Brainstorming Session on Biodiversity Conservation Priorities for Resilient Aquatic Ecosystems and Livelihoods

25 August 2026, Lucknow

A brainstorming session on “Biodiversity Conservation Priorities for Resilient Aquatic Ecosystems and Livelihoods” was jointly organized by the Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, NAAS Lucknow Regional Chapter and ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow today.

The Chief Guest, Shri Neeraj Kumar, IFS, Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, Government of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized on identification of priority actions for conservation and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and resilient riverine and wetland ecosystems in Uttar Pradesh; develop science-based strategies for sustainable management of aquatic bioresources; promote collaboration among stakeholders for integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable fisheries and livelihoods; and formulate policy recommendations and a roadmap for biodiversity governance, research and capacity building.

Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Convener, NAAS Lucknow Regional Chapter and Director, ICAR-NBFGR, highlighted the roadmap for fisheries and aquaculture development for Viksit Uttar Pradesh.

The brainstorming programme was structured into two technical sessions (1. Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity for Sustainable Fisheries and Resilient Ecosystem and 2. Strengthening Biodiversity-Based Livelihoods: Technological and policy support), covering 5 major themes, addressing aquatic biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable fisheries, livelihood diversification, technological support, policy implementation, gender perspectives and institutional partnerships.

The theme 1 addressed ‘Aquatic ecosystems and ichthyodiversity of Uttar Pradesh: Status and prospects’, bringing together representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and senior experts from the fisheries and aquatic sciences sector.

The theme 2 addressed ‘Challenges and threats of habitat degradation, invasive alien species, pollution and climate change’, with participation from experts, former directors of ICAR institutions, a Dean from a College of Fisheries, and a senior official from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

The theme 3 addressed ‘Conservation measures and strategies for restoration and practical management towards resilient ecosystems in Uttar Pradesh’, with participation from experts in environmental management, fisheries, conservation, restoration, and resilient ecosystem management.

The theme 4 addressed ‘Livelihood diversification through indigenous fish culture and success stories’, bringing together aquapreneurs, former principal scientists and professors, and experts from ICAR-NBFGR. The session focused on indigenous fish culture, aquaculture entrepreneurship, research, livelihood diversification, and successful practices.

The theme 5 addressed ‘Towards Viksit Uttar Pradesh: Building partnerships and gender perspective among government agencies, academia and fishing communities & farmers’ interaction’, with participation from scientists, academics, and representatives of Farmer/Fisher Producer Organisations. The session focused on strengthening partnerships among government agencies, academia, fishing communities, and farmers, with particular emphasis on gender perspectives and inclusive development.

The discussions involved experts, Biodiversity Management Committee members and progressive fish farmers from Uttar Pradesh, providing a field-level perspective on fisheries-based livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.

The brainstorming session planned to prepare a white paper and recommendations for the Government of Uttar Pradesh on sustainable utilization of fish biodiversity and conservation of native fish germplasm. The recommendations are also intended to support community-based conservation strategies, sustainable fisheries management plan, local capacity building and informed policymaking for long-term conservation and sustainable management of aquatic biodiversity.

The programme was convened by Shri Neeraj Kumar, IFS, Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, and Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR-NBFGR and Convener, NAAS Lucknow Regional Chapter.

A total of 140 participants attended the brainstorming session.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)