Srinagar, May 03: Prof. Anton Shkaruba from Estonian University of Life Sciences delivered lectures under the module “Integrating Ecosystem Services into Sustainable Urban Planning and Policy” at the Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K. The program was conducted under the prestigious Erasmus+ Exchange Program between SKUAST-K and Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia.
Prof. N. A. Ganai, envisioning SKUAST-K as a leading destination for quality education and research, has recognized environmental sustainability as one of the core values of the institute. He has appreciated the event in view rising need of awareness on ecosystem sustainability for
its inclusion in policy making.
During the event, Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K described this exchange program as extremely important on account of changing climate, erratic weather conditions and shrinking green spaces. He outlined the need for conservation of green spaces to adapt to climate change.
Prof. Akhlaq Amin Wani (Coordinator) in his talk presented the outline of the program. He further provided details regarding the current scenario of urban green space dynamics and problems associated with regard to environmental sustainability. He also gave insights about the research efforts made by the Faculty of Forestry that can potentially enable effective decision making in managing green spaces.
Prof. Anton in his entire lecture module discussed sustainability indicators, conservation priorities as an analytical and communication tool and ecosystem services and disservices early warnings, precautionary principles and sustainability transition.
Doctoral, Postgraduate and undergraduate students from the Faculty of Forestry were among the student groups who participated in the event.
The event also witnessed a stakeholder meeting to be conducted on socio-environmental issues. Stakeholders from different departments had a joint session with the diverse experts and student groups. Srinagar Municipal Corporation, IGFRI-ICAR, J&K Forest Dept., J&K Floriculture Department, Citizens and Students were among the stakeholder groups who participated in the session. The concept of living labs was also introduced during the session and the breakout groups brainstormed on a semi-structured questionnaire and came up with existing problems and potential solutions regarding the management of urban green spaces.
