Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research L.S. Shashidhara plants a sapling to mark World Environment Day, on Kuvempu University campus at Shankaraghatta near Shivamogga on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
L.S. Shashidhara, Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences–Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bengaluru, has called for stronger ecological monitoring, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration among universities and scientists to achieve effective biodiversity conservation.Speaking at Kuvempu University’s Environment Day programme on Friday, Prof. Shashidhara emphasised that successful conservation extends beyond scientific understanding. Political commitment, knowledge sharing, and sustainable economic policies are equally essential, he said. He encouraged students and researchers to participate in long-term environmental monitoring to address emerging ecological challenges.Ecosystems provide critical functions—climate regulation, maintenance of rainfall patterns, and crop pollination—that directly benefit society, Prof. Shashidhara explained. However, habitat fragmentation, industrialisation, and pollution pose serious threats to these systems. Protecting species requires maintaining genetic diversity, not merely increasing population numbers, he stressed. Conservation programmes for lions and tigers demonstrate the importance of genetic management for long-term species survival.The lecture was organised by the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Environmental Sciences at the Shankaraghatta campus near Shivamogga. Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy, Prof. R. Thimmarayappa, Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. K. Yogendra, Head of Department, and other faculty members attended. The university marked the occasion by planting saplings on campus. Published - June 05, 2026 08:20 pm IST
