Speakers At 9th Bird Festival of Goa, 2026
Feathers, Fables and the Flight of Young Minds
Speaker: Jalmesh Karapurkar
Session Overview:
This session examines the role of storytelling, ecological field observations, and experiential learning in shaping environmental awareness among young learners. It highlights how integrating science, narratives, and hands-on engagement can nurture curiosity, critical observation skills, and a deeper understanding of natural systems, thereby fostering long-term ecological sensitivity and stewardship.
Speaker Profile:
Jalmesh Karapurkar is the Founder and Head of Community Engagement & CSR at Arannya Environment Research Organisation and Founder-Director of Wild Footprints. Trained in ecology and long-term field monitoring at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, his work bridges biodiversity research, traditional knowledge documentation, and nature education, with a strong focus on translating field-based ecological research into accessible learning experiences for students, educators, and communities.
Eyes in the Sky: Birdwatching for Conservation
Speaker: Parag Rangnekar
Session Overview:
Birdwatching has emerged as an important scientific tool for biodiversity conservation. This session highlights how systematic bird observations contribute to avifaunal monitoring, habitat assessment, and early detection of ecological change, with a focus on citizen science and data-driven conservation planning.
Speaker Profile:
Parag Rangnekar is a Goa-based ecologist working on biodiversity documentation and conservation, with a special focus on birds and lesser-known fauna. He is associated with several state and national conservation bodies and has authored multiple research publications and wildlife guides.
Birds of Goa: Vernacular Identity
Speaker: Dr. Minal Desai Shirodkar
Session Overview:
This session explores the rich vernacular traditions associated with the birds of Goa, highlighting how local names, folklore, and community knowledge reflect deep ecological understanding. It examines the relevance of vernacular identity in biodiversity conservation and emphasizes how integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research can strengthen regional conservation strategies.
Speaker Profile:
Dr. Minal Desai Shirodkar is the Programme Director and Assistant Professor of Zoology at the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Goa University. An ornithologist with over two decades of experience, her work focuses on field-based ecology, bioacoustics, and the use of artificial intelligence in conservation, while bridging community knowledge systems with modern ecological research.
Seabirds in a Warming Planet: Experiences from Polar Waters to Tropics
Speaker: Dr. Anant Pande
Session Overview:
This session presents insights from long-term research and conservation efforts across polar and tropical marine ecosystems. Drawing from extensive field experience, the talk highlights seabirds as indicators of ocean health, examines emerging threats from climate change and human activities, and discusses science-led approaches for marine biodiversity conservation and policy integration.
Speaker Profile:
Dr. Anant Pande is a marine conservation scientist with over 17 years of experience and is currently Head of the Oceans & Coasts Division at WWF-India. His research includes pioneering work on Antarctic wildlife, national biodiversity programmes, and seabird ecology. He has played key roles in major national conservation initiatives and leads collaborative platforms advancing seabird and marine mammal research in India.
What are Birds of Goa Telling Us?
Speaker: Dr. Pronoy Baidya
Session Overview:
This session interprets birds as sensitive indicators of ecological change in Goa’s landscapes. Drawing from long-term research, citizen science datasets, and ecosystem-level analysis, the talk explores how patterns in bird diversity, distribution, and behaviour reflect broader changes in habitats, climate, and land use. The session highlights the relevance of avifauna in guiding conservation priorities, environmental policy, and sustainable development in the region.
Speaker Profile:
Dr. Pronoy Baidya is a scientist and Head of Research at Arannya Environment Research Organisation (AERO), Goa. Trained at the Indian Institute of Science, his work integrates ecology, climate science, policy, and nature education, with expertise spanning biodiversity assessment, ecosystem services, GIS, and citizen science. He has contributed extensively to state- and national-level environmental assessments and serves on multiple academic and government advisory bodies.