24th Aug 2023
The Green Mandate Season 2, Ep. 3: Forest and Biodiversity Governance in Northeast India’ with Mr. Dev Prakash Bankhwal (IFS)
Thursday, 24 Aug 2023, 6:00 pm-Thursday, 24 Aug 2023, 7:00 pm
The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, in association with the Rainmatter Foundation, invites you to the third episode of Season 2 of THE GREEN MANDATE, focusing on ‘Forest and Biodiversity Governance in Northeast India.’ The episode features a conversation with Mr. Dev Prakash Bankhwal (IFS), Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam. The conversation will take place at India International Centre Annexe, Lecture Room-II (New Delhi) on 24th August 2023 from 6 PM IST.
About the Discussion
The Northeast Himalayas stand as a majestic testament to unparalleled biodiversity, boasting a unique forest and natural heritage of global significance. This region, classified as a biodiversity hotspot, shelters countless rare and endangered plant and animal species, many exclusive to this area. These forests are not only crucial for species survival but also essential for ecological balance, climate regulation, and sustaining indigenous communities. The special constitutional status of these states acknowledges their diverse ethnicity, and traditions, providing provisions to preserve identities and protect cultural, social, and economic interests tied to conservation of natural resources.
In this episode of The Green Mandate, Debadityo Sinha, Lead for Climate and Ecosystems at Vidhi, engages in a candid conversation with Mr. Bankhwal. Their dialogue aims to comprehend the ecological and cultural significance of Northeast India’s forests, while also addressing the diverse governance issues that impact the conservation efforts within this exceptionally biodiverse region of India.
About the Speaker
Mr. Dev Prakash Bankhwal, a distinguished officer from the 1985 batch of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), culminated his career as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden for the government of Assam in 2019. He also held the role of Inspector General (Eastern Zone) for the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Government of India, for over five years. His experience includes serving at some prominent positions in the government including as a Director in the Ministry of Water Resources (five years), Joint Director at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi (two years) and Deputy Conservator of Forests at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun (four years). Prior to his tenure in the IFS, he was a Lecturer of Physics. Post-retirement, he worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society, spearheading the ‘Wildlife Law Enforcement and Counter-trafficking’ program where he led training programmes for forest officials, police, and paramilitary personnel from the Northeastern States and West Bengal.
About The Green Mandate
THE GREEN MANDATE provides a platform for an in-depth conversation on such issues affecting current conservation challenges and aims at developing a deeper public discourse on the law and policy aspects of it.
The Climate and Ecosystems team at Vidhi is supported by Sandeep Singhal and Rainmatter Foundation.
Schedule
24th August 2023, Thursday, 18.00-19.30 HRS (IST)
India International Centre- Annexe, Lecture Room-II, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi 110003
17.30 hrs: Tea and Snacks
18.00 hrs: Introduction of the Speaker and Presentation of the Issue
18.15 hrs: Discussion with Mr Dev Prakash Bankhwal
19.00 hrs: Q&A Session with Audience
The event is open for all, but prior registration is recommended. Fill the form below to RSVP. The event will not be live-streamed.