Initiative aimed at fostering bird-based ecotourism, conservation
SRINAGAR: A three-day National Symposium on Avian Biology (NSAB 2026), held for the first time in Kashmir, commenced on Thursday at the Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST-Kashmir, in conjunction with the 7th Meeting of the Association of Avian Biologists in India (AABI), organized by the Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-Kashmir.
The historic initiative 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, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and avenues for entrepreneurship development among local communities.
Prof. (Dr.) Khursheed Ahmad, Organizing Secretary & Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K, delivered the welcome address and presented a brief overview of the symposium’s relevance in the current scenario of avian research and conservation with reference to nature-based livelihood generation in J&K.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K and Chief Guest of the Symposium, highlighted its relevance in line with the ‘one health approach’ adopted by SKUAST-Kashmir, which deliberates on inclusiveness for a better and sustainable future.
Dr. Asad R. Rahmani, former Director of the Bombay Natural History Society, shared his experiences in ornithology in India and abroad, accenting thrust areas for research in a rapidly changing world and encouraging participants to inculcate skills required for proactive wildlife management.
Prof. Taej Mundkur from Wetlands International, South Asia, deliberated on critical issues concerning the conservation of birdlife and vital habitats, emphasizing inland wetlands that support migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
Prof. Anand S. Dixit, Prime Minister Professor and Founding Member and President of AABI, appreciated the efforts of the organizing secretary and his team for successfully conducting the event in Kashmir, while emphasizing the need to build long-term collaborative networks for ecological monitoring and conservation.
The Abstract Book of the Symposium and a documentary on radio-telemetry-based research on the Ibisbill in Kashmir were also released at the event. Prof. Sajad A. Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, SKUAST-K, proposed the formal vote of thanks.