Coastal and Marine Biodiversity and conservation challenges

The topic will broadly cover fascinating aspects of the coastal and marine biodiversity of India. The presentation will also highlight key conservation challenges that our oceans are currently facing.

About the Speaker:

Deepak Apte holds a Doctorate in Zoology, with specialisation in Marine Ecology. He received post-graduation degrees in the field of Zoology from University of Mumbai, Integrated Coastal Zone Management from AIT, Bangkok and Marine Policy from Duke University, USA. Deepak is currently Executive Director at Srushti Conservation Foundation. Previous to this Deepak completed his 28 years tenure at Bombay Natural History Society and was Director of Bombay Natural History Society. He is a recipient of the prestigious Green Oscar ‘Whitley Award’ and three Whitley Continuation Awards for his work on Coral Reefs and Giant Clams in Lakshadweep Islands. He has also been awarded a global fellowship in Marine Conservation by the Duke University, USA. Deepak is a fellow of the LEAD-India and International Visitors’ Programme (USA). He is the recipient of the Vasundhara Green Teacher Award and Tasru Lalvani Rotary award for environmental conservation.

A well-received author, Deepak has to his credit five books and seventy scientific papers in the field of coastal and marine biodiversity. He is an accomplished underwater photographer with over 5000 hours of diving experience. Deepak is currently a member of key committees of the Government of India such as Chairperson of Environmental Appraisal Committee on CRZ and Infrastructure (1), Ports, Harbours, Industrial Estates, and National Highway (Green Field Alignments) of MoEFCC, GoI. His wildlife career spans over three and half decades and contributed greatly to develop several policies at the national and international level such as CMS, CBD, SDG Goal 14, Post 2020, and UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.