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Building Future Ecology and Conservation Through a combination of
Conservation Leaders under the aegis of the Namami classroom learning and eld-
Recognising the need for Ganga Mission. based training, the course
skilled professionals The programme aims to equip prepares the next generation
dedicated to freshwater students with of scientists and
ecosystems, the Wildlife interdisciplinary knowledge conservationists to work on
Institute of India has spanning ecology, eld river restoration, wetland
launched a two-year Master’s research, policy studies and management and biodiversity

programme in Freshwater conservation planning. protection across India.
During the interaction with
students and researchers, the
Minister appreciated their
commitment to pursuing
specialised studies in
freshwater conservation,
highlighting the importance of
young minds in shaping the
future of river ecosystems.
Linking River Conservation
with Nature Restoration
As part of the programme, the
Minister also participated in a
plantation drive, dedicating
the effort to the nationwide
campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke
Naam launched by Hon’ble
Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi. Plantation activities
form an integral component of
the Namami Ganga Mission,
as riparian vegetation plays a
critical role in stabilising
riverbanks, improving
biodiversity and maintaining
ecological balance within river
basins.

Conserving Birds and Society. The project aims to
Turtles of the Ganga Basin strengthen conservation
River ecosystems support not efforts for the Indian
only aquatic species but also a skimmer, a rare bird species
rich diversity of birds and that inhabits river sandbars
reptiles that depend on along stretches of the Ganga.
healthy riverine habitats. Protecting such species
In this spirit, the programme highlights the broader vision
witnessed the launch of the of river conservation-one that
Indian Skimmer safeguards entire ecosystems
Conservation Project by the rather than focusing solely on
Bombay Natural History water quality.

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