The ICMAM Programme ICMAM is entrusted with the development of expertise in specialised areas relating to adoption of the concept of integrated coastal zone management to analyse problems prevalent along coastal marine areas and develop integrated management solutions.

India has so far documented over 91,200 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants in its 10 biogeographic regions. The varied edaphic, climatic and topographic conditions and years of geological stability have resulted in a wide range of ecosystems and habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal and marine ecosystem.

Dr Ajit Tyagi, Director General, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in his interaction with the Editor, spoke of unfavourable energetics fuelled by the Aila in eastern India coupled with the blocking high of Central Asia that have led to two week delay in restoration of the monsoonal circulation and consequently a shortfall of rainfall in many parts of the country.

Water defies political boundaries and thus cannot be dealt with in isolation. Sustainable water resources management are major challenges of the future. An increasing number of countries are experiencing permanent water stress, yet in most cases, agreements, mechanisms and institutions to manage disputes over water resources are either absent or inadequate.