UNU-UNESCO
International Course Biodiversity in
Mangrove Ecosystems
Centre
of Advanced Studies in Marine Biology Annamalai
University
Parangipettai, India
Second Course: 4-18 February, 2002
Application Deadline: 31 October, 2001 SCIENTIFIC
FOCUS: The course focuses primarily on mangrove ecosystems while maintaining an integrated approach towards management of coastal ecosystems. Particular emphasis will be given to teaching the methodology for assessing, monitoring and conserving biodiversity in mangrove ecosystems. This is achieved through a multidisciplinary team of lecturers and through hands-on involvement of the participants. The course is held annually in early spring of each year.
BACKGROUND: Coastal
zones are an important part of our environment that currently provide
living space for about 55 percent of the world’s population. Our society
draws heavily on coastal and marine ecosystems for food, building sites,
transportation, recreation and waste disposal. Coastal ecosystems (e.g.,
coral reefs, mangroves, and wetlands) are also one of the world’s richest
storehouses of biological diversity and primary productivity. It is
estimated that about half of the world’s coastal ecosystems face a
significant risk of degradation from human activities. In this context,
the South and Southeast Asian coastal ecosystems are perhaps among the
most threatened regions.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES: The
main objective of the Training Course is to build the capacity of
professionals and institutions in developing countries to undertake
monitoring, research and conservation of critical coastal ecosystems
within mangrove forests. This is achieved through training of young
professionals in the scientific methodology and description of latest
research work on related subjects. A secondary objective is to promote and
encourage development of a network of professionals from developing
countries working in this field.
COURSE
CONTENT: The
training course comprises the following elements:
SELECTION
CRITERIA: Candidates
for undergoing the training are chosen purely on merit basis, considering
their educational and professional background. The basic approach is
“training the trainer” and so the applicants should be in a position to
replicate the training in their own countries/institutions. It is
envisioned that the candidates are young professionals in early stages of
their career and hold at least a post-graduate degree in marine sciences
or a closely related field. It is preferred that he/she holds a position
of Assistant Professor/Associate Professor or its equivalent in a
university or other educational and research institutions. Proficiency in
spoken and written English is a must. It is incumbent upon the candidate
to demonstrate the proficiency in English language
skills.
Candidates
from the following countries are strongly encouraged to apply: Bangladesh,
Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar,
Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and
Vietnam.
The course is held once a year in early spring of each year. To be considered,
completed Course Application Forms and
Fellowship Application forms must be received at the
Annamalai University by 31 October, 2001.
These forms can be downloaded from this website or requested directly from
Dr. Subramanian at the address provided below.
Fellowship Application Form
FELLOWSHIPS: A
limited number of fellowships are available to qualified candidates from
developing countries only. These fellowships will be granted on a
competitive basis and will cover the entire expenses of the workshop,
including economy excursion airfares via the most direct route for
candidates from outside India. Candidates from India will be reimbursed for
train tickets via the most direct route.
CONTACT
INFORMATION: Dr.
AN. Subramanian
Professor,
CAS in Marine Biology Annamalai
University, Parangipettai - 608 502, Tamil Nadu,
India Ph:
Off : +91 4144 83223 Res.:
+91 4144 30006 Fax
: +91 4144 83555 email:
ansiam@satyam.net.in
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