The Centre for Sustainability and Climate Studies, Pondicherry University, in collaboration with the Department of Forest and Wildlife, Government of Puducherry, celebrated the International Day of Forests 2025 with the launch of the “Food Forest Drive” on 21st March 2025. The event underscored the vital role of forests in preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and promoting food security, while showcasing the university's ongoing commitment to sustainability and ecological conservation.
The event began with a tree planting drive, where the dignitaries planted fruit-bearing trees, promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability on campus.
In his presidential address, the Chief Guest, Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, emphasized the ecological wealth of the university campus, highlighting the value of its rich flora and fauna. He also commended the Centre for Sustainability and Climate Studies for its pioneering efforts in promoting forest conservation and sustainable practices.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. P. Arulrajan, IFS, Conservator of Forests cum Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Puducherry, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the interdependence of forests, food security, and public health, explaining how sustainable forest ecosystems not only support biodiversity but also contribute to resilient food systems. He emphasized that forests act as natural buffers, protecting against diseases by preserving ecological balance and promoting nutritious, locally sourced food.
The event also featured a welcome address by Prof. S. M. Sundarapandian, Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, who spoke about the importance of forest conservation in combating climate change and protecting biodiversity. Following this, Prof. Joseph Selvin, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, delivered the inaugural address, stressing the urgent need for forest conservation efforts to preserve critical ecosystems and mitigate the effects of environmental degradation.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Mathimaran Natarajan, Associate Professor, Coordinator of the Centre for Sustainability, and Special Officer, Green Campus, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a success. He emphasized the importance of continued forest conservation efforts, highlighting the Food Forest Drive as a significant step towards creating a greener and more resilient campus.
The Food Forest Drive, initiated as part of the celebration, aims to create a self-sustaining forest of diverse fruit-bearing trees on campus. This green space will serve as a living laboratory for research, education, and biodiversity conservation, promoting agroforestry practices that enhance food security and ecological resilience.
The celebration of the International Day of Forests at Pondicherry University highlighted the multifaceted role of forests in protecting the planet by sequestering carbon, safeguarding biodiversity, and supporting sustainable food systems. The event concluded with a collective commitment from the university community to champion forest conservation and sustainability efforts.