Guwahati: Girijananda Chowdhury University (GCU) marked a significant milestone in its sustainability and conservation journey with the launch of the first newsletter of the Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Studies (CWES) and the initiation of vermicompost production under CWES at a programme held on campus.
The event commenced with Shri Jasodaranjan Das, President of Shrimanta Shankar Academy Society, delivering the welcome address.
This was followed by an address by Prof. Jayanta Deka, Chancellor of Girijananda Chowdhury University, who spoke about the Centre’s future plans and its vision for strengthening wildlife research, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices at the University.
The event was also graced by Prof. Kandarpa Das, Vice-Chancellor, GCU, Assam; Dr. Narayan Sharma, Assistant Professor, Cotton University, Assam; Prof. Sunayan Bardoloi, GCU, Assam; Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and CEO of Aranyak, Guwahati, and Professor of Practice at GCU; and Narayan Mahanta, IFS (Retd.).
The programme was attended by media professionals from leading print and electronic media houses, reflecting strong public and media interest in the University’s environmental initiatives.
Their presence underscored the importance of academic–institutional collaboration in advancing conservation and sustainability initiatives.
The programme highlighted the objectives of CWES, which functions as an interdisciplinary centre dedicated to wildlife research, environmental conservation, sustainability practices, and capacity building.
The inaugural newsletter, to be published biannually, was presented as the flagship academic publication of the Centre. It showcases the Centre’s academic vision, ongoing research initiatives, student engagement, and outreach activities related to wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship in Assam and the Northeast.
The newsletter aims to promote research outputs, share field-based initiatives, disseminate knowledge on wildlife and environmental issues, and provide a platform for students and scholars to engage in conservation-related discourse, thereby strengthening academic exchange and public awareness.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of vermicompost production, with active involvement of students in both production and marketing. This achievement reflects the Centre’s commitment to promoting the concept of converting “waste to wealth.”
The initiative also demonstrates a circular economy model, where biodegradable campus waste is transformed into eco-friendly manure, supporting sustainable agriculture while reducing environmental impact.
The initiative represents a significant learning opportunity for students, combining sustainability practices with skill development and environmental responsibility.
Through vermicompost production and marketing, the University is fostering experiential learning while contributing meaningfully to campus sustainability.
Looking ahead, the Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Studies has outlined a comprehensive roadmap that includes initiatives aimed at reducing human–animal conflict, conserving natural ecosystems, enhancing public awareness, and strengthening students’ knowledge and understanding of wildlife and nature conservation.
The Centre also plans to implement a Rainwater Harvesting Initiative at the GCU campus as part of its broader sustainability agenda.
In addition, CWES is actively engaged in research on wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental systems, contributing to knowledge development, conservation planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
The launch event reaffirmed Girijananda Chowdhury University’s commitment to responsible education, environmental stewardship, and sustainability-driven innovation, with CWES playing a pivotal role in shaping a greener and more environmentally conscious future.