Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development
Time: 10 AM (IST) Date: May 22, 2025
To mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, CMS VATAVARAN hosted a special session in collaboration with the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC). This discussion focused on the critical intersections between biodiversity, policy, education, and community action.
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Panellists:
- Sean Southey
Chair, IUCN CEC & CEO, Canadian Wildlife Federation - Dr. Pradip V. Sarmokadam
Member Secretary, Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) - Piyush Dogra
Senior Environment Specialist, The World Bank
Moderated by
Dr. Vasanti Rao
Director General, CMS & Regional Vice Chair, IUCN CEC South and Southeast Asia
Key Themes
- How storytelling and local knowledge empower conservation efforts
- Role of biodiversity boards in community-driven ecological protection
- Financing and governance challenges in implementing nature-based solutions
- Importance of cross-sector collaboration for achieving SDGs
- IUCN CEC's vision for communication and education in climate action
Highlights
- Sean Southey emphasized the need to embed nature in education and decision-making.
- Dr. Sarmokadam shared examples of Goa's village-level biodiversity registers and eco-clubs.
- Piyush Dogra outlined how World Bank projects integrate green infrastructure and community co-benefits.
Questions to Reflect On
- How can your community take ownership of local biodiversity?
- What stories about nature from your region deserve global attention?
- Are current development models truly in harmony with nature?
Conclusion: This dialogue united voices from government, international finance, and grassroots conservation to explore practical strategies for aligning development with ecological well-being.
