DWILES - 2017
A prelude to the World Wetland Day
Wetlands are unique, productive ecosystems where terrestrial and aquatic habitats meet. Wetlands provide a myriad of services to society worldwide and a diverse range of ecosystem services supporting livelihoods of many people. They play a critical role in maintaining many natural cycles and supporting a wide range of biodiversity. Wetlands are a vital means of storing carbon, improving water security and protecting from natural hazards. They serve as a natural sponge against flooding and drought. Wetlands are our insurance policy against climate change and can also contribute to the well-being of the community by acting as urban green spaces which provide aesthetic appeal, landscape diversity and recreational opportunities in addition to historical, archeological, scientific, religious and cultural values.
In recent years, the wetland values are overlooked due to population pressures and unplanned development. In cities wetlands are being lost on account of various anthropogenic activities; largely due to shortsighted policies. In order to curtail the present rate of destruction of wetlands, suitable guidelines are to be formulated to implement effective monitoring programs, involving suitable management strategies. Ecological restoration and ecosystem management is an essential component of any habitat conservation. The management of wetlands in urban vicinity is important because these ecosystems are still being reclaimed or encroached for real estate, sewage disposal, etc. In the recent past the wetlands of Bangalore are drawing considerable attention and concern because of their importance realized.
Hence for developing a site specific management plan for wetlands, it is imperative to gather baseline information so as to understand the structure and functions of a wetland. The proposed seminar intends to gather and document data involving researchers, students and the public.
Wetlands are unique, productive ecosystems where terrestrial and aquatic habitats meet. Wetlands provide a myriad of services to society worldwide and a diverse range of ecosystem services supporting livelihoods of many people. They play a critical role in maintaining many natural cycles and supporting a wide range of biodiversity. Wetlands are a vital means of storing carbon, improving water security and protecting from natural hazards. They serve as a natural sponge against flooding and drought. Wetlands are our insurance policy against climate change and can also contribute to the well-being of the community by acting as urban green spaces which provide aesthetic appeal, landscape diversity and recreational opportunities in addition to historical, archeological, scientific, religious and cultural values.
In recent years, the wetland values are overlooked due to population pressures and unplanned development. In cities wetlands are being lost on account of various anthropogenic activities; largely due to shortsighted policies. In order to curtail the present rate of destruction of wetlands, suitable guidelines are to be formulated to implement effective monitoring programs, involving suitable management strategies. Ecological restoration and ecosystem management is an essential component of any habitat conservation. The management of wetlands in urban vicinity is important because these ecosystems are still being reclaimed or encroached for real estate, sewage disposal, etc. In the recent past the wetlands of Bangalore are drawing considerable attention and concern because of their importance realized.
Hence for developing a site specific management plan for wetlands, it is imperative to gather baseline information so as to understand the structure and functions of a wetland. The proposed seminar intends to gather and document data involving researchers, students and the public.
Christ University
Christ University, formerly Christ College (Autonomous), was born out of the educational vision of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, an educationalist and a social reformer of the nineteenth century. He founded the first indigenous congregation, Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI). Established in July 1969, Christ College became the most preferred educational institution in the city of Bengaluru within the first three decades. From 1990 it initiated path breaking reforms in higher education with the introduction of innovative and modern curricula, insistence on academic discipline, imparting of Holistic Education and the support of creative and dedicated staff. Today Christ University is rated among the top ten educational institutions of the country. The UGC conferred Autonomy to Christ College (No. F.13-1/2004) on 7 October 2004 and identified it as an Institution with Potential for Excellence in 2006. On 22 July, 2008 under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, the Ministry of Human Resources Development of the Union Government of India, vide Notification No. F. 9-34/2007-U.3 (A), declared it a Deemed to be University, in the name and style of Christ University.
Department of Life Sciences
Set up in 2015 by the amalgamation of the older departments of Botany, Zoology and Biotechnology, it strives to promote all-round development of the students by inculcating a spirit of scientific temper, discipline, environmental awareness and adventure. “Jeevotsav” – an annual intercollegiate subject festival, national seminars, workshops, investigative projects by students, Green Army – the environment cell of the university, Certificate courses in Sustainable Environmental Management, Ornithology and field biology ,Gardening, Forensic biology, Vermitechnology, etc. and various research projects undertaken by the faculty are the unique features of the department.