The MoEF sponsored capacity building program was a pioneering effort to upgrade skills, techniques and scientific background in coral reef conservation & management amongst Officials of the Dept. of Environment & Forests and the State Administration. This program was conducted by Marine Biologist and PADI SCUBA Diving Instructor, Dr. Sarang Kulkarni and assisted by researchers, Elrika and Vardhan. The awareness content and special skills included in the program effectively improved the implementation efficacy of conservation & management in these areas. The Dept. of Environment & Forests is now considering instituting such programs on an annual basis in future. 30 Officers have successfully qualified this year. This is seen as a major step in effective management of the Marine National Parks and other protected areas in the islands.