SYMPOSIUM REPORT Two days National Symposium on Blue Carbon Sink (BCaS-2024)
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SYMPOSIUM REPORT
Two days National Symposium on Blue
Carbon Sink (BCaS-2024)
Date:
22nd and 23rd February, 2024
Venue:
Marine Field Research Facility, Department of Marine
and Coastal Studies
Madurai Kamaraj University, Pudumadam - 623524,
Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu
Organized
by
Department
of Marine and Coastal Studies
Madurai
Kamaraj University
(Re-accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade in
the 4th cycle)
Madurai
- 625021, Tamil Nadu, India
In Collaboration with
Seaweed Research and Utilization Association (SRUA)
Sponsored
by
During
the third week of February 2024 between 22nd and 23rd February
2024, a Symposium on “Blue Carbon Sink – BCaS-2024” was organized by the Department
of Marine and Coastal Studies, School of Energy, Environment and Natural
Resources, Madurai Kamaraj University in Collaboration with Seaweed Research
and Utilization Association (SRUA) in Pudumadam, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil
Nadu, India. This symposium was primarily designed to bring together experts
from diverse disciplines to discuss the role and potential of blue carbon sinks
in mitigating climate change and conserving coastal ecosystems. The symposium
also commemorated the silver jubilee year of the Department of Marine and
Coastal Studies (1998- 2023).
The
delicate balance between climate change and ecological preservation is at the
forefront of global environmental concerns. Among the many natural mechanisms
available for climate change mitigation, the concept of "blue carbon"
has emerged as a promising avenue for both carbon sequestration and the
preservation of vital coastal ecosystems.
Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in the biomass and sediments of
marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.
These ecosystems play a crucial role not only in regulating climate but also in
supporting biodiversity, protecting shorelines, and providing livelihoods to
millions of people worldwide.
In recognition of the growing
importance of blue carbon and the need to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and
collaboration, the Department of Marine and Coastal Studies, Madurai Kamaraj
University has organized the National Symposium on Blue Carbon Sink. This
symposium served as a platform for policymakers, scientists, conservationists,
and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and develop
strategies for the sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems.
The
welcome address for this two-day symposium was delivered by Dr. M. Anand, Head
of the Department, Department of Marine and Coastal Studies. He welcomed the Delegates,
Scientists, Professors, and Students to the event and emphasized the prime objectives
of the symposium. Dr. P. Anantharaman, Secretary – SRUA, Annamalai University emphasized
the importance of conducting this symposium in Blue Carbon Sink and related to
the role of seaweeds in carbon sink. The presidential address was given by
Prof. Dr. K. Padmakumar, President- SRUA, University of Kerala highlighting the
significant role of mangrove
forests, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes in the coastal ecosystem. The
symposium was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. J. Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Madurai
Kamaraj University, Madurai and he released the BCaS-2024 abstract book of the
event. Mr. Vinod. G. Nehemiah, Founder Director, SNAP, Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
delivered Keynote address highlighting the need for industry and academic
collaboration in mitigation of climate
change.
In a Special address, Dr. Hwang Jiang-Shiou,
Distinguished Professor, Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean
University presented an overview of the current scientific knowledge including
research gaps and emerging trends in Blue Carbon sinks and Coastal research. He
suggested and advised researchers to train the younger generation to research
in the field of carbon sequestration and Carbon sinks. Followed by this, Prof. Dr.
A.K. Kumaraguru, Vice-Chancellor, Noorul Islam Deemed University, Dr. K.
Kathiresan, Former Director & Dean, CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai
University, Dr. K. Murugan, CSIR-Emeritus Scientist, Former Vice-Chancellor,
Thiruvalluvar University gave their insights in the research in blue carbon
sink and impacts of CO2 emission in marine ecosystems.
Dr.K. Sivakumar, Professor, Treasurer SRUA,
Department of Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj
University, Madurai proposed vote of thanks and led way to further plenary and
lead lectures for the symposium.
Totally
180 participants were registered for this programme.
The symposium featured a diverse
range of Invited talks, Discussions, Oral and Poster presentations focusing on the
following key themes:
In
his plenary lecture, “Blue Carbon Ecosystems for the future India”, Dr. K. Kadhiresan (Annamalai University) explored
the tale of uncharted potential
and resilience, where mangroves sway, seagrasses dance, and salt marshes stand
steadfast. He also highlighted the aim to secure a sustainable future for
India, there's a need for proactive conservation and restoration efforts,
integration of blue carbon into climate policies, and community engagement in
coastal management.
Dr. K. Padmakumar (University of Kerala)
on
his plenary lecture entitled “Is it possible to consider Seaweed as a superfood
and the ways to break the cultural barrier in India?” emphasize that In India;
seaweeds have gained popularity as an alternative and nutritious food source.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, seaweeds have been
traditionally consumed in coastal communities and are now being embraced in
urban areas as a sustainable and healthy food option.
Dr.
S. Ravikumar, (Alagappa University) delivered lecture on “Bioprospecting of
infectious diseases Therapeutic agents from Marine Bio resources”. He stressed upon
the urgency and opportunity of marine bioprospecting and the need for
responsible and collaborative research to harness the potential of marine
bioresources for combating infectious diseases. He also overviewed the unique
ecological conditions of marine environments that fostered the evolution of
bioactive compounds with diverse mechanisms of action against pathogens.
In his Lecture entitled “Molecular
Docking and molecular dynamics simulations on various Marine Bioactive
Compounds against Neurodegenerative diseases” Prof. Dr. D. Velmurugan
highlighted the simulating
interactions between bioactive compounds and target proteins and docking as
tool how it helps to predict the effectiveness of these compounds in inhibiting
or modulating biological processes associated with neurodegeneration.
In
the lecture on “Profiling of metabolites from selected seagrasses in the
Coastal region of Mandapam, Rameshwaram” Dr. R. Pachaiappan (SRM Institute of
Science and Technology) explained the methodology on exploration of sea
grasses' chemical diversity that pave way for the discovery of novel compounds
with applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
The lecture on “Effective Carbon capture by
Algal farming” was delivered by Dr.V. Veeragurunathan (CSIR-CSMCRI) he pointed out
that even though seaweed farming posses
a remarkable ability to efficiently capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
this sustainable practice is less explored in India and offers a tangible
solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in future.
Dr.
M. Ganesan in his lecture discussed on the “Recent advances in seaweed
cultivation- success stories”. He enlightened the gathering with recent seaweed
culture techniques and its valorisation. His lecture focussed on the key
success stories of seaweed culture and the role of Self Help Group in the Tamil
Nadu.
Lecture on “ Marine Ecosystem : Biodiversity of
Sea weeds, their applications and Conservation ” was delivered by Dr.P.V.Subba
Rao, (Chief Scientist – Aquaculture Foundation of India) he emphasized that due
to human activities such as over-harvesting and pollution, sea weeds are at
risk of decline. Conservation efforts including sustainable harvesting
practices, marine protected areas, and research into cultivation methods is
essential for the preservation of these vital marine resources.
In
his lecture title “Marine Macroalgal Resources in India ” Dr. M. Palanisamy
(Botanical Survey of India) highlighted that India's coastal areas are rich in marine macro algal bioresources,
comprising an array of seaweed species. These resources are valuable due to
their diverse applications, including food, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and
biofuel production.
In the presentation of “Current
status of Blue Carbon Ecosystems with special emphasis of Mangroves in Indian Ocean
Atolls and its conservation ”, Dr. Kannan Sivakumar (CASMB, Annamalai
University) conveyed that, Blue
carbon systems in Indian Ocean atolls play a vital role in sequestering carbon
dioxide and mitigating climate change. These unique ecosystems, comprised of
mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs, act as carbon sinks, storing vast
amounts of carbon in their biomass and sediments. However, they are under
threat from human activities such as coastal development, overfishing, and
pollution. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems not only conserves
biodiversity but also ensures the continued storage of carbon, contributing to
global efforts for climate change mitigation.
Seaweed Farming In India: Prospects and
Challenges were discussed by Dr. B. Johnson, (CMFRI, Mandapam camp). In this
lecture he stressed upon the growing demand for seaweed culture and its
potential role in meeting the increasing demand of industrial needs.
In his lecture on “Harnessing Microalgae for
Blue Carbon Sequestration and Ocean Health” Dr. P. Santhanam (Bharathidasan
University) discussed in detail about the potential role of microalgae in Blue
Carbon Sink. The multidimensional ecosystem services of the microalgae are well
established in his lecture and highlighted the research gap in microalgae
research and blue economy.
Dr.
P. Ragavan, (MOEF&CC) stressed the importance of Mangroves and for their
remarkable capacity to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. He
also stated that, their dense root systems trap carbon, effectively storing it
in the soil and biomass. However, this critical role is increasingly threatened
by factors like deforestation, coastal development, and climate change impacts
such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events. He strongly suggested the
younger generation for Protecting and restoring mangroves for not only for
preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining their crucial function as
carbon sinks in the fight against climate change.
Marine Algal Diversity of Tamil Nadu – An Overview was
presented by Dr. B. Babu. He enlightened with data on algal diversity and key
taxonomic identification characters for important commercial species. The collection aspects and herbarium
preparation were also discussed in his lecture.
On
the topic of “Insights of Bioactive Metabolites from seaweeds” by Dr. P. Varalakshmi(Madurai
Kamaraj University) analysed the importance of Sea weeds, that are not just
picturesque adornments of the ocean floor; they harbor remarkable medicinal
potential. Research reveals their anticancer and neuroprotective properties,
making them intriguing subjects of study in modern medicine. These marine
marvels offer promising avenues for developing novel therapies to combat cancer
and neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. N. Marimuthu in his lecture on “Fish
Grazers' Impacts On The Coral Recruitment Process As An Essential Requirement
For Restoration Initiatives” presented a data set of an experiment utilizing
artificial structures submerged in the benthic environment for three months
with or without cages and the impact of algae on the coral recruitment process.
His lecture has opened up a debate on whether coral reef ecosystem can also be
included as blue carbon sink.
Within these intellectual deliberations, the
exchange of ideas took on manifold forms, with oral and poster presentations
serving as the linchpin of scholarly discourse. Engaged in lively discussions
and probing inquiries, participants navigated the complex research questions on
blue carbon sink forging connections and sparking new insights with every
exchange of idea. The intellect, oral and poster presentations harmonized to
create a rich and dynamic discourse, where knowledge flowed freely and
innovation thrived. As the symposium drew to a close, its halls echoed with the
resonance of ideas exchanged and connections forged, a testament to the
enduring power of scholarly dialogue in advancing the frontiers of human
understanding in climate change mitigation and blue carbon sink.
Oral Presentations:
Poster Presentation:
Parallel session and activities related to blue carbon sink
Mangrove Expert Dr.P.
Ragavan (MOEF&CC) interaction with participants -the clay model of
mangroves and corals.
Seaweed and Seagrass
Taxonomy discussion and herbariums preparation
As the symposium drew to its
conclusion, with hearts full of gratitude, the organizers stepped forward to
deliver their valediction, expressing appreciation for the tireless efforts of
all participants in fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and
collaboration. Their words, infused with warmth and sincerity, echoed the
sentiment of a community united by a passion for knowledge and discovery.
Following the valediction, the
ceremony transitioned to the distribution of certificates, a moment of
recognition for the dedication and contributions of each individual. With
applause ringing through the halls, recipients stepped forward to receive their
accolades, their achievements celebrated amidst the applause and admiration of
their peers. Finally, the symposium culminated in a group photo session,
capturing the collective spirit and camaraderie that had permeated every aspect
of the event. Participants gathered with smiles and laughter, immortalizing the
memories of shared experiences and cherished connections forged throughout the
symposium. As the last snapshots were taken and farewells exchanged, the
symposium came to a close, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual exchange and
camaraderie that would endure long after the final echoes faded. In this moment
of parting, attendees departed with hearts full of inspiration and minds
enriched by the bonds of scholarly fellowship, carrying forward the spirit of
the symposium into their future endeavours.
The Symposium was sponsored by MKU-
RUSA, Ministry of Earth Sciences, DST- SERB, Department of Biotechnology, CSIR,
SNAP Natural & Alginate Products Pvt. Ltd., AquAgri, Sathyam Group of
Company, Sairam Scientific and Sinsil International Pvt., Ltd.
Group Photo
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