New Delhi: In 2010, the `International
Year of Biodiversity`, a Central task force has recommended a
string of steps to strengthen the country`s two premier
institutes engaged in protection and conservation of country`s
flora and fauna.
The panel led by prominent biologist Madhav Gadgil
which submitted its report today to the Centre has sought that
the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Zoological Survey
of India be placed at par with the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR).
Constituted by the Centre, the panel has also
recommended setting up a permanent, open, inclusive
Coordinating Group on Systematic Biology so that the two
institutes come to constitute the hub of a vibrant network of
activities in all fields of systematic biology.
"They should prepare an up-to-date State of the Art
report to help identify gaps in knowledge of different
taxonomic groups, in knowledge of different geographical
regions and habitats and in the availability of expertise
relating to different taxa and geographical regions," the
report said.
It said the BSI and ZSI should make concerted efforts
to plug these gaps.
Establishment of a panel of experienced and active
taxonomists for each state on participation in flora and fauna
project, setting up an interactive "Flora/ Fauna of India
website," are some of the suggestions made by the panel in
its comprehensive report.
The report said the environment ministry should set up
a system of permanent landscape level Biodiversity Monitoring
Sites (BMSs) in all the biogeographic zones in the country,
given that India accounts for 7-8 per cent of the recorded
plant and animal species of the world.
With bio-diversity becoming a vital area of
protection, the panel has suggested the two institutes
re-examine the recruitment criteria at the entry point of
Taxonomist scientists so as to encourage people who have
already developed taxonomic expertise.
Also, "UGC may be asked to declare Taxonomy as a
thrust area, to be particularly promoted in colleges/
universities identified to function as university level
centres of excellence in taxonomy and district level centres
of systematic biology with adequate funding support so as
to facilitate the process of future recruitment," the report
said.
"It is hoped that these recommendations, along with
investments being made in the institutes` renewal, will enable
them to continue being at the cutting edge of India`s
biodiversity taxonomy and conservation efforts," said the
panel.
PTI
