Mumbai: Rapid environmental change is posing significant threat to many plant and animal species in the current century. Scientists estimate that the current rate of extinction is more or less equal to the prehistoric mass extinction. It is important to note that the loss of biodiversity means loss of genetic diversity and a big loss of ecosystem. Conservation is an important practice to negate the ill effects and restore the ecosystem balance.
To deliberate the pertinent issue of species conservation, a national conclave on ‘Role of Corporates in Driving Species Conservation’ will be organized on May 27, 2017 in Mumbai at UPL House, Bandra (East), Mumbai. The first ever national forum is a joint initiative of India CSR Network (www.indiacsr.in) and UPL Limited (UPL, NSE), a leading global crop protection chemical company.
The day long forum will have case studies on leading ongoing species conservation projects across the country and panel discussions to understand the challenges, opportunities and funding trends to run and manage conservation projects.
The forum will bring together diverse leaders in the area of species conservation from the corporate, international organizations, development agencies, Governments representatives as well as academia and is aimed at promoting policy coherence among the agencies. The theme of the conclave is ‘Role of Big Donors and Corporates in Driving Species Conservation’.
Rusen Kumar, Founder of India CSR Network said, “Our mission is to create a forum to deliberate various issues related to the species conservation in India and create awareness among concerned stakeholders of business organization.” He further added “Our country is facing huge challenges in the area of species conservation and it requires next level of awareness campaign among society, government and business organizations and encourage various agencies to come forward to fund ongoing species conservation projects and venture investing in new ones.”
Rishi Pathania, Head CSR, UPL Limited, said, “Our organization is very much committed to encourage such kind of innovative forum. We feel honour to host the forum with India CSR. We will put our best efforts to make the forum effective and is a great opportunity for all corporates working on biodiversity and species conservation programmes.” He further said, “At UPL, under CSR project, we have started Sarus Crane conservation project in Gujarat two years back. The Indian Sarus Crane, a tallest flying bird species is categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Sarus Crane numbers have declined gradually. They are consequently threatened by poaching and the destruction of their eggs and juveniles.”
The forum would help connect all relevant stakeholders, think tanks and nature lovers under one roof to debate, deliberate, and derive possible solution to address on burning concern of species conservation.
To become an esteemed speaker, true partner, sponsor or an active participant, we welcome your proposals that can be sent at [email protected] or call directly to Rusen Kumar at 9981099555