Dehradun: Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Indian Conservation Conference (ICCON 2025) at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. The three-day event, concluding on June 27, is hosting researchers, forest officials, students, and conservation professionals from across India and abroad.

Shri Yadav highlighted India’s achievements in environmental conservation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted the increase in tiger reserves from 47 in 2014 to 58 in 2024, and Ramsar sites from 25 to 91, underscoring India’s growing global leadership in biodiversity efforts.

He emphasized the importance of scientific documentation of traditional knowledge and urged youth to contribute innovative, tech-driven solutions for conservation. “Platforms like ICCON are key to shaping India’s environmental future as we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.

The event began with a welcome by Dr. Bilal Habib, Organising Secretary of ICCON 2025. The first plenary session featured Dr. Hema Somanathan from IISER Trivandrum, who spoke on bee ecology and its impact on biodiversity.

Senior officials including Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, DG of Forests, and Shri Virendra Tiwari, Director of WII, also addressed the gathering. They highlighted ICCON’s role in integrating science, policy, and community knowledge for conservation.

Shri Yadav also expressed concern over emerging human-wildlife conflicts, such as tigers found outside reserves, and reiterated the government’s commitment to protect elephants, dolphins, sloth bears, wetlands, and more.

Himalayan Live Bureau

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