IIIM Jammu hosts Landmark ‘1600th Tree Talk' on Biodiversity and Conservation
Mar 26, 2025
JAMMU: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, organized a significant event titled "1600th Tree Talk" here today, focusing on Jammu & Kashmir's rich biodiversity, sustainable conservation practices, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.
The event featured insightful addresses by renowned experts and policymakers, drawing attention to the urgent need for biodiversity preservation and skill development in the region.
Dr. OP Sharma, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), J&K, and retired IFS officer, delivered the keynote "1600th Tree Talk". He emphasized the ecological significance of Jammu & Kashmir, outlining its diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species.
Dr. Sharma underscored the region's unique ecosystems, from alpine meadows to temperate forests, and stressed the importance of conserving these natural treasures amid growing environmental challenges. His talk also highlighted the role of community engagement in safeguarding biodiversity.
In his presidential address, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, called for bridging traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research to foster sustainable practices. He emphasized the need for "conservation through adoption" and "ex-situ cultivation" of wild plants to protect endangered species while promoting research-driven solutions.
Dr Ahmed outlined plans to create a sustainable value chain for J&K's biodiversity, ensuring ecological balance and economic benefits for local communities by implementing the CSIR Aroma and Floriculture Missions, the flagship programmes of Union Minister and Vice President, CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
He also said that IIIM is committed to innovation and societal impact, and it continues to lead initiatives that harmonize ecological preservation with scientific progress. He detailed programs aimed at empowering youth and local stakeholders through training in biodiversity management, agro-techniques, and conservation technologies.
The "1600th Tree Talk" concluded with a consensus on the urgency of collaborative action to protect J&K's biodiversity. Participants from Govt. College of Education, Jammu and Jammu College of Ayurveda and Research have lauded CSIR-IIIM's efforts to foster interdisciplinary research and community-centric conservation strategies.
Around seventy students from different colleges participated in the "1600th Tree Talk". Er Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist, spoke about CSIR-Integrated Skill initiatives while Dr Nasir Ul Rasheed, Nodal Skill Development, conducted proceedings of "1600th Tree Talk".
Earlier, participants also visited different divisions of IIIM for capacity-building programs by interacting with scientists, staff, and scholars at the institute.
