International Workshop on 'Management of Forest Invasive Species' held at TNAU in Mettupalayam

The workshop highlighted the need to eradicate the forest invasive species and the recommendations to be taken by the Government for eradication of the invasive species.


Coimbatore: An International workshop on 'Management of Forest Invasive Species' was jointly organized by the State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu Land Use Research Board and Forest College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Mettupalayam on February 2.



The Dean, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Dr. K T Parthiban welcomed the gathering and briefed about the significance of the meeting. State Planning Commission, Deputy Conservator of Forests - Head of Division (Land Use), S Sudha, IFS, gave a brief introduction about the workshop and the need to eradicate the forest invasive species and the recommendations to be taken by the Government for eradication of the invasive species.

State Planning Commission member, Prof. R Srinivasan in his opening remarks insisted on restoration of forests with respect to climate change. "Various stakeholders, researchers and NGOs who are working on value-addition should focus on multiple strategies to eradicate forest invasive species," emphasised Prof. R Srinivasan.

MLA Dr. T R B Rajaa, in his speech emphasized the need for current updation of forest invasive species and insisted on an integrated approach to eradicate the forest invasive species. He also emphasized on the need to protect the aquatic fauna from invasive species to balance the ecosystem.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Subrat Mohapatra, IFS, in his presidential address expounded on the measures to be taken to eradicate, prevent and control the major forest invasive species namely Ipomoea carnea, Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora, that are a threat to biodiversity. He also insisted on making value-added products from the forest invasive species for effective utilization.

Prof. I Sekar, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam proposed the vote of thanks to conclude the event.

In the technical sessions, various thematical areas namely, Overview of Forest Invasive Species, Eradication and Management Strategies, International Perspectives and Best Practices in the Management of Invasive Species and Wild-life Issues were discussed.

Invitees were taken on a field visit to get first-hand information on the invasive species eradicated fields at Kodanad in Kotagiri. Over 100 participants representing State Planning Commission, State Forest Department from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal and Karnataka, Research Institutions (ICFRE, ICAR, SACON, Central University, WWI, Tribal Research Institute, KFRI), International Institutes - CABI, Asia Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network and other Institutions - NGOs, industries, and entrepreneurs participated in this workshop.

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