National Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources A National Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation of Nature

and Natural Resources was Organized by D.B.F. Dayanand College of Arts and Science, Solapur- 413002 (Run by DAV College Trust and Management Society, New Delhi), Department of Zoology. It was a UGC Sponsored National Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources on 29th and 30th January 2010.Dr. L. B. Dama, Convener and Head, Department of Zoology, welcomed the guests and in his introductory remarks he said that 2010 has been declared by United Nations as International Biodiversity Year and we need to bring a tremendous change to retain our biodiversity, conserve nature and natural resources as these are declining at an alarming rate. The Conference was inaugurated by Dr. R. V. Kirdak, Director of Higher Education, Maharashtra State, Pune, while delivering the presidential address; Dr. R. V. Kirdak said that each and every one on this earth should plant a tree that would help in retaining our biodiversity. Steps are being taken to preserve the eco-systems through establishment of Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Biosphere Reserves. Dr. Geetha Bali, Vice-Chancellor, Karnataka State Womens University, Bijapur, in her keynote address stressed on a few easy ways to conserve biodiversity and the use of space technology in studying Biodiversity and hence its conservation by using remote sensing. She also added that India is amongst the rare countries where major biomes of the world are represented. India is one among the twelve countries where 65-75% of the worlds total biodiversity exists; India has two out of the 18 biodiversity hot spots in the world. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Satish Kapoor reviewed Indian culture and ethics that Air, Water, Earth, Fire and Space are very sacred and we should keep their sanctity. India has rich traditional knowledge and wisdom in the conservation of nature and natural resources. Conservation and protection of environment and love for nature have always been part and parcel of Indian ethos and culture. Principal, Dr. S.K. Vadagbalkar also addressed the Conference and opened it for debate and discussion. The other guests of honour were Dr. D. S. Mukadam, Dr. A. M. Deshmukh, Dr. S. M. Patil, Dr. A. Y. Mehandale, Dr. Vikram Khillare, Dr. Borde and Dr. Surekha Saraf. As a part of conference an exhibition on Fishery survey of India (FSI) was organized. In this the exhibits displayed were informative and gave knowledge about fishing, fishing grounds, training of fishing operatives etc. The eminent researchers of FSI, delivered lectures and showed documentaries to the participants for optimum utilization of natural marine resources and sustainable development. Shri. Mehandale Y. A., of Petroleum Conservation Research Association displayed various posters on petroleum and energy conservation, sustainable development, efficient energy utilization and environment protection leading to Improvement in Quality of Life. It also
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created awareness among masses about the importance, benefits and methods of conserving petroleum products and clean environment. A souvenir of abstracts was published at the inaugural function in the gracious presence of Dr. Satish K. Kapoor Local secretary, Dayanand Institutions, Solapur, Shri. M. P. Gehdoo, Asst. Local secretary ,Dayanand Institutions, Dr. S. K. Vadagbalkar, Principal, D.B.F. Dayanand College of Arts and Science, Solapur, Dr. Hemalatha Wankhede, Director, Institute of Science and Pre-IAS training Center Aurangabad and Dr. Sushil Nikam, Associate Professor, Dr. B.A.M.U. Aurangabad. Another important feature of this conference were the plenary sessions, oral presentations and poster presentations on various themes of the conference organized on both the days. More than 25 posters were presented. Young Scientists Awards were given to the prize winners by Society of Life Sciences, Satna for the best poster and oral presentations. About 226 delegates and research students registered amongst which 65 % of the delegates were research students from various disciplines of Science. The delegates also enjoyed a cultural event in the evening. Flowing Themes were covered during this conference1. Bio-fertilizers and integrated Disease-pest management 2. Pollutants: Impact on health, Agriculture and Environment 3. Zoonotic diseases and its control 4. Changing Biodiversity Scenario in India 5. Living resources for bio-industries. 6. Conservation and Management of Wildlife 7. Pollution control and Disaster planning 8. Techniques for conservation of natural resources 9. Aquaculture and fisheries The conference was attended by Principals of various colleges, Professors, Scientists, Faculty-members and post-graduate students from various institutions of Maharashtra. On 30th January 2010 valedictory function was addressed by Honorable Dr. B. P. Bandgar, Vice-chancellor, Solapur University, Solapur. In his address he advocated the need of basic research in our universities and stressed the need of devoted research to the society. The conference was anchored by Ms. Borgaonkar V. S. Vote of thanks was given by Ms. Shagalolu V. V. Sessions were carried on by Ms. Deshpande S. N. and Dr. Mushan L. C. The main aim of this conference was to provide a platform for debate on the crucial relationship between natural resources and development. The goal of the Conference on Biological Diversity was to explore, within an interdisciplinary framework, available National and International options for solving the critical global problems arising from the loss of biological diversity. At the end of conference every participant realized that, it is the need of time to conserve and save nature and the mother Earth. Everybody decided to plan in that direction and this is the success of conference.