THE PRIEST

Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity have been an integral part of Indian ethos. The varied eco-climatic conditions coupled with unique geological and cultural features have contributed to an astounding diversity of habitats, which harbor and sustain immense biological diversity at all levels. With only 2.4% of world's land area, India accounts for 7-8% of recorded species of the world. In terms of species richness, India ranks seventh in mammals, ninth in birds and fifth in reptiles. In terms of endemism of vertebrate groups, India's position is tenth in birds with 69 species, fifth in reptiles with 156 species and seventh in amphibians with 110 species. India's share of crops is 44% as compared to the world average of 11%. India also has 23.39% of its geographical area under forest and tree cover.  Of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots, India harbor 3 hotspots, i.e., Himalaya, Indo Burma, Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. Western Ghats are...

National Centre for Marine Biodiversity (NCMB) is coming up at Jamnagar for safeguarding the biodiversity of the coastal areas. This is country’s first research institute established in public private partnership (PPP) mode in the country.   With a growing emphasis on coastal and marine area management, it has now become inevitable to institutionalize a process for greater and in-depth research in the marine environment, to ensure that measured steps are taken in the direction for better and efficient management of the fast depleting marine resource. With this objective, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, in collaboration with the Gujarat Ecology Commission, launched the NCMB in Jamnagar. Jamnagar, a port town, was selected for the centre because of its proximity to India's only National Marine Park — spread over some 200 sq.km. in the Gulf of Kutch.   The Centre envisions a long-term conservation and better management of coastal and marine biodiversity in India. Its...