International Forestry and Environment Symposium Archives - USJ - 91��ý

South Asia’s Oldest Environmental Symposium Concludes with a Vision for a Sustainable Future

admin — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 17:31:55 +0000

The , South Asia’s longest-running environmental conference, successfully concluded on January 18th, 2025, at the 91��ý. The symposium, held under the theme “A Multi-Sectoral Approach to a Sustainable Future,” continued its legacy of pioneering environmental discourse in the region.

Professor M. M. Pathmalal, Vice-Chancellor of the 91��ý, presided as Chief Guest, while the event’s historic journey was revisited through a special video presentation by Professor Hemanthi Ranasinghe, one of its founding members.

The keynote address by Professor Naohiro Goto of Toyo University and the remarks of Guest of Honor Mr. K. R. Uduwawala, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, 91��ý, highlighted the need for innovative, multi-sectoral approaches to address today’s environmental challenges.

The symposium showcased its growing international footprint, with 205 research abstracts submitted, including contributions from Japan, India, Malaysia, and Slovakia. Notably, one Japanese researcher attended in person, while others joined through virtual platforms, further emphasizing the event’s global outreach.

Spanning twelve specialized sessions, the symposium addressed diverse and pressing environmental concerns, from traditional topics like Forest and Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation to contemporary issues such as Sustainable Tourism, Environmental Engineering, and Green Technology.

A highlight of the event was the Young Environment Symposium, a Citizen Science Forum dedicated to nurturing future environmental leaders, reflecting the conference’s commitment to fostering youth involvement in environmental advocacy.

Key sessions included:

Climate Change and Disaster Management
Environmental Economics and Resource Management
Biomass and Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development
Wood Science and Industry
Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management

Organized by the , the symposium once again affirmed its position as South Asia’s premier platform for environmental dialogue. Its longevity and expanding international collaboration underscore its critical role in shaping environmental policy and advancing innovative solutions for global challenges.

As the symposium looks toward its 30th edition, it continues to inspire hope and action for a sustainable future.

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Three Decades of Research Ignored: Wildlife Experts Urge Political Action on Human-Wildlife Conflict at USJ Symposium

admin — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:12:38 +0000

The 91��ý recently hosted a pre-symposium public talk as part of the , where leading conservation experts highlighted the urgent need for political action to address 91��ý’s escalating human-wildlife conflict. The event highlighted the alarming fact that, despite three decades of research and evidence-based solutions, political action has been sorely lacking in addressing this critical issue.

A Decade of Unheeded Solutions

Professor Hiran Amarasekera, who initiated this symposium in 1995, expressed deep frustration over the continued inaction in implementing scientifically proven strategies. “For 30 years, researchers have presented concrete solutions at this symposium, yet the same challenges persist due to inaction,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed by other experts, who highlighted the growing disconnect between research and policy implementation.

Elephant Management: A Case Study in Failure

Dr. U K G K Padmalal, a former Wildlife Department officer and researcher at the Open University, shared critical insights into elephant management strategies. Drawing from his experience with elephant drives, he highlighted the historical context of current challenges.

Professor Dewaka Weerakoon recounted the historical context of current challenges, noting that many relocated elephants either died, returned to their original habitats, or moved into agricultural lands, with only a small fraction adapting to their new environments. He showed specific case studies to illustrate the effectiveness and challenges of different approaches. For instance, in the Galgamuwa Teak area, efforts to manage elephant populations through relocation faced significant challenges, with many elephants returning to their original habitats or encroaching on farmlands. In contrast, the DWC fence approach in another area successfully contained elephant movements, although it presented its own challenges.

These case studies highlight the complexities of managing human-wildlife conflict and the need for tailored evidence-based solutions. Professor Weerakoon emphasized that these examples underscore insufficient political will and inadequate implementation of proven strategies.

Primate Conflicts: A Similar Pattern

Professor Chamalie Nahallage expanded the discussion to primate conflicts, illustrating how unimplemented solutions have led to persistent challenges across species. Her analysis underscored the need for a unified approach to wildlife management.

Root Causes and Proposed Solutions

The experts identified unplanned land-use patterns and habitat overlaps as the root causes of human-wildlife conflict. They proposed combining technical solutions and behavioural changes, supported by strong political commitment. Key recommendations included:

– Biological Control: Establish buffer zones, deploy watchdogs as early warning systems, and create natural barriers to separate human and wildlife spaces.
– Electric Fencing: Maintaining and monitoring existing wildlife corridors to ensure their effectiveness as short-term solutions for elephant management.
– Waste Management: Addressing improper garbage disposal, which attracts wildlife to villages, through secured waste systems and community education.

A Call for Political Will and Community Involvement

The experts emphasized that without political commitment, both wildlife and human communities will continue to suffer. They called for:

– Clear demarcation between wildlife and human habitats.
– Improved urban and rural planning to prevent habitat overlap.
– Community involvement in conservation efforts.
– Implementation of the Wildlife Mitigation Plan prepared by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Path Forward

The discussion served as a stark reminder that the tools to resolve 91��ý’s human-wildlife conflict exist—what’s missing is the will to use them. As the symposium approaches, the 91��ý continues to champion evidence-based solutions, urging policymakers to prioritize action over inaction.

The time for change is now. The future of 91��ý’s wildlife and communities depends on it.

For more updates on the 29th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2025, visit the 91��ý website.

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Inauguration Ceremony of 28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:36:04 +0000

The 91��ý recently concluded its 28th International Symposium on Forestry and Environmental Sciences, held on January 5th and 6th, 2024, at the Senate Board Room. The theme of this year’s symposium was “Forest and Environmental Management towards Economic Recovery and Resilience.”

The symposium covered a diverse range of key areas and sessions, including Forest and Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Environmental Economics and Resource Management, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Biomass and Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development, Wood Science, Wood and Non-Wood Industry, Environmental Engineering and Green Technology, and Geology, Soil, and Water Resource Management. Additionally, a dedicated Citizen Science Forum provided a platform for young environmental enthusiasts to contribute and participate.

The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice-Chancellor of the 91��ý, Guest of Honors, and Senior Professor Upul Subasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The symposium brought together researchers, academia, professionals, and policymakers in the field of Forestry and Environmental Sciences to engage in meaningful discussions and share the latest developments in the sector.

Organized by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, the symposium was spearheaded by Prof. Daham Jayawardana, Symposium Chair,Head of the Department, along with Dr. Chaamila Pathirana, Symposium Coordinator.

The 91��ý proudly extends an invitation to the global community to join future editions of this impactful symposium, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the vital field of Forestry and Environmental Sciences.

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27th International Forestry and Environment Symposium Inaugurated Today

Hiran Amarasekera — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:39:05 +0000

Inauguration Ceramony of the 27th International Forestry and Environment Symposium was held today, January 27th, 2023 at the Senate Board Room of the 91��ý, with the theme of “Economic Resilience and Environmental Sustainability: A Synergy for the Future.”

The symposium, which will continue until January 28th, was graced by esteemed keynote speaker Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, the Representative of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAOUN) for 91��ý and Maldives, and chief guest Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinhe, Governor of the Central Bank of 91��ý.

The symposium featured key sessions on various topics such as Forest and Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Environmental Economics and Resource Management, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Biomass and Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development, Wood Science, Wood and Non-Wood Industry, Environment Engineering and Green Technology, Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management, and a Citizen Science Forum.

In addition to the invited chief guests, the event was also attended by the acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Upul Subasinghe, Prof. Priyan Perera, Symposium Chair and Head of the Forestry and Environment Science Department, Prof. Hiran Amarasekera-Director Digital Media and Communication and Professor in Forestry and Environment Science, Snr. Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Dean-Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dr. P.M.T. Bandara, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professors and senior lectures of the department.

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