National biodiversity project launched

08-02-2012
National biodiversity project launched
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/National-biodiversity-project-launched/articleshow/11798917.cms

A national project to access genetic resources, their economic values and also share the benefits of the resources was inaugurated in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.

The project - Strengthening the Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules With Focus on its Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Provisions - taken up jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme-Global Environment Facility ( UNEP-GEF) and Union ministry of environment and forest, will be launched in five states of India. The states are Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

Dr A P Singh, member secretary, Gujarat Biodiversity Board, said that the state has a unique biodiversitywhich includes the Keshar mango, Hafus mango, Ishabgul, Jeera, Gugal, Kutch khajur, Banni grassland, Gir lion, Wild Ass, Gir and Kankarej cow, Kathiyawadi horse, Jafrabadi and Mehsani buffalo. These are pride of the state and need conservation.

He said under the project, the identification of biodiversity with potential and their valuation in selected ecosystems will be undertaken.

Dr Balakrishna Pisupati, chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai was also present.