Lucknow: The 7th International Conference on Plant & Environmental Pollution (ICPEP-7) was inaugurated today at the CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow. Jointly organised by the International Society of Environmental Botanists (ISEB) and CSIR–NBRI, the global scientific event brings together leading researchers, academicians, policymakers, and industry representatives to deliberate on plant science, environmental resilience, climate stability, and ecological restoration.
The central theme of this edition of the conference is:
“Plants and Ecosystems for Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), Green Growth and a Sustainable Future.”
Dignitaries Grace the Inaugural Ceremony
The inaugural session was attended by Dr. Bhaskar Narayan, Director, CSIR–IITR, Lucknow, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included:
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Prof. S. K. Barik, NEHU, Shillong
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Prof. E. Oksanen, University of Eastern Finland
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Prof. Swadhin Behera, JAMSTEC, Japan
In his welcome address, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR–NBRI, highlighted the institution’s six-decade-long scientific legacy and underscored the importance of the conference in advancing research on plant-based environmental solutions. He emphasised the role of plants as environmental health indicators and natural bio-remediators.
Conference Organising Secretary Dr. Soumit K. Behera informed that ICPEP-7 received an overwhelming response, with over 300 participants, including 250 Indian and 30 foreign delegates from Bangladesh, Finland, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Sweden, the UK and the USA.
Keynote Insights from International Experts
Prof. E. Oksanen highlighted the need for deeper Europe–India research collaborations and spoke on plant responses in extreme environmental conditions.
Prof. Swadhin Behera delivered an insightful address on global climate systems, ocean–atmosphere interactions, and the emerging role of AI-based climate modelling for agricultural and ecological forecasting.
Prof. S. K. Barik, Former Director of CSIR–NBRI, recalled the contributions of ISEB’s founding members and stressed the urgency of coordinated global efforts for environmental conservation.
Chief Guest Dr. Bhaskar Narayan underlined the pressing challenge of environmental pollution and the need for plant-based scientific interventions. Referring to the Indian ecological ethos of “Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita”, he urged the scientific community to protect nature for future generations. He endorsed the approach of Tap, Lead and Start Development to promote responsible environmental stewardship.
Release of Souvenir, Abstract Book & Felicitations
During the ceremony, dignitaries released the Conference Souvenir and Abstract Book. ISEB also conferred its prestigious Fellowships and Young Scientist Medals for 2023–2024.
ISEB Fellowship Awardees (2023–2024):
Ten eminent scientists were honoured for contributions in:
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Forest carbon ecology
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Pollutant dynamics
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Microbe–plant interaction
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Heavy metal toxicity
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Air pollution tolerance
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Stress physiology
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Climate ecology
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Bio-stimulants
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Waste treatment
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Phytoremediation
ISEB Young Scientist Medal (2023–2024):
Five young researchers were recognised for advancements in:
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Metal-stress signalling
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Climate–forest modelling
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Solid waste management
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Microbe-based soil restoration
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Mangrove paleoecology
Technical Sessions Mark Day One
The inaugural day featured plenary lectures by Prof. Oksanen, Prof. Behera and Prof. Barik, followed by four additional plenary talks and 18 oral presentations across multiple technical sessions. Key focus areas included:
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Biodiversity conservation
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Climate resilience
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Phytoremediation
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Sustainable agriculture
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Environmental monitoring
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Plant responses to pollution
Vote of Thanks
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vivek Pandey, Vice-President, ISEB, who acknowledged the contributions of delegates, organisers and partner institutions.
