UNU-UNESCO
International Course Biodiversity in Mangrove Ecosystems
Centre of Advanced
Studies in Marine Biology Annamalai
University Parangipettai,
608-502, Tamil Nadu, India First
Course: 5 – 19 March, 2001
Application Deadline: 15 December, 2000 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.
The application deadlines are typically around the end of each year, e.g., 15
December. Fellowship Application Form INTERNATIONAL 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.
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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