ITANAGAR, Apr 18: A two-day National Conference on ‘Forest Resource Utilization and Management’, organized by the Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), concluded at Institute’s Nirjuli premises today.
The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 delegates representing various universities and institutions across the country, with significant representation from the Northeast region.
Considering the vast availability of forest resources such as food plants, vegetables, fruits, bamboo, resins, and other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and their immense potential for socio-economic development, the conference aimed to develop strategies for their sustainable utilization.
A total of 101 technical papers were presented during the technical sessions of the two-day event, covering diverse aspects of forest resource utilization, conservation, and sustainable management.
The inaugural session was graced by Director NERIST Prof Narendranath S as chief guest. In his address, the Director emphasized the critical role of forest resources in strengthening national economy and overall development, and urged researchers to focus on sustainable management practices aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
P Subramanyam, PCCF and Head of Forest Force (GoAP), attended as the Special Guest and highlighted the importance of NTFPs like wild edible plants and wood-based products in improving socio-economic conditions of local communities through advanced research.
Prof P R Gajurel, Convenor of the conference, presented an overview of the program elaborating the theme of the conference and its importance for socio economic benefits of the poor forest dwelling communities of the region.
Prof S K Barik of NEHU, the keynote speaker, stressed the need for value addition of plant resources and the transformation of traditional knowledge systems into marketable products.
Dr A A Mao, VC Martin Luther Christian University and former Director Botanical Survey of India, gave an overview of the diverse flora and rich forest resources of the region, emphasizing the translating scientific research from laboratory to field applications.
A host of eminent experts, including Prof B K Tiwari from NEHU, Prof P Bhattacharya from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dr C P Kala from Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal and Dr A Saklani from Sami-Sabinsa Group Ltd (Bengaluru), emphasized the need for proper documentation and sustainable harvesting practices with promotion of value addition and marketing of high value resources and medicinal plants.
On the occasion, an Abstract Book (ISBN: 978-93-5913-881-8) and “The Canopy”, the annual magazine of the Department of Forestry, NERIST, were officially released.
Earlier, Prof Awadhesh Kumar, HoD Forestry, delivered the welcome address.
On the second day, a panel discussion involving experts and participants was also conducted to formulate a roadmap for sustainable forest resource utilization and management in India. The resource persons who acted as panellists and the participants suggested various strategies for proper conservation and sustainable use through effective R & D intervention
The conference was primarily sponsored by NERIST, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Arunachal Bamboo Mission, Marjing Dhubri Plywood Factory, NHPC and NEPCCO along with some support from Gtree and Lo-Li Nursery.