A webinar series on “Women In Wildlife” held on 4th October 2023, in celebration of National Wildlife Week

We are thrilled to share that Ms. Ajanta Dey, Joint Secretary and Project Director of NEWS, was invited to speak at a webinar series on “Women In Wildlife” held on 4th October 2023, in celebration of National Wildlife Week.

Organized by Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building, and Livelihood Programme (#EIACP) on Wetland Ecosystem, including Inland Wetlands, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History #SACON EIACP, South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India, Anaikatty, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, this week-long series brings together women from around the globe working in the field of wildlife.

Ms. Dey’s talk, titled “Shared Resources and Co-existence: Connecting Dots in the Ecosystem,” began with a powerful emphasis on wildlife conservation and collaborative efforts across different strata to build resilience. She shared her personal journey, transitioning from a different background out of sheer love for the subject.

Key highlights of her insightful presentation included the decline of the salamander population in Namthing Pokhri and NEWS’s efforts to mitigate the issue through community participation and ex-situ breeding. She also shed light on the positive impact of NEWS’s conservation efforts on the economy and local communities. She has also delved into the intricate ecosystem of the Sundarbans, discussing the association of mangroves and showcasing breathtaking videos of mudskippers and aquatic birds around the mangrove plantation.

The presentation addressed critical issues such as the degradation of natural ecosystems, the decline of bird populations due to plastic use, and the destruction of habitats. Heart-wrenching photographs were shared, revealing the impact of anthropogenic activities on the environment, such as clumps of nets found in the stomachs of dolphins.

Throughout the talk, Ms. Dey underscored the importance of a dialogue change model through multi-stakeholder partnership building, emphasizing the art of collaboration for synergistic solutions. She shared NEWS’s vision with participants: “Ensuring sustainable and functioning ecosystems for a wise planet.”

In addition to her professional insights, Ms. Dey candidly discussed the challenges of being a female conservationist, highlighting the juggling act women often face in balancing family and career. Her words resonated with over 30 participants, and the interactive session was lively and engaging.