The survival and health of diverse ecosystems is under severe threat globally.  During the last century alone, India has lost almost 40% of its natural forests, 50% of its wetlands, and 50% of its grasslands.  In response to this worldwide crisis, the current decade (2021-2030) has been declared as the United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration.

Columbia Global Centers | Mumbai and IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) hosted an online panel discussion with experts who addressed the critical challenges facing multiple ecosystems in India.  They spoke about how international guidelines, and national policies and practices can shape a clear path for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation in this critical period.

SPEAKERS: 

Professor Ruth DeFries — Professor of Ecology and Sustainable Development, and Co-Founding Dean of the Columbia Climate School

Dr. Shalini Dhyani — South Asia Chair for IUCN Commission on Ecosystems Management, Senior Scientist CSIR-NEERI

Dr. Nitin Pandit — CEO and Director, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment 

Dr. Ritesh Kumar — Director, Wetlands International South Asia

Dr. Ravina Aggarwal — Director, Columbia Global Centers | Mumbai