SEED (Society for Socio Economic and Ecological Development) organized a one day workshop on “Climate Change Effects on Coastal Biodiversity of Sundarbans” on 9th February, 2016 at Basanti Block of Sundarbans.

The workshop was organized in association with the Biochemistry department of University of Calcutta. The workshop was conducted by the Scientists and scholars of the Biochemistry department with support from SEED team members at the conference hall of Champa Mahila Samity, Shibganj, Basanti Block, Sundarban. It was attended by students, youths, local CBOs and journalists from various parts of Sundarbans.

The main aim of the workshop was to aware the participants about the threats of Climate Change on their surrounding environment and how it affects their lives too. The event started with introductory address by Professor Maîtree Bhattacharya, Biochemistry Department of
University of Calcutta. She introduced the students with the theme of the workshop and requested their active participation. Prof. Bhattacharya also said that they will get the opportunity to do soil and water testing of their land during this workshop which will show the level of salinity and PH level of the soil and water of their area.

Dr. Shatabdi, a senior Scientist from University of Calcutta discussed on the “Importance of mangrove to protect biodiversity and Climate Change adaptation”. She started with explaining the term “Climate Change” and how it is different from daily change in weather. She discussed about the gradual change in Climate Change and how they can understand it from simple surrounding indicators like increase in temperature, changing rainfall pattern etc. The effect of Green House Gases in the environment and their role in the climate change was another important aspect of her discussion.

She explained how mangrove is protecting Sundarbans from the dreaded cyclones, soil erosion and coastal flooding.

Dr. Anish Bhattacharya, another scientist of the same University explained about the effects of Climate Change on the biologically important microbes in Sundarban regions. He introduced them with the different the good and bad bacteria in their environment and how they play important role in Biodiversity Conservation.

Following the lunch break, the students got involved with various soil and water testing activities in different groups. The students actively participated in the interactive question answer session and they had a lot of questions to ask to these scholars.

The workshop was concluded by a local school teacher cum environmental activist Mr. Amal Nayek.

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