About the College

Bishop Heber College is one of the most reputed educational institutions in South India. It is a religious minority institution established by the Tiruchirappalli - Thanjavur Diocese of the Church of South India. The college’s motto, "Nisi Dominus Frustra", means "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.” The college offers 30 undergraduate and 22 postgraduate programs, along with research programs leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. It has been nationally reaccredited with an ‘A++’ grade by NAAC, achieving a CGPA of 3.69 out of 4. Additionally, it is recognized by the UGC as a “College of Excellence.” Bishop Heber College has received funding from DST-FIST under the scheme "College as Whole” and was awarded "star College" status by DBT in 2016. The college has signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various prestigious universities, colleges, institutions, and other international agencies. These include Liverpool Hope University, UK; Kingston University, UK; University of Burgundy, France; Kasetsart University, Thailand; Appalachian State University, USA; Groupe ESC, Rouen, France; Churches Council for Child and Youth Care, Bangalore; e-LIPI of STP!, Government of India; and IBM, Bengaluru.

About the Department

The Department of Environmental Science at Bishop Heber College is a multidisciplinary centre that combines natural and social sciences to explore and address the intricate relationships between air, water, soil, and life. Founded in 1984 with the mission to promote “Environmental Sustainability,” the Department equips students with essential research skills while fostering a deep commitment to sustainability. To address the evolving environmental challenges, the Department aligns its curriculum with global frameworks such as the Environmental Goals of the UN Millennium Declaration. This is achieved through collaborative efforts with alumni, educational institutions, policymakers, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Together, they strive to develop actionable strategies and foster sustainable partnerships. In response to the growing demands from various sectors, the Department has introduced specialized programs, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Safety & Occupational Health and an integrated Certificate Program in Industrial Safety & Hygiene. Additionally, since 2017, the Department has offered an Undergraduate Program in Environmental Science to broaden its impact and address sector-specific needs. As the Department marks its 40th year, it continues to stand as a pillar of academic excellence and a leader in environmental education, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of environmental scientists and practitioners.

About the Conference

The International Conference on Action for Climate and Territory Restoration (ACT-2025) is a global platform dedicated to addressing the urgent need for effective climate action and sustainable land restoration. This conference aims to promote innovative solutions by showcasing cutting-edge technologies and methods for mitigating the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and territories. ACT-2025 seeks to strengthen collaborative efforts by bringing together governments, industries, academia, and communities to foster partnerships that drive impactful territory restoration initiatives. Discussions will focus on advancing sustainable land management practices to combat land degradation, desertification, and biodiversity loss, while exploring policy frameworks that support long-term resilience. Additionally, the conference will emphasize adaptive solutions to enhance climate resilience, with special attention to protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems. ACT-2025 represents a vital opportunity to align global efforts toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Thrust Areas