Seminar / Webinar
The foundation and B.K.C. College, W.B.S.U jointly organised a one-day international seminar on ‘Sustainable Fisheries Management’ on 17th July, 2025 at BKC College as a part of the MoU activity between two institutions. The seminar was graced by distinguished academician and speaker Dr. Sachinandan Dutta (Assistant Professor, Department of Marine Science and Fisheries, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman). The participants include different faculty members, research scholars, postgraduate and undergraduate students of colleges and universities of India. On the occasion the Principal of B.K.C College Dr. P. Chakraborty and Director of ECSF Dr. Sourav Paul both stressed on the need for holistic learning for better management of natural resources. The HOD of the Department of Fishery Science Dr. Sandipan Gupta had expressed his opinions on multidisciplinary learning process for betterment of sustainable fishery management in India.
The foundation hosted a one-day international seminar on ‘Academia to industry transition: Perspective on National Education Policy and Internship’. The seminar was graced by distinguished academicians, administrators, industry and NGO representatives across domains. The occasion was fulfilled by the participation of different faculty members, research scholars, postgraduate and undergraduate students of different colleges and universities of India. The Chief Guest Professor Ena Ray Banerjee (Professor, University of Calcutta) in her address stressed the need for hands-on learning for starting up ventures in industry. Dr. Debashis Sarkar (Principal, Chandernagore College) had opined that the NEP curriculum and internships could be best implemented only if the institutions are made robust. Dr. Sourav Paul (Director, ECSF) suggested the need for inclusive learning, critical thinking and hands-on practices for preparing students for jobs in industry as well as in academia. Faculty members of different colleges of University of Calcutta, Kazi Nazrul University, Burdwan University, Diamond Harbour Women’s University and Adamas University expressed their concerns on the existing institutional structures and resources for better implementation of NEP curriculum in India.
On the occasion of the National Science Day celebration, the ECSF, Techno India University and Kolkata Biotech Park (DSTBT) Govt. of West Bengal jointly hosted an international symposium on ‘Sustainable Futures: Integrating Climate Change Microbial Threats and Geospatial Technologies for Resilient Coastal Populations’ on 4th,, 11th , 12th March, 2025 at Techno India University, Saltlake, Kolkata Campus. The seminar was graced by distinguished academicians such as Dr. Anirban Akhand (Deakin University), Dr. Sachinandan Dutta (Assistant Professor, Department of Marine Science and Fisheries, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman), Mr. Sanjay Srivastava (UNESCAP), Dr. M. Ganesan (Presidency University), Dr Sangram Bagh (FRCS, SINP), Dr. Subhalakshmi Ghosh (Alona Industries), Dr. R. Paul (IACS), Dr. V. Rathod (BIT MESRA) and Ms. D. Sengupta (ECSF) The participants include different faculty members, research scholars, postgraduate and undergraduate students of colleges and universities of India. Chief Guest Dr. Vjay Bharti (IAS, Secretary, DSTBT) stressed on the need of new age technology such as geospatial science and microbiology for combating climate change and to make coastal populations resilient of different natural hazards. Dr. Sourav Paul (Director, ECSF) being the joint convenor of the programme had emphasized the need of multidisciplinary science for combating changing climate of coastal regions of West Bengal.
Wave Makers: A Local Convening of Youth for Ocean and Climate Literacy, the event is co-organized by the Local Chapter of West Bengal of National Youth Climate Consortium (NYCC), Adamas University and Estuarine and Coastal Studies Foundation (ECSF). This local chapter aims to raise awareness of ocean-climate literacy among youths and bring together experts to mobilize youth for climate action. The convening is expected to (i) increase awareness of ocean-climate education, (ii) improve the understanding of United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and (iii) share gaps and challenges, identify best practices and foster dialogues among stakeholders from different domain.
An inspiring INSA Popular Science Lecture of Dr. Kunal Chakraborty for promotion of science, interdisciplinary science and Ocean Science and scope of students (emphasis on girls) was jointly hosted by the ECSF and Hiralal Mazumder Memorial College for Women on 3 December 2024 at the college auditorium! Thanks to Principal madam and Dr. Rehan Ahmed (HoD of Zoology) who fully supported the venture. The talk was attended by students of both the institutions and faculties of various disciplines and students of different colleges of Kolkata.
The foundation along with Ravindra Mahavidyalaya, Hooghly, West Bengal hosted an INSA Popular Science talk of INSA Young Scientist Dr. Kunal Chakraborty (Scientist E, INCOIS, MoES) on 2 December 2024 at Ravindra Mahavidyalaya. It was a splendid experience to spread the message of Ocean to remote places of West Bengal to encourage young minds! Thanks to Adhijan Naiya for coordinating on behalf of the foundation. Thanks to Principal Sir and IQAC for arranging such a brilliant event. The talk was attended by students of various science and social disciplines, and faculties, scientists and scholars of both the institutions.
On 27 April 2024 a one day seminar was held at the Chandernagore College as part of the MoU activity on ‘Future imperfect? A case study on Kolkata’. Dr. Kanailal Das the incharge of the social science wing of the ECSF has eloquently described the timeline of Kolkata’s past present and future from a perspective of sustainability. The lecture was attended by the students and faculties of the Chandernagore College and the ECSF.
An International workshop on ‘A net autotrophic metabolic balance in Uruguayan marine coastal waters: background and recent results’ of Dr. Danilo Calliari, Associate Professor of Ecology and Environment, University of the Republic, Uruguay was organized jointly by the ECSF and the Berhampur University. The seminar was held at the Seminar hall of the Department of Marine Sciences on 26 February 2024. The program was attended by various faculties, scientists and postgraduate students of Odisha and West Bengal.
ECSF and Diamond Harbour Women’s University jointly hosted international seminar on biological oceanography. Dr. Danilo Calliari, Associate Professor of Ecology and Environment, University of the Republic, Uruguay presented his lecture on ‘Plankton diversity and current research in Uruguayan waters of the South West Atlantic’. His seminar engaged discussions on developing estuarine studies in the Ganges. Students and faculties of the Zoology, Botany and Geography departments took part in it. The occasion was graced by the Registrar Dr. S Rahaman, SERB JC Bose Fellow Dr. C Mondal, and many other distinguish academicians. The event was jointly convened by Dr. S Das of Zoology and Dr. S Paul of ECSF. Dr. Calliari was facilitated by DHWU for his scientific contributions.
The ECSF and WBSU have successfully organised a one-day international lecture on “Environmental overview and current research on coastal oceanography in Uruguay” Delivered by Dr. Danilo Calliari ( Associate professor, Ecology and environment, University of the Republic, Uruguay) 12 PM onwards of 6th February 2024 at the department of zoology, West Bengal state university, India. The said programme also imparted a hands-on training of water quality and plankton biology. The event was attended by the postgraduate, PHD students of WBSU, ECSF and faculties of different colleges and universities of West Bengal, India. The honourable vice chancellor of the university has graced the occasion
The foundation has hosted a national Webinar on ‘Demystifying Human-Wildlife Conflict’ delivered by Mr. Ratul Saha of Ernest & Young, India. The webinar happened on Zoom platform at 6.30 PM IST of 15 May 2023. The participants were across disciplines and career stages. A pan India participation was noticed. The discussion enlighten many aspects human-wildlife conflicts, entrepreneurship and alternative career paths for students.
A webinar was hosted by the Foundation on ‘The ‘new normal’ of tropical cyclone (typhoon) flooding: Implications for nutrient cycling and water quality‘ at Zoom on 1 May 2023. The Speaker was legendary Professor Hans W Paerl. Professor Paerl spoke about hydrological, biogeochemical, carbon cycle and planktonic changes that cyclones cause to estuaries. He and the participants discussed the pre- and post-cyclone management of cyclone impacts on estuaries. The webinar attracted a PAN India audience and some distinguished guests across different countries of Asia. The webinar was endorsed by the IOC-UNESCO UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030).
The foundation in association with Shibpur Dinobundhoo Institution (College) had held a one day state level seminar on ‘Exploring the dynamic interface: Understanding the coastal and estuarine environment. This event is a result of the MoU activities between two institutions. The seminar was attended by faculties of different colleges, school teachers, undergraduate students of different disciplines. In future two institutions would carry out hands-on activities and workshops related to environmental issues.
ECSF and Chandernagore College has jointly conducted a workshop on research methodology and environmental manuscript writing. This is a part of the ‘Know your Ganges’ program. The students and faculties of both the organization attended the seminar.
Date: 02.03. 2023
Venue: Chandernagore College
For celebration of the World Ocean Day (8 June) of 2022 the foundation has conducted an international webinar on ‘Advances in Coastal-Marine Studies in Indian Ocean’. Different early to mid-career scientists and faculties of India, South Africa and Oman have participated in the event.
