SEES Distinguished Lecture: On Building Ecological Civilization and Ecological Safety Pattern with Specific Reference to Himalaya and Ganga River

October 16, 2017

Dr. Markandey Rai Senior Advisor, UN-HABITAT, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract:

Ecological Civilization is a great concern to the world. Glaciers are melting and sweet water bodies are polluted beyond a limit that it is being irreparable resulting in health hazard and extinction on several species including global warming. How can we protect and revert back the ecological civilization where we can live and leave this mother earth in better condition for our future generation.

Brief Bio:

Dr. Markandey Rai is currently the Senior Advisor of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) after his retirement as the Chief of the U.N. Inter-Agency Coordination, Global Parliamentarians and Trade Unions programme of UN-HABITAT based in Nairobi, Kenya. He has served UN-HABITAT on various positions in the last twenty-two years of his service to the United Nations. He was pioneer for establishing Global Urban Observatories and publications of the Compendium of Human Settlement Statistics and Atlas periodically. Dr. Rai has represented UN staff at Nairobi (UNON) in various capacities for many years and he was elected President of the Nairobi Staff Union 2000-2003. He was also the Chairperson of the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) at Nairobi to advise the Heads of the UN offices at Nairobi (UNON) on the matters of the staff administration and welfare. He has written and published several academic and scientific papers as well as publications of UN books related to urban issues. Dr. Rai was the President of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Nairobi of Kenya chapter.

Conclusion Report

Dr. Markandey Rai from the UN-Habitat was welcomed by Prof. Govind Chakrapani, Dean at the School of Ecology and Environment Studies. He addressed issues of climate change and its relation with the ecological civilization under the purview of sustainable development. Opportunities and costs of the 21 st century’s mega trends were discussed in special reference to the water bodies and the species dependent on them. Examples and practical experiences gained through his earlier responsibilities were much more useful for the students to discuss thoroughly to understand the hurdles in implementing projects related to restoration of ecological civilization and species in particular.

At the end of the session, the floor was opened for questions, followed by a healthy discussion on the ways in which University’s expertise can be utilised in the projects like Ganga River cleaning. Prof. Pankaj Mohan, Registrar concluded the talk by sharing his views on the same topic. Dr. Rai was felicitated with the memento of gratitude for his valuable insights on the topic.