World Wetlands Day Celebration at Namrup College

On February 2, 2025, the Department of Botany and Zoology at Namrup College, in collaboration with the Institutional Biotech Hub, organized a field visit to various wetland areas in the suburbs of Namrup to commemorate World Wetlands Day. This initiative aimed to raise awareness among local communities and students about the significance of wetlands, their rich biodiversity, the alarming loss of these ecosystems, and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Objectives of the Program

The program was designed with several key objectives:

• Awareness Raising: Educate participants about the ecological importance of wetlands and their role in supporting biodiversity.
• Biodiversity Education: Highlight the diverse species that depend on wetland habitats and the threats they face due to environmental changes.
• Conservation Advocacy: Discuss the critical need for wetland conservation to protect future generations from ecological degradation.

Leadership and Support

The event was led by Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Head of the Botany Department and Principal Investigator of the Institutional Biotech Hub. He was supported by:

• Dr. Urmika Phangchopi, Assistant Professor of Botany
• Ms. Kakali Baruah, Assistant Professor of Botany
• Dr. Susmita Thakur, Assistant Professor of Zoology

Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in conducting informative sessions throughout the program.

Participation

Students from both the Botany and Zoology departments actively participated in the field visit, engaging in hands-on learning experiences that emphasized the importance of wetlands.

Program Activities

The field visit included:

• Exploration of Wetland Areas: Participants observed various wetland ecosystems, gaining insights into their biodiversity and ecological functions.
• Interactive Discussions: Faculty members facilitated discussions on the current threats facing wetlands, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change impacts.

Photographs

Conclusion

The World Wetlands Day program at Namrup College successfully highlighted the critical importance of wetlands and fostered a sense of responsibility among students and local communities towards their conservation. Through education and engagement, this initiative aims to inspire ongoing efforts to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.