India 2018

198 India 2018
institutional structures (NBA at National level, state biodiversity Boards at state
level and Biodiversity Management Committees at local level).
Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
The Government identified 38 mangrove and 4 coral reef sites throughout the
coutnry for intensive conservation and management of mangroves and coral
reefs. During 2016-17, the Ministry is providing central assistance in the ratio
60:40 to the forest departments of the coastal states/UTs, whosoever requests,
for conservation and management of mangroves and coral reefs. Besides this
the Ministry also suports R&D activities with emphasis on targeted research on
mangrove and coral reef biodiversity and its management.
Biosphere Reserves
The idea of 'Biosphere Reserves' was intiated by UNESCO in 1973-74 under its
Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The MAB, launched in 1970 by
UNESCO, is a broad based ecological programme aimed to develop within the
natural and social sciences a basis for the rational use and conservation of the
resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the relationship between
man and the environment, to predict the consequences of today's actions on
tomorrows world and thereby to increase man's ability to manage efficiently
the natural resources of the biosphere.
The Indian National Man and Biosphere (MAB) Commitee identifies and
recommends potential sites for designation as Biosphere Reserves, following
the UNESCO's guidelines and criteria. There are 18 designated Biosphere
Reserves (BRs). Out of 18 Biosphere Reserves, 10 Biosphere Reserves have been
included in the world Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO.
Implementing organizations are the concerned states/UT government,
environment and forest departments/line departments. Lead institutes
identified for the Biosphere Reserves conduct research activities on the
sanctioned research projects and periodic review and progress reports are
evaluated by experts and the evaluation of the completed report is done by the
designated committee.
Biodiversity Conservation Scheme Relating to Biosafety
The scheme on Biodiversity Conservation was initiated during 1991-92 during
the 8 th Plan period, to ensure coordination among various agencies dealing with
the issues relating to conservation of biodiversity, and to review, monitor and
evolve adequate policy instruments for the same. The main objective is
implementation of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety, UNEP-GEF Supported
Capacity building Project on Biosafety (Phase-II) Project and Strengthening of
Biosafety Management System.
All India Coordinated Project on Capacity Building in Taxonomy
The All India Coordinated Project on Capacity Building in Taxonomy
(AICOPTAX) project was launched in 1999. The prime objectives include survey,
collection and maintenance of collections of taxonomic groups including