Three days National Conference on “Living With Nature: Soil, Water and Society in Ecosystem Conservation (LNSWSEC-2024)” commences in Dehradun on June 20, 2024
The National Conference on “Living With Nature: Soil, Water, and Society in Ecosystem Conservation (LNSWSEC-2024)” has begun at the Himalayan Cultural Center, Dehradun. The event is organized by the Indian Association of Soil & Water Conservationists (IASWC) in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC) and will be held from June 20-22, 2024.
Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Hon’ble Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, inaugurated the conference. In her Chief Guest address, she emphasized the importance of translating research into practical applications that benefit farmers and stakeholders, rather than limiting it to academic publications and accolades. She highlighted the proactive nature of the people and farmers of Uttarakhand and stressed the need for clear, scientifically-backed guidance to conserve resources and enhance livelihoods. She also underscored the value of integrating traditional knowledge, culture, and elderly wisdom into modern conservation practices to promote sustainable living with nature.
A message from the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, wishing for the success and productive deliberation of the conference, was conveyed to the attendees. Guest of Honor, Dr. Durgesh Pant, Director General of UCOST, described Uttarakhand as a “Solution State” due to the significant knowledge generation from its reputed institutions. Dr. Suman Kumar, General Manager of NABARD Dehradun, discussed NABARD’s role in supporting technology development and dissemination. Ms. Neena Grewal, Project Director of the Watershed Management Directorate, Dehradun, was also present as a Guest of Honor.
Dr. M. Madhu, Director of ICAR-IISWC and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, presented the scientific and technological achievements of ICAR-IISWC and briefed about the significance of the conference on Living with Nature being organized. Er. S.S. Shrimali and Dr. Rajesh Kaushal, Organizing Secretaries of the conference, welcomed participants and outlined the schedule for the three-day event.
During the inauguration, 25 scientists were honored for their exemplary work. An exhibition featuring stalls from various research organizations, sponsors, and developmental agencies was opened for attendees.
The conference is sponsored by over 12 regional, national, and international agencies, including ICAR, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Department of Land Resources, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), New Delhi, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), New Delhi, UCOST, USERC, the Watershed Management Directorate, Dehradun, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), along with IASWC and ICAR-IISWC, Dehradun.
Approximately 350 scientists and scholars from ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, national agencies like NBA, and international agencies like INBAR, along with 150 progressive farmers from various regions of the state, are participating in the conference. They are engaging with scientists and exploring the exhibition stalls to gain insights into new knowledge and technologies.
