The ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the Andaman Science Association (ASA), inaugurated a two-day National Conference on “One Health Synergy: Integrating Human, Animal, Plant and Aquatic Life for a Sustainable Future.” on 25 February 2026 in hybrid mode, bringing together scientists, policymakers, academicians, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on integrated health and ecosystem sustainability.
The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the presence of Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health); Dr. Jai Sunder, President, ASA & Director, ICAR-CIARI; Dr. LalJi Singh, Additional Director, Botanical Survey of India; and Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Vice President, ASA & Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India.
In his inaugural address, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha emphasized the relevance of the One Health concept in addressing emerging challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and food safety issues in fragile island ecosystems. He highlighted that endemic flora and fauna form the backbone of a healthy ecosystem and stressed the need for conservation, sustainable resource management, and inter-sectoral collaboration. He further underscored the importance of adopting a holistic and integrated approach to safeguard public health, wildlife, and environmental sustainability.
In his presidential address, Director Dr. Jai Sunder,emphasized the One Health integrated approach, underscoring the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health. He highlighted the need for these sectors to work in synergy through coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to effectively address complex challenges such as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and zoonotic diseases. He noted that the World Health Organization has recognized AMR as one of the most serious global health threats of the 21st century. Reaffirming ICAR-CIARI’s commitment, he stressed the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships, and expressed confidence that the conference would produce actionable recommendations for sustainable and effective mitigation strategies.
Dr. LalJi Singh highlighted the ecological uniqueness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, describing them as biodiversity-rich yet ecologically fragile ecosystems. He noted that climate change poses significant threats to island biodiversity and emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to conserve medicinal plants, coastal ecosystems, and natural resources while ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods. Dr. C. Sivaperuman, in his address, emphasized that island ecosystems support unique assemblages of mammals, animals, and birds, many of which are endemic. He stressed the ecological significance of conserving island wildlife habitats and called for focused research, conservation planning, and long-term ecosystem protection for future generations.
Earlier, Dr. T. Sujatha, Principal Scientist and Organizing Secretary, ASA, welcomed the gathering and briefed the participants on the objectives and activities planned for the two-day conference. She highlighted the scientific sessions, expert deliberations, and interactive discussions designed to promote the One Health framework. During the conference, the Fellow Awards, Young Scientist Awards, Best Scientist Awards, and Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred to honor exceptional contributions to science and research.On this occasion, significant institutional publications were also unveiled.
The programme was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar, Scientist, and Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK, South Andaman, ensuring the smooth conduct and successful organization of the event. More than 190researchers across India participated both in offline and online.
The conference serves as an important platform to strengthen collaboration among experts from human health, animal health, plant sciences, aquatic systems, and environmental sectors, reinforcing the One Health approach toward building a sustainable and resilient future.