Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 30: The International Conference on Environmental Sustainability: ‘Harmony with Nature’ (ICESHN-2024) was organized by the faculty of sciences at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, on April 5 and 6. The conference was held at the green campus of St Aloysius, emphasizing the commitment to environmental sustainability.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with the welcoming of guests by Fr Melwyn D'Cunha SJ, the pro vice chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), and Fr Praveen Martis SJ, the vice chancellor of St Aloysius. Both speakers stressed the urgency of discussing the seminar's theme, emphasizing the need for collective action in addressing environmental challenges. The conference was inaugurated by Padma Shri Prof (Dr) Sharad Kale, who delivered the keynote address. Prof Dr Kale provided a scientist's perspective on the seminar's theme and urged attendees to pledge to minimize waste generation and utilize it as a resource effectively.
The seminar featured numerous sessions covering a wide range of topics, including the impact of microplastics on the environment, biohydrogen production, biofortification of food, promotion of biodiversity in diets, water management, and more. Presenters offered innovative approaches to achieving harmony with nature, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. During the event, attendees seized the chance to share their research findings via both poster and oral presentations. These presentations offered a glimpse into a wide spectrum of pioneering research endeavours aimed at tackling environmental hurdles. The programme drew a total of 175 participants, with 13 engaging in oral presentations and 47 presenting posters.
Notable discussions during the conference focused on the efforts of industries and institutions to maintain carbon neutrality and pursue decarbonization initiatives. Attendees exchanged ideas and strategies for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. The valedictory ceremony included the prize distribution for the oral and poster presentations. Rajendra Kalbavi, the chief guest of the valedictory programme, emphasized the importance of translating discussions into action. He highlighted that having a goal without a plan is merely a wish, underscoring the need for concrete steps towards environmental sustainability.
Overall, the International Conference on Environmental Sustainability: ‘Harmony with Nature’ (ICESHN-2024) provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration on pressing environmental issues. The conference emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving environmental sustainability and fostering harmony with nature.