Harsh Vardhan on Conference of Protection of Coral Reefs calls for its conservation

Stressing on the importance of protecting coral reefs, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said there was a need to convert science into adequate policies for its conservation.

Vardhan inaugurated the International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018) Monday at Bangaram coral Island at Lakshadweep.

The theme of the conference is "Reef for Life".

"The minister highlighted the importance of coral reefs and the need for its protection, emphasising on converting science into adequate policies for conservation," an official statement said.

"Evolving effective management strategies leading to restoration of coral reefs, along with the practice of green good deed for behavioural change and social responsibility in day to day life was also emphasised," it said.

Around 150 delegates were participating in this mega event from October 22-24.

The delegates for technical deliberations have come from the US, UK, Kuwait, Italy, France, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Administrator, Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTLA), Farooq Khan said the administration was making all efforts for the conservation and preservation of coral reefs.

He said Lakshadweep will establish an International Atoll Research Centre with world class infrastructures for scientific research on corals very soon.

(With inputs from agencies.)