Press Releases 2008

U.S. EXPERT TO DISCUSS COASTAL MANAGEMENT ISSUES
AT INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP AT AMERICAN CENTER, AUGUST 11-12

August 8, 2008

Kolkata -- A senior American expert is arriving in Kolkata on August 8 to discuss coastal zone management issues and also related to environment during a two-day workshop at the American Center beginning August 11.  In addition to scientists, policy planners, and environmentalists from West Bengal, Orissa, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a team from Bangladesh will attend the workshop, led by Mr. Ralph Cantral, Senior Advisor for Ocean and Coastal Resource Management for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S.A.  Mr. Cantral has been an active voice in ocean and coastal resource management for more than 30 years.

During his week-long stay in the region, Mr. Cantral will also visit the Sunderbans and study the problems of mangrove forests in the Project Tiger areas.  His other engagement is addressing students and researchers of the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University on “Climate Change and its Effects on Coastal Zones” on August 9.

Major topics at the American Center roundtable will focus on coastal zone management in the Bay of Bengal area, and will naturally focus on contiguous coastlines of Eastern India and Bangladesh, especially the similarities and differences. Participants from different States and Union Territories will share their experiences on problems related to endangered flora and fauna, protection of coastal waters, and disaster management with their counterparts from Bangladesh, with Mr. Cantral as a leading discussant.

Mr. Cantral began his career in government as a city and regional planner. Previously, he served as Chief of NOAA’s National Policy and Evaluation Division. Prior to coming to NOAA, Cantral worked with the State of Florida.  His association with coastal and ocean resource management started in North Carolina where he served in several positions. Cantral has also worked for local governments and regional agencies in Illinois and Missouri.
 
Mr. Cantral, also a geographer, has staffed governor-appointed boards and commissions as well as citizen advisory groups at the local, state, and national level. He has been involved in community activities for many years, including serving on the board of directors of community organizations and working as a volunteer community mediator.