Bombay Natural History Society
Dr Deepak Apte is the new Director of BNHS
Brings with him vast experience of research and conservation across geographies
Mumbai: 1st August:
Dr Deepak Apte has been appointed as the new Director of BNHS-India, which is one of the oldest NGOs in South Asia, engaged in the areas of wildlife research, conservation and nature education since 1883. The announcement was made yesterday by Mr Homi Khusrokhan, President, BNHS, late in the evening. Dr Apte fills in the position left vacant after the retirement of the previous Director, Dr Asad R Rahmani.
Dr Deepak Apte, who has been working with BNHS since 1993, had an illustrious career till now. With MSc in Zoology and PhD in Marine Ecology from University of Mumbai, Dr Apte has played many roles in BNHS and initiated various programmes in research, conservation action and advocacy. He established a full-fledged Marine Conservation Programme in BNHS, apart from various conservation initiatives in terrestrial habitats across India. Prior to becoming the Director, he was the Chief Operating Officer and has previously worked as a Principal Scientist.
Dr Apte will now be responsible for managing the overall working of BNHS, including its future course of action, based on the in-house Strategic Initiatives. Commenting on the occasion, he said, “The job offers arduous challenge of not only strengthening the research and conservation action by BNHS, but also of maintaining the dignity and stature of the 132-year young organization. We aim to continue and expand the research and conservation opportunity at BNHS and to see the Hornbill House premises abuzz with the activity of scientists, conservationists and young researchers”.
Dr Rahmani served as the Director from 1997 and retired on 31st July 2015. Congratulating the new Director, he said, “I am delighted that the management and the interview panel have selected Dr Deepak Apte as the new Director of BNHS. He is a very fine marine biologist and a good administrator. I am sure he will continue the tradition of selfless service to the society and to the cause of nature conservation. I wish him success and looking forward to working with him”.
Dr Apte’s achievements till date
Dr Apte has worked on and completed nearly 30 field research and conservation programmes, which include coastal and inter-tidal areas, marine biodiversity, mangroves, tiger habitat, urban forests, EIA studies and green governance across India including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar. He has published 45 peer reviewed publications and four books including ‘Sea Shells of India’ and ‘Field Guide to the Marine Life of India’.
Dr Apte has been honoured with several fellowships and awards from Department of Ocean Development, Govt of India; Whitley Fund for Nature, UK; AIT, Thailand; LEAD India and Smithsonian Institute and Duke University, USA. He is designated as PhD guide for Zoology, University of Mumbai. He has been the member of various committees including CBD NGO Alliance (COP-11) and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board. He has been the editor of Defending Wild India and Green Governance newsletters. He has developed seven documentaries and coordinated distance learning courses in Ornithology and Marine Biodiversity Conservation. He has also contributed to several technical papers globally; has attended numerous seminars, training programmes and conferences and delivered several guest lectures.
--- Atul Sathe, Assistant Director, Education & Communication, BNHS-India