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Tezpur University and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, have signed a significant partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration aims to focus on assessing the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide within the enchanting Kaziranga National Park.

The MoU, signed in the virtual presence of Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju and department secretary Dr. M Ravichandran, marks a pivotal step in their joint research endeavors.

Under this collaboration, the two institutions will work together in various research areas. These include studying the biosphere-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases and energy and observing meteorological and bio-meteorological parameters such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, radiation, soil temperature, and soil heat flux. Cutting-edge techniques such as Eddy Covariance and other systems will be employed in these studies.

The significance of forests as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon than they release, is widely acknowledged in countering global carbon dioxide emissions. However, the impact of global warming on the ability of forests to continue absorbing carbon requires thorough scientific investigation. This research collaboration will delve into this critical aspect, led by the project coordinator, Dr. Nirmali Gogoi.

Expressing their enthusiasm for this vital research endeavor, Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University, Prof S N Singh, stated their delight in joining forces with IITM Pune. They recognized the project's contribution towards the development of sustainable conservation strategies. The event witnessed the presence of Dr. R Krishnan, Director of IITM, and Dr. Biren Das, Registrar of Tezpur University, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the partnership.