WILDLIFE WEEK OBSERVATION - 2024

Department of Botany in association with Bhoomithrasena and Biodiversity Club

MES KALLADI COLLEGE, MANNARKKAD DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY Report: Wildlife Week Observation 2024 – Debate CompetitionOrganizing BodyThe programme was organized by the Department of Botany and Zoology in association with the Bhoomithra Sena Club and Biodiversity Club at MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad.Event DetailsDate: 7th October 2024Name of the Programme: Wildlife Week Observation 2024 – Debate CompetitionCoordinator/Teacher In Charge: Nazeema M K and Dr. Shahina PM Level: RegionalVenue: Room no 103Debate TopicHuman Development and Wildlife Conservation: Can Both Coexist?ParticipantsThe debate competition saw active participation from students of the V Semester and III Semester B.Sc. Botany students. The participants were divided into two teams:Team A led by Shreya P S, V Semester B.Sc. BotanyTeam B led by Sreelakshmi, III Semester B.Sc. BotanyModerators and ChairsModerators: Nazeema M K and Dr. Shahina P MChaired by: Dr. Sereena K, Head of Department of Botany, and Vismaya H, Head of Department of ZoologyKey Debate PointsTeam A – Advocating Coexistence (Led by Shreya P S, V Semester B.Sc. Botany)1. Sustainable Development: Team A emphasized that development does not have to come at the expense of nature. They discussed green technologies, eco-friendly infrastructure, and renewable energy sources as ways to balance human activities and wildlife conservation.2. Legal and Policy Frameworks: They stressed the importance of strong legal frameworks that enforce environmental regulations to ensure sustainable coexistence.3. Community-Based Conservation: Team A argued for involving local communities in conservation efforts and creating alternative, sustainable livelihoods.4. Technological Innovation: Technologies like drones and artificial intelligence were highlighted as tools to support both development and conservation.Team B – Critique of Coexistence (Led by Sreelakshmi, III Semester B.Sc. Botany)1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Team B argued that human development, especially industrialization and urbanization, leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.2. Economic Pressures: They noted that economic growth often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability, putting wildlife conservation at risk.3. Impact of Climate Change: Team B discussed how human-driven climate change exacerbates the challenges of conservation.4. Human-Wildlife Conflicts: The team emphasized the increasing frequency of conflicts between humans and wildlife as development encroaches on habitats.Judgment and WinnerAfter evaluating the arguments, Team A, led by Shreya P S, was declared the winner for their optimistic approach to coexistence and their innovative suggestions.