyond forest conservation and must also serve as custodians of India’s diverse marine ecosystems.
Shri Balachandran pointed out that marine ecosystems differ significantly from terrestrial environments and therefore demand specialised scientific knowledge and informed conservation strategies. He urged Forest Service officers and officials from various departments to work collectively to strengthen marine conservation through coherent policies and effective implementation of both Central and State environmental legislations.
Earlier, Dr. Sivaperuman, Additional Director, ZSI, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives, structure and expected outcomes of the training. He briefed the participants on how the programme is designed to combine classroom learning with field-based exposure to enhance practical understanding of marine biodiversity.
The Special Address was delivered by Dr. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He apprised the participants of the unique floral and faunal diversity of the islands, with particular focus on the coastal and marine ecosystems that form a crucial component of the region’s natural heritage.
A total of 21 forest officials from different States across the country are taking part in the programme. The training also includes field visits to ecologically significant coastal and marine sites in the Andaman Islands, providing participants with hands-on exposure to biodiversity assessment and conservation challenges in island ecosystems.
The programme is expected to contribute to more informed and coordinated conservation efforts by Forest Service officers working in coastal and marine landscapes across India.
