Planting of saplings, preventing wastage of fossil fuels, optimum utilisation of natural resources and protection of biodiversity were some of the measures advocated by the experts at a tripartite (academia-government-industry) symposium organised at the Platinum Jubilee Guest House of Andhra University on Friday.
The symposium held on the topic “Biodiversity – ecosystems management – green economy”, was organised by Shriram Properties Ltd. in association with The Hindu on the eve of the World Environment Day.
Delivering the keynote address, Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Beela Satyanarayana said the objective of the 37th World Environment Day to be observed on Saturday was to draw the attention of the world towards environment and to encourage citizens to participate in sustainable development initiatives.
Underlining the importance of proper management of ecosystems, he said the population explosion, ever-increasing needs, man's greed and over exploitation of natural resources has driven the ecosystem to a pathetic condition. He felt that green energy was a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Founder and president of GITAM University M.V.V.S. Murthi felt that man should stop becoming a slave to modern gadgets. One should reduce dependence on motor vehicles and prevent wastage of electricity and natural resources. He expressed concern at the balding of hills and increasing carbon dioxide emissions in the city. Dr. Murthi recalled that Visakhapatnam city was put in the danger zone way back in 1992.
A. Prasanna Kumar, Director of the Centre for Policy Studies, said care for environment was as old as human civilisation itself. Epics and religious texts of Hinduism as also of other religions stand ample testimony to this. The issue, however, assumed great significance after the Stockholm Convention in 1972.
Prof K. Kameswara Rao of Department of Environmental Studies of Andhra University briefed about the different ecosystems that were found in Visakhapatnam region like the riverine, cave, water, marine and mangrove ecosystems. He called for measures to reclaim some of these systems that were being destroyed to pave the way for infrastructure development.
Curator of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Rahul Pandey said the survival of human beings was dependent on eco-systems. Half of the forest resources of the country were lost during the last five decades and 70 per cent of water bodies were polluted. He spoke about the 10 bio geographic zones in India and said the highest threat to biodiversity was habitat destruction.
Capt. Shriram Ravichander, Chief Operating Officer of Visakha Container Terminal Private Ltd. and chairman of Vizag chapter of Confederation of Indian Industry, spoke on the need for green economy to ensure sustainable development. CEO of Shriram Global Entropolis G.V. Ramana Murthy spoke.
Regional General Manager of The Hindu T.V. Suresh was present.
