Salim Ali Centre For Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)

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The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)

SACON is a national centre for information, education and research in ornithology and natural history in India. It was inspired by and named in honour of Salim Ali, the leading pioneer of ornithology in India. It is an autonomous organisation established in 1990 as a public- NGO partnership between the MoEF&CC, and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) under the Centre of Excellence Scheme and registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act.

Its headquarters are at Anaikatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

SACON is associated with the Ministry of Environment and Forests

SACON came into being at a time when the twin issues, namely the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources figured in the global agenda. Realizing the indispensability of holistic approach in avian studies and conservation, the major objectives of SACON have been envisaged encompassing the entire natural history with ornithology at the centre stage.

1. To design and conduct research in ornithology covering all aspects of biodiversity and natural history
2. To develop and conduct regular courses in ornithology and natural history
3. To create data bank on Indian ornithology and natural history
4. To disseminate knowledge relating to ornithology and natural history for the benefit of the community
5. To confer honorary awards and other distinctions to persons who have rendered outstanding services in the fields of ornithology and natural history

SACON policy is determined by a 16-member Governing Council. Its chairman is the secretary/additional secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests. The SACON Society has 90 members and advises the Governing Council. Its president is the Minister for Environment and Forests. Administration of SACON is overseen by a 16-member governing council and implemented by the director incharge

The administrative section has a senior finance officer, junior administrative manager, personal assistant to the director, administrative assistant, accounts assistant, office assistant, stenographer and receptionist, two drivers and an office attendant SACON also operates seven field research stations at: Port Blair Mayabunder, (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) ; Singtam (Sikkim); Bharatpur (Rajasthan); Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh); Upper Bhavani (The Nilgiris); Kukkal (Kodaikannal in TN) and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala).

Source: The Hindu