Srinagar:A three day “National Symposium on Avian Biology (NSAB 2026)” in conjunction with the 7th Meeting of the Association of Avian Biologists in India (AABI) organized by the Division of Wildlife Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) from 14-16 May, 2026, commenced on Thirsday at Shalimar convention Centre, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar.
This historic initiative held for the first time in Kashmir, seeks to showcase recent advances in avian research across the country, with special emphasis on Himalayan ecosystems, emerging conservation challenges, and cutting-edge approaches in modern ornithology, with a broader vision to foster harmony between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through bird-based ecotourism, nature interpretation as sustainable livelihood opportunities and avenues for entrepreneurship development among local communities in the region.
Prof. (Dr.) Khursheed Ahmad, the Organizing Secretary & Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K, delivered the welcome address and presented a brief overview on the relevance of the symposium in the current scenario of Avian research and conservation in reference to nature-based livelihood generation in J&K.
Prof. Ahmad This Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, and Chief Guest of the Symposium while appreciating the organizing secretary for conducting this National event in SKUAST-Kashmir, also highlighting its relevance in-line with the ‘one health approach’ adopted by SKUAST- Kashmir, which deliberates on the inclusiveness for a better and sustainable future.
Dr. Asad R. Rahmani, former Director Bombay Natural History Society, shared his experiences in the field of ornithology in India and abroad, accenting on thrust areas for research in the rapidly changing world, by encouraging the participants for inculcating skills required for proactive wildlife management.
Prof. Taej Mundkur, from Wetlands International, South Asia, deliberated on the critical issues concerning the conservation of birdlife and vital habitats, emphasizing on the inland wetlands that support migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
Prof. Anand S. Dixit, Prime Minister Professor and Founding Member and President AABI appreciated the efforts of the organizing secretary and his team for successfully conducting this National event in Kashmir. While, underlining the role of AABI in avian conservation, he also emphasized on building Long-term Collaborative Networks for Ecological Monitoring and Conservation.
The Abstract Book of the Symposium and a documentary on the radio-telemetry based research on ibis bill in Kashmir was also released at the event. Prof. Sajad A. Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, SKUAST-K proposed the formal vote of thanks.