An interactive session in Guwahati focused on the significant role of modern optical technologies in biodiversity and wildlife conservation, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and community involvement to tackle environmental challenges. Organized by Aaranyak on December 22, the event titled “Scope of Optical Engineering in Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation in North East India” featured Dr. Iftak Hussain from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Hussain discussed the potential of optical engineering, artificial intelligence, and smartphone technologies for environmental monitoring in resource-limited contexts. He shared his scientific journey and stressed the increasing accessibility of smartphones as transformative tools for conservation and education, advocating for STEM education to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, enhance digital literacy, and prepare students for tech-driven careers that support sustainability. Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Assistant Director of EECBD, highlighted the importance of introducing low-cost technologies to address environmental issues in Northeast India, while the session was coordinated by Tikendrajit Gogoi. The event reinforced the necessity of innovative technologies and interdisciplinary methods to bolster conservation science and environmental education in the region.
