Arun Prasad Kumar, a Ph.D. scholar from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has bag a Germany ‘Green Talents Award’ at the 7th Green Talents 2015. He is the only Indian among the 27 winners from more than 90 countries.
Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development, hosted yearly by the German federal ministry of education and research BMBF), calls for applications from all over the world from young visionaries to come up with innovative concepts to make the planet sustainable.
Wilfried Kraus, head of the BMBF directorate giving the award to Arun Prasad Kumar. (HT photo)
Kumar’s thesis focuses on ‘species-level classification and biophysical characterization of mangroves using hyperspectral remote sensing’.
“Survival of mangroves and coastal ecosystems are important to reduce carbon dioxide in our atmosphere which ultimately leads to a greener environment. Mangroves act as natural barriers or buffer zones against natural disasters such as storm surges, tsunamis and strong winds. Mangroves have very strong and complex root system which attaches to the soil very strongly and protects the people living near it. Such root systems also prevent coastal erosion,” says Kumar.
The thesis also incorporates socio-economic awareness initiatives to give more insight to the local community regarding the benefits of mangroves and to implement conservation activities in the study area.
Kumar was presented the award signed by the Federal minister for education and research, Government of Germany. As one of the winners, he also attended a full two-week programme during October 17 to October 31 this year and now has an opportunity to go back to Germany for a fully-funded research stay for three months in any German university / institution, company or organisation in the following year.
– Hindustan Times
