International Conference on Riparian Ecosystems: A Landmark Academic Event
The two-day International Conference on Riparian Ecosystems marked a significant milestone in the academic history of MES Asmabi College. The event opened with high praise from the distinguished Indian ecologist Dr. Sudhakar Reddy (NRSC, ISRO Hyderabad), who noted that the gathering represented the first-ever conference in India dedicated to this critical yet overlooked ecosystem. He remarked that the pioneering research led by Dr. Amitha Bachan K.H. and his institution provided the rightful authority to host such a landmark event. During the inaugural session, Dr. N. Anilkumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), called for integrated action, while the Honorable Vice Chancellor of KUFOS, appearing as the Chief Guest, emphasized integrated river management as an urgent necessity. The program was presided over by Mr. V.M. Shine, Secretary and Correspondent of MES Asmabi College.
The Keynote lectures and Plenaries over the two days witnessed deliberations of high academic rigour. Dr. Amitha Bachan K.H., Director of CETC and IUCN specialist, introduced the first-ever IUCN Red List Assessment, Classification, and Ecorestoration Protocol of the Endangered Riparian Ecosystems of the Western Ghats. Dr. T. Sabu of CED, Thiruvananthapuram, deliberated on invasive management, while Mr. Suresh Babu I.F.S., DFO of Vazhachal Forest Division and Chief Guest of the second day, spoke on riparian management in the context of human-wildlife conflict. Dr. Rajeev Raghavan of KUFOS and IUCN fish expert indicated a lack of care and attention toward the most human-dependent river and riparian ecosystems and fishes. Ms. Devika M. Anilkumar, Rufford Fellow of MES Asmabi College and IUCN Tree Specialist, deliberated on the IUCN assessment of riparian plant species and its conservation. Dr. Ajay Kumar Varma, one of the lead scientists on river basin management, indicated the need for integrated management with a presentation of detailed data on Vembanad Lake and its associated five river systems. Dr. Joby Paul of St. Thomas College focused on the riparian flora of the Pamba River.
The research paper presentations started with talk by Dr. Pooja Suresh, a former scholar of MES Asmabi College, on riparian area degradation. This was followed by 42 paper presentations across six academic sessions related to the flora, fauna, ecology, conservation, management, and ecorestoration of riparian ecosystems.
The conference honored Ms. Devika M. Anilkumar, Rufford and KSBB Fellow of the college, for her outstanding publications in Q1 and Q2 journals and 102 IUCN Red List Assessments. Nine Best Paper awards were given from among the 42 papers presented. The recipients included research scholars Sandeep Kumar Kaushal of Aligarh Muslim University, Vijaya Kumar Chikkannan of Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (Riparian Fauna), Gogari Priyank Pankaj of N.B. Mehta Science College, Maharashtra (Riparian Flora), Silpa Santhosh of MES Asmabi College, Aswathy K. Vijayan of JNTBGRI, Kerala (Environment Conservation and Management), and Arathi Ramadasan of Govt. Brennen College, Kannur (General session). Masters students Sumayya S. and Aleena Tharakan, along with faculty member Dr. Teji K.T., were also recognized.
The conference was supported by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, the Rufford Conservation Grant UK, and the Western Ghats Hornbill Foundation. The conference team thanks all the aforementioned experts and guests, as well as the session chairs: Dr. Anto P.V., Dr. Joby Paul (St. Thomas College, Thrissur), Dr. Binumol (SN College, Alathur), Dr. Ummuhabeeba, Dr. Jeemol P.A., Dr. Amina Poovoli, Dr. Thanzeela Ibrahim, Dr. Jisha K.C., and Dr. Sayana K.A. of MES Asmabi College.
We are grateful to Dr. Sameena K., Principal of MES Asmabi College, for her wishes, and to Dr. Sanand, Vice Principal, Dr. Dhanya P.R., IQAC Coordinator, and the college management for their support. Gratitude is also extended to the delegates, participants, paper presenters, and all the team members of the college, including Ms. Smitha, Ms. Haseena, Ms. Sajna, supporting staff, Ms. Afrah, the student representatives, and all masters and undergraduate students of the Research Department of Botany.
