I am happy to note that DOS-DBT joint initiative of 'Biodiversity Characterisation at Landscape Level (BCLL)' undertaken
in two phases covering 83% of the forest area. In the phase-I, the Western Ghats, North East, Western Himalayas and the
Andaman & Nicobar Islands and in Phase-II, Central India, Eastern Ghats, East Coast and West Bengal covering 28.31 mha, which
is around 42% of country's natural landscape have been accomplished with the active collaboration from several universities
and institutes.It is noteworthy that the study could map the different ecosystem, disturbance regimes and their richness
values. It has also collected database on around 4000 species with the precise location information. I am happy to note that
the study has identified several biological rich areas in terms of location, spatial extent enabling better prioritisation
for conservation. I am also glad to note that concerned State Forest Departments have started using the Biodiversity
Information System database in their operational activities.
G. Madhavan Nair
Chairman
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Bangalore
The disturbance and biological richness maps generated by integrating the extensive field and remote sensing based information over the regions under the joint DOS-DBT project will be of practical value in the context of identifying areas of high priority for bioprospecting and conservation. It is important to note that all the databases are being integrated into a web-enabled "Biodiversity Information System" to facilitate data dessimination and utilization.
M.K. Bhan
Secretary
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
New Delhi
I hope the different biological richness sites identified across the fragile regions i.e. North Eastern India, Western Ghats, Western Himalayas, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Central India, Eastern Ghats, East Coast and West Bengal, would go long way in bioresources prospecting and conservation. I congratulate the scientists involved in the project for the unique attempt to characterize the biodiversity at landscape level using aerospace and computer technology along with extensive fieldwork and knowledge base further integrated in database in the form of Biodiversity Information System.
K. Radhakrishnan
Director,
National Remote Sensing Agency
I am confident, the findings of the study will go a long way in providing the vital information required for planning conservation of biodiversity and bio-prospecting in the country at landscape level, besides benefitting the larger scientific community of the world working in the area of biodiversity conservation. I take the opportunity to appreciate the efforts put by all the scientists involved in the project.
K.Kasturirangan
Ex-Chairman
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Bangalore
The team involved in the project has done an excellent work in preparing the database in a very reasonable time. The methods developed are quite comprehensive with scope for improvement, as the knowledge base widens. I consider this as a big leap towards acheiving the assigned goals and for generating a system which will allow planning for biodiversity conservation and its sustainable development at national level.
Manju Sharma
Ex-Secretary,
Government of India,
Ministry of Science & Technology,
Department of Biotechnology,|
New Delhi
I congratulate the scientists involved in the project for the unique attempt to characterise biodiversity at landscape level Using aerospace and computer technology along with extensive fieldwork and knowledge base.
R.R. Navalgund
Ex-Director,
National Remote Sensing Agency
The team attempted to generate a geospatial biodiversity dataset, which is the first of its kind for the regions i.e. North Eastern India, Western Ghats, Western Himalayas, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Central India, Eastern Ghats, East Coast and West Bengal. Since all the dataset is in geospatial domain, it can be always enriched and improved. It is sincerely expected that the dataset will be used for framing immediate priorities of biodiversity conservation and bioprospecting in the region.
P.S. Roy
Project Director & Deputy Director RS & GIS-AA
National Remote Sensing Agency
Department of Space,
Government of India, Balanagar,
Hyderabad
email: psr@nrsa.gov.in
