Official handle of Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA). Professional Training Academy for the Officers of Indian Forest Service #IFS.
Dehradun, India
Joined July 2015
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Shri Hridayesh Joshi, Environment & Climate Journalist, delivered an insightful lecture on "Public Relations & Media (Crisis Communication)" to the officer trainees of Mid-Career Training Programme (MCT) Phase-III (19) at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun, on 30.10.26. The session highlighted the role of media in environmental communication and public awareness.
#IGNFA #MCT #IFS #Dehradun #Environment #ForestsAndClimate
As part of the Management Module of Mid-Career Training Phase III (19), a Panel Discussion on "Global Opportunities for IFS Officers: Higher Education Abroad, International Exposure and Lateral Career Pathways" was held at Loksevak Hall, IGNFA, on 29 October 2026, in the presence of Dr. R.P. Khajuria, Director, IGNFA.
The distinguished panel comprised Dr. V.B. Mathur, former Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority; Dr. P.P. Bhojvaid, IFS (Retd.); Dr. Sushil Kumar, Professor, IIM Lucknow and formerly of the IFS; Prof. Shashi Kant, University of Toronto, Canada; Prof. J.R.R. Alavalapati, Dean, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, USA; and Shri Pradeep Kumar, formerly of the IFS (Haryana cadre).The session helped officers understand the avenues available to them for professional growth and for contributing to global forestry, biodiversity and sustainability.
IGNFA retweeted
Met with Mr. Carsten Schneider, German Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, on the sidelines of the ongoing high-level segment of CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia today.
We reviewed the recent Joint Declaration of Intent on conservation and wise use of wetlands as a follow-up to recently held 4th Indo-German Environment Forum in New Delhi.
We also deliberated upon matters related to climate adaptation, international climate finance and cooperation in the run-up to UNFCCC' COP31.
IGNFA retweeted
Happy to have met with Mr Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Republic of South Africa on the sidelines of CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia today.
We exchanged our views on matters related to an equitable, effective and adequately funded multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including the Cali Fund.
We further discussed the ongoing Project Cheetah and the conservation efforts steering it.
India appreciates South Africa’s sustained support for Project Cheetah and we look forward to advancing both agenda items.
IGNFA retweeted
Planted a Catalpa sapling near the Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Buenos Aires Park, Yerevan, today under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. 🌱
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless message of living in harmony with nature, this small step is a commitment to a greener planet and a sustainable future for generations to come.
IGNFA retweeted
On the sidelines of the ongoing CBD COP17, held a very engaging discussion with CBD COP17 President, Mr Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, today.
Our discussion focused on effective implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the first global review, resource mobilisation and means of implementation for successful execution of CBD COP.
India remains committed to constructive engagement with all parties and partners in advancing the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and in shaping a shared future where people and nature thrive together.
IGNFA retweeted
A circular approach to everyday living turns organic waste into a useful resource and supports cleaner mobility. IGNFA, Dehradun, showcases how community participation can translate sustainable choices into everyday practice.
#SpecialCampaign6
Management Module | MCT Phase III (19)
Module by IIPA (26 October)
MCT participants at IGNFA attended a day-long module by the faculty of IIPA, New Delhi. Dr. Pawan Kumar Taneja spoke on Leadership, Stress Management & Team Building; Prof. S. P. Chauhan on Communication Skills & Time Management.
#IGNFA #MCT #IFS
Week 2 of the Wildlife Techniques Exercise and Protected Area (PA) Management Plan & Species Recovery Plan is underway at Panna Tiger Reserve for the IFS Probationers of the 2025–27 batch.
The week started with an enriching address by the Director, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) @wii_india , offering valuable insights into wildlife conservation, protected area management, and species recovery.
Shri Kamal Jeet Singh, Professor (Academics), IGNFA; Dr. K. Ramesh, Scientist ‘F’ & Head, SACON; and Dr. K. Shankar, Former Director, SACON, were also present, alongside eminent experts, wildlife managers, and researchers. Their expertise and interactions enriched the probationers’ understanding of wildlife management and conservation practices.
Date: 23 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on landscape mapping, Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) modelling, avian biodiversity assessment, and tiger reintroduction. Trainees conducted systematic bird surveys to assess habitat quality and species distribution. At Bargari, they observed the tiger soft-release enclosure and learned about acclimatisation and post-release monitoring. The visit to Ghairighat Waterfalls explored the ecological and socio-economic trade-offs of the Ken–Betwa Link Project, highlighting conservation challenges and development priorities.
Date: 20 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on wildlife sign surveys and habitat sampling. Trainees conducted 3 km transect walks, recording pugmarks, scat, scratch marks, and other wildlife signs at 250 m intervals. The compiled data helped assess species occurrence and distribution. In the afternoon, Mr. Nehru Prabhakaran introduced habitat characterization, followed by practical vegetation sampling to assess tree density, canopy cover, shrubs, and regeneration, strengthening understanding of scientific wildlife monitoring and evidence-based conservation.
Date: 19 October 2026 | Location: Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on forest orientation, wildlife ecology, and field equipment demonstrations. Probationers explored forest terrain, vegetation, wildlife habitats, and invasive species, alongside habitat conservation and SWOT analysis. At Harsha Gate, trainees practised using GPS devices, compasses, rangefinders, monoculars, and camera traps. Exercises in distance estimation, bearing recording, and wildlife sign identification strengthened their practical understanding of scientific field surveys and effective wildlife management.
Date: 26 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on Species Recovery Planning, with subgroups working on Jackal, Long-billed Vulture, and Tiger. Trainees reviewed relevant literature, consulted experts, identified conservation threats, and developed species-specific recovery strategies. Group presentations encouraged collaborative learning and constructive feedback. The day concluded with an insightful session by the Director, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), on Human–Wildlife Conflict and Protected Area Management, highlighting practical approaches to effective wildlife conservation.
Date: 25 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on camera trap retrieval, data analysis, and technical reporting. Trainees learned to identify species, process photographic data using specialised software, and document wildlife encounters. They consolidated their field experiences, covering sign surveys, line and vehicle transects, vegetation surveys, and camera trapping, into structured technical reports. The session concluded with group presentations, highlighting field methodologies, analytical findings, operational challenges, and the application of wildlife monitoring techniques in conservation management.
Date: 24 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day explored moth ecology and wildlife tracking technologies. Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi, renowned as the “Moth Lady of India,” highlighted moth diversity, ecological significance, and their role in nocturnal pollination. The afternoon focused on VHF radio telemetry, GPS tracking, and satellite/GSM collars. During hands-on exercises, trainees practised using Yagi antennas and multi-channel receivers to locate transmitters, gaining practical insights into modern wildlife monitoring and management techniques.
Date: 22 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on avifaunal monitoring, species identification, and biodiversity assessment. Trainees conducted a point-count bird survey at Khila Chauki Beat, documenting species diversity, abundance, and habitat associations, followed by data analysis and presentation. In the afternoon, the team visited Ken Gharial Sanctuary, where they received a briefing on gharial conservation and conducted a rapid bird survey. The exercise enhanced practical understanding of wildlife monitoring, riparian ecology, and scientific data collection.
Date: 21 October 2026 | Location: Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on walking and vehicle transects for prey base estimation. Trainees conducted 2 km walking transects following All India Tiger Estimation guidelines, followed by data processing and an introduction to DISTANCE software for population density estimation. Afternoon sessions covered vehicle-based surveys and Body Condition Evaluation (BCE). Field exercises enabled practical assessment of spotted deer, sambar, and other wildlife, strengthening understanding of prey monitoring, survey accuracy, and habitat management.
