Germany and India - Infinite Opportunities
International Humboldt Kolleg  

The International Humboldt Kolleg (IHK) titled “Adaptive Management of Ecosystems: The Knowledge Systems of Societies for Adaptation and Mitigation of impacts of Climate Change” with support from the esteemed Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was organized at ISEC from 19^th -21^st October 2011. The IHK was convened by Dr Sunil Nautiyal (Humboldt Fellow) who is currently an Associate Professor at Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources at ISEC. This prestigious event was organized to commemorate the establishment of 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations and both the countries are celebrating with the theme "Germany and India - Infinite Opportunities".   

IHK 2011 at ISEC was inaugurated by His Excellency, Dr. Hans Raj Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnataka and Hon’ble Chief Minister of the state Shri D.V. Sadananda Gawda. His Excellency in his address to IHK mentioned that Germany and India have a historical relation that goes beyond 60 years. Bilateral relations between Germany and India remain characterised by mutual respect, understanding and support and therefore, a year-long Germany-India celebration assumes a special significance in view of the long distance we have travelled together over the last several decades of diplomatic relations. His Excellency mentioned about great contribution of Alexander von Humboldt for nature and society. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has been promoting academic cooperation between scientists and scholars both in Germany and elsewhere. HE congratulated the foundation on its marvelous efforts towards the development of Science, Society and Ecology. Hon’ble Chief Minister of the state, Mr. D.V. Sadananda Gowda has very much appreciated the theme of the IHK supported by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in order to organize this very important IHK at ISEC and he has mentioned that today world is showing galloping signs of cancerous environment. Needlessly, it is the poor who are going to suffer the brunt of such changes. To leash this problem, there is a need to invest more and more on technology for a clean and green human world.

The IHK has covered keynote lecture on “The Climate Change Challenge: the common destiny for the North and the South” by eminent scholar (Prof. Juergen P. Kropp) Head: North-South Research Group Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany;  Panel Discussion by eminent scholars (Prof. S.L. Rao, Prof. B.K. Chandrashekar, Prof. M.V. Nadkarni, Prof. Ravindranath, Prof. K.G. Saxena) on “Ethical Analysis of Climate Dilemma! How to solve”. Three special lectures were given during the conference. Prof. R.S. Deshpande has given special lecture on Social Dimensions of Climate Change Adaptation, Prof. Judith Schildt on Exzellenz weltweit: Be part of a worldwide network. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's pursuit to advance the dialogue between East and West and Prof. B.K. Chandrashekar on People with us on Climate Change. The IHK was spread over 18 technical sessions under 7 different themes where eminent scholars have presented their research findings. 

The response of researchers from many countries to IHK 2011 was very encouraging. We have received more than 400 abstracts and after rigorous review process 120 abstracts were finally selected for the presentation in IHK, ISEC. In three day IHK a total of 104 papers were presented in 18 technical sessions (under 7 different themes). Under each the themes (1-6) there were 3 parallel sessions and under theme 7 there were 4 parallel sessions. All the parallel sessions were highly attended by the participants. The number of participants were 175 from India, Germany, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and Switzerland.

The conference deliberated and discussed for three days on wide variety of issues ranging from sustainable development, climate change, bio diversity conservation, equity and governance to vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, human-environment interactions and political economy of climate change, nuclear science, Biochemical toxicology, Environmental toxicology, Environmental biology etc.