India ranks among the top ten species-rich nations and shows high endemism. India has four global biodiversity hot spots (Eastern Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, and Sundaland).

The varied edaphic, climatic and topographic conditions and years of geological stability have resulted in a wide range of ecosystems and habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal and marine ecosystem.

Inventories of faunal diversity in India are being progressively updated and analyzed with several new discoveries. So far, nearly 91,212 of faunal species (7.43% of the world's faunal species) have been recorded in the country. Endemic rich Indian fauna is manifested most prominently in Amphibia (61.2%) and Reptilia (47%). Likewise, Indian fish fauna includes two endemic families and 127 monotypic genera.

As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (2008), India has 413 globally threatened faunal species, which is approximately 4.9% of the world's total number of threatened faunal species.

Continuous surveys and explorations have added new discoveries - 41 plant species in 2007 by Botanical Survey of India (BSI) alone. The unique features of the plant diversity, among others, include 60 monotypic families and over 6000 endemic species. Recent estimates indicate the presence of over 256 globally threatened plant species in India.

Likewise, India's contribution to crop biodiversity has been impressive with repositories of over 50,000 varieties of rice, 5,000 of sorghum, 1,000 varieties of mango, etc. The National Genebank, primarily responsible for ex-situ conservation of unique germplasm on long-term basis, holds 3,66,933 unique accessions of plant genetic resources. India is also endowed with vast and diverse forms of domesticated animal genetic resources, e.g., cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, donkey, yak, mithun, duck, goose, quail, etc. Besides, a rich diversity of wild relatives of domesticated animals exists here. The molecular characterization has been undertaken so far only in a few animals such as cattle, sheep, pig and poultry, using internationally recommended DNA markers.

India, endowed with vast inland and marine bioresources, is the third largest producer of fish in the world. A database on 2,182 fishes found in Indian waters has been developed, which includes 327 fresh water species listed in IUCN threat categories and 192 endemic fishes. A macro level fish occurrence map of India has been prepared and DNA barcodes of 100 Indian marine fish species developed.

The country has also initiated isolation and identification of agriculturally important microorganisms following strict quality and bioasfety standards. The repository includes 2,517 cultures of filamentous fungi, bacteria, Actinomycetes and yeasts. The sources of fungi collection include plants, soil, insects, air flora, etc.

Realizing the crucial role of forests in maintaining ecological balance and socio-economic development, the National Forest Policy (NFP) aims at maintaining a minimum of 33% of country's geographical area under forest and tree cover. With over 16 major forest types and 251 subtypes, the total forest and tree cover of the country constitutes 23.39 % of the geographical area with most north-eastern states maintaining more than 75% of the forest cover. Against the prevailing global trend of decreasing forest cover, India has been successful in stabilizing its area under forests over the years.

The mountain ecosystems of India are largely described under two global hot-spots, viz., the Eastern Himalaya, and the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka They contribute prominently in geographic extent, biophysical and socio-cultural diversity and uniqueness. The extent of species endemism in vascular plants alone ranges from 32 to 40% in the mountain ecosystems. Other groups, such as reptiles, amphibians and fish show more than 50% of species endemism in Western Ghats. Of the 979 bird species recorded from the Himalayan region, four Endemic Bird Areas have been delineated for priority conservation measures and likewise, identification of “Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)” has been initiated in Western Ghats. At present, there are 137 Protected Areas (PAs) (47,208 sq km) in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and 88 PAs (13,695 sq km) in Western Ghats. Over the years, there has been a steady progression in the number and area covered under PA network in both the regions. Besides, the multi-ethnic composition within the mountain ecosystems makes it a distinct microcosm of biodiversity. Human interventions, including developmental activities and rampant poverty are leading to change in land use patterns, habitat loss and fragmentation in the IHR. Similarly, in Western Ghats, in the past, selective logging, and conversion to agriculture and cash crop plantations, river valley projects, etc., have contributed to the
decline of biodiversity. Of late, mass tourism, unsustainable land use practices, excessive subsistence dependence on forests, etc., are major challenges.

Arid and semi-arid regions spread over ten states, cover 38.80% of India's total geographical area. The cold arid zone located in Trans-Himalayan region covers 5.62% area of the country. The region is stronghold of three cat predators - the lion, leopard and tiger. Of the 140 species of birds known, the Great Indian Bustard is a globally threatened species. The flora of the Indian desert comprise 682 species with over 6% of total plant species as endemics. The cold desert is the home of rare endangered fauna, such as, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan argali, Wild yak, Snow leopard, etc., and the flora is rich in endemic and economically important species. India's Third National Report on the implementation of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) indicates that most of arid, semi-arid and dry subhumid areas of India are either subject to desertification, identified as drought prone, or considered wastelands.

India has a variety of wetland ecosystems ranging from high altitude cold desert wetlands to hot and humid wetlands in coastal zones with its diverse flora and fauna. At present, 115 wetlands have been identified under the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) and 25 wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention. About 4,445 sq.km area of the country is under mangroves. The major threats to wetland ecosystems include uncontrolled siltation, weed infestation, discharge of waste effluents, surface run-off, habitat destruction, encroachment and hydrological perturbations.

With a long coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), India has a very wide range of coastal ecosystems. Such regions are prone to overexploitation of bioresources, poorly planned human settlements, improper location of industries, and pollution from industries and settlements.

India's major strength in in-situ conservation lies in its impressive PA network, which currently comprises 661 PAs [National Parks (NPs) (99), Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLSs) (515), Conservation Reserves (ConR) (43) and Community Reserves (ComR) (4), established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972] covering approximately 4.80% of the total geographical area of the country. India also has special flagship programmes for the conservation of tiger and elephant. India's PAs grew by 15% since
the adoption of the Programme of Work on PAs in 2002.

NBAP: MAINSTREAMING OF BIODIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS

India is committed to contributing towards achieving three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the 2010 target and the Strategic Plan. Strategies and plans for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources based on local knowledge systems and practices are ingrained in Indian ethos and are enshrined in the Constitution of India [Article 48A and Article 51 A(g)] in the form of environment protection. In recent times, the major building blocks of policy frameworks, legislations and action plans that drive the country in achieving all the three objectives of the CBD include, among others, Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002, National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) (2002-2016), National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006, National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP), 2008 and National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), 2008.

India's strategy for conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity evolved from various initiatives framed and formulated largely by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), focal point for biodiversity conservation at the Central Government level, appropriately complemented by other related Ministries/Departments and affiliated agencies dealing with Agriculture, Health, Water Resources, Rural Development, Power, Industry, New and Renewable Energy, Urban Development, and Science and Technology.
Pursuant to the CBD, a first major step was the development of National Policy and Macrolevel Action Strategy (1999) that called for consolidating existing biodiversity conservation programmes and initiating new steps in conformity with the spirit of the Convention. This was followed by implementation of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Global Environment Facility (GEF) sponsored National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Project (2000-2004) that yielded micro-level action plans adequately integrating crosscutting issues and livelihood security concerns. Besides, a number of policies and plans are relevant to the Convention, such as, National Forest Policy (NFP), 1988 setting goals and guidelines to areas under forests, National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development (1992) evaluating the nature and dimensions of environmental problems in India, National Agricultural Policy (2000) seeking to actualize vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture, National Seeds Policy (2002) covering plant variety protection and seed production, NWAP emphasizing on peoples' participation in wildlife conservation, comprehensive Marine Fishing Policy (2004) aiming at balancing the development needs of various categories of fishing communities, etc. The NBAP, based on the evaluation of existing legislations, regulatory systems, implementation mechanisms, existing strategies, plans and programmes, using the final technical report of NBSAP report as one of the inputs, was prepared by MoEF involving wide consultations with various stakeholders across the country. The NBAP is consistent with the ecological, social, cultural and economic mosaic of the country and its preparation is in pursuance of Article 6 (a) of CBD as well as Section 36 (1) and (3) of BDA, 2002.

The actions proposed in NBAP are comprehensive and in tune with the CBD framework in all its dimensions. Some of the major programmes that contribute to its implementation include: PA network and its steady growth over the years, consolidation of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) (15), establishment of more species specific reserves, growth in designated Ramsar Sites, augmentation of ex-situ efforts through the establishment of network of Lead Gardens and initiatives in conservation of genetic resources, etc.

Augmentation of natural resource base, its sustainable utilization and ensuring inter and intra generational equity is being achieved through various mechanisms that include, among others, management and rehabilitation of degraded forests, coastal areas, drylands, etc., replicating good agricultural practices, increasing production in forage, livestock and fish, enhancing mangrove cover for complementing livelihood needs and involvement of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community institutions in developing forest villages, watershed models, water harvesting, etc. The extent and magnitude of their involvement, for example, can be gauged by the fact that about 22 m ha of forests is managed by more than 1,06,000 Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs).

In accordance with Article 8(h) of the CBD, India duly recognizes the importance of regulating introductions and managing Invasive Alien Species (IAS) because they pose severe threat to biodiversity next only to habitat destruction. In this context, India is proactive, follows international quarantine regulations, is a partner of the Asia Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network, and is implementing strategies to restore mined-out areas and the landscapes weed-free.
India's actions on assessment of vulnerability, and adaptation to climate change and desertification have been manifold ranging from establishment of National Clean Development Mechanism Authority for approving projects on biomass based cogeneration, energy efficiency, municipal solid waste, and above all implementation of the NAPCC. Likewise, the country ensures integration of biodiversity concerns and social development through various instruments and mechanisms, which include, greater
participation of community groups in Forest Development Agencies (FDAs), JFMCs, technology dissemination through a network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Agricultural Technology Management Agency, and implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) that offers a unique opportunity for economic and social enrichment and at the same time guarantee people's participation in environmental conservation.

Augmentation of pollution abatement is being undertaken through initiatives such as Ganga or Yamuna Action Plans, network programme on pesticide degradation, integrated biotechnological approach for bioremediation etc.

Developing and integrating biodiversity databases is a key action that would help to identify gap areas and better understand the potential linkages among various sectors for implementing appropriate actions.

Databases and networks for forestry, fisheries, livestock, Environmental Information System (ENVIS), notified and released crop varieties and germplasm, and plant varieties registration have been generated.

In recent years, India has further strengthened implementation mechanisms in policy, legislative and administrative measures for biodiversity conservation and management. In this context, the major initiatives include: i) Entities of Incomparable Value (EIVs), as defined in NEP; ii) Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006); iii) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau; iv) Integrating biodiversity concerns in environmental impact assessment of development projects under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification (2006) and draft Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) Notification (2008); v) promoting best practices by awarding “Plant Genome Savior Community Recognition” to farming communities; vi) creation of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) (2006); and vii) setting up of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) (2006), etc.

Various initiatives to develop national capacities for biodiversity conservation and appropriate use of new technologies have been undertaken at different levels involving wide range of stakeholders. While an All India Coordinated Project on Capacity Building in Taxonomy (AICOPTAX) provided impetus to taxonomic capacity building for lesser known groups of plants, animals and microorganisms, India further intensified research on genetic fingerprinting of captive stock. Regarding capacity building, India made remarkable progress in areas related to: i) forest based micro-enterprises; ii) development of Self Help Groups (SHGs) for synergy of Joint Forest Management (JFM); with other schemes of the Government, iii) biosafety; iv) environmental education and awareness involving over 10,000 organizations, 84,000 eco-clubs and 40,000 schools; v) poultry, bee-keeping, fisheries and other related sectors (participation of 0.5 m youth) and extension activities (for 1.2 m farmers); and vi) forest management, policy and legal
issues, international conventions, wildlife management, etc.

India duly recognizes the importance of using economic incentives for biodiversity related decision making processes, and in this direction new schemes and programmes, such as, livestock insurance, welfare of fishermen, bamboo mat manufacture Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, “Sanjeevani” outlets [alternate system of marketing Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)] and formation of women SHGs to promote their participation in JFM have been initiated.

Most of India's policies, plans and programmes relevant to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, including the actions proposed in the NBAP, manifest sectoral and cross sectoral elements that promote and facilitate mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations. The process of preparation and approval of NBAP itself has contributed in mainstreaming to a large extent, since inter-ministerial and intra-ministerial consultations were essential in this exercise. The NBSAP project activities substantially
extended outreach across sectors and a large number of stakeholders including diverse community groups and students contributed substantially in the preparation of micro-level action plans.

India has made significant strides in agriculture to integrate and mainstream biodiversity considerations through a strong back-up of policies (e.g. National Policy for Farmers, 2007), institutions including four National Bureaus and agricultural universities, missions (e.g. National Bamboo Mission), and projects, especially the ones that follow ecosystem approach (such as National Agriculture Innovation Project and Conservation and Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Development). Major achievements include:
i) creation of a National Gene Fund for conservation and development of plant genetic resources; ii) establishment of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights Authority (PPV&FR Authority) and granting incentives to farmers in the form of “ Plant Genome Savior Community Recognition”; iii) establishment of a multilateral system to facilitate access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) through International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA); iv) integration of pest management programmes, and v) promotion of organic farming; and vi) identification of agro-biodiversity heritage sites.

Likewise, in forestry sector, a large number of central sector schemes of the MoEF, such as National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB), National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Conservation and Management of Mangroves, Coral Reefs and Wetlands, Gram Van Yojna, Forest Extension and Market Support, Eco Task Forces, Augmentation of Bamboo Resources, Conservation of Medicinal Plants, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Project Elephant, etc., have helped in achieving conservation and sustainable development, eco-development of degraded forests, incentivising concerned stakeholders for afforestation, decentralizing JFM activities, ensuring higher levels of protection through the involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), development of community conservation reserves outside PAs, development of medicinal plants sector, economic valuation of ecosystem services and climate change, inculcating awareness and imparting training to a range of stakeholders including school students, ex-servicemen, farmers, PRIs, extension workers, community
groups, etc.

With regard to livestock genetic resources and animal husbandry, India ranks first in respect of buffaloes, second in cattle and goats, and third in sheep population of the world and has substantially enhanced livestock and fish production through various mechanisms, such as, setting up of NFDB, central fodder and poultry development organizations, central sector scheme on fodder development, etc.

Inland water, marine and fishery resources have been effectively mainstreamed through various national plans/programmes on river conservation, lake conservation, wetland conservation, water quality monitoring in water bodies and development of marine fisheries infrastructure and post harvest operations. These initiatives have contributed significantly in preventing pollution from point sources, catchment area treatment and eco-development (in 42 lakes in 12 states), public participation, financial assistance to poor fishermen for sustainable development and also promoting inter-sectoral synergies in conservation efforts among various Ministries.

India's rich wildlife bioresources offer numerous opportunities for ensuring livelihood security and development of wildlife based small enterprises. NWAP duly recognizes the importance of people's support for wildlife conservation and calls for promoting ecotourism that primarily involves and benefits local communities. In this context, successes in implementing community oriented wildlife based tourism in states like Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, etc., is noteworthy. Similarly, National Commission on Agriculture, Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation, Girijan Co-operative Corporation in Andhra Pradesh, Adivasi Multipurpose Societies have significantly contributed in promoting and harnessing the economic potential of NTFPs and improvement in the economic status of poor NTFP collectors.

The collection and trade in medicinal plants constitutes a major share of livelihood means for forest dwellers in India. Over one and a half million practitioners of Indian Systems of Medicine and Health (ISM&H) in the oral and codified streams use medicinal plants, animals and mineral products in preventive, promotive and curative applications. Realizing the potential of mainstreaming medicinal plants use following measures have been taken: i) constitution of National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) with the aim to bring in much needed coordinaton among different players for development of this sector; ii) as a livelihood strategy, development of 13 community owned enterprises for value addition and marketing of medicinal plants in seven states; iii) constitution of State Medicinal Plants Boards (SMPBs); and iv) creation of market opportunities with appropriate fiscal and policy support.

A multidisciplinary, holistic and integrated institutional mechanism is in place to address the elements of mainstreaming biodiversity concerns at various levels of governance, including at the state level. These include relevant departments in the states such as forest, agriculture, horticulture, irrigation, science and technology, and various specialized national and state level institutions, which predominantly deal with
biodiversity issues.

As economic incentives play an important role in sectoral and cross-sectoral integration of biodiversity, efforts are being made to ensure that various sectors and schemes receive adequate attention as is evident from the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) provisioning for the MoEF and other Central Ministries, States and Union Territories (UTs), which is steadily increasing over the years. Financial assistance is provided to State Governments and UTs to rehabilitate degraded forest areas, and to provide alternate livelihoods. India is committed to ensuring sustainability of the PA network, as envisaged in the NWAP, which lays emphasis on enhancing financial allocations integrating the action plan with other sectoral plans. Budgetary allocation is also made for several cross-cutting national priority programmes. Other forms of incentives include conferment of awards and fellowships in recognition of significant contribution to the protection of biodiversity. Some examples are: Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puruskar, Pitamber Pant National Environmental Fellowship, Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award,
Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award, Janaki Ammal National Award on Plant/Animal Taxonomy, etc.

Relevant policies, legislations and institutional framework and the implementation mechanisms offer much needed enabling environment for facilitating cross-sectoral integration of biodiversity considerations into economic sectors and development models. The recent major initiatives in this context are: i) NEP, that seeks to achieve balance between conservation and development by mainstreaming environmental concerns in all developmental activities, is one of the landmark policy initiatives of the Government of India (GOI); ii) NAPCC which addresses concerns of the country through eight envisaged national missions, of which four, namely, national missions on water, sustainable agriculture, sustaining Himalayan ecosystems, and Green India, are directly relevant to the CBD; iii) EIA Notification 2006 that adopts progressive measures to make environmental clearance a democratic and accommodative process, and comprehensively factors in biodiversity concerns; iv) draft CMZ Notification 2008, that while addressing protection and sustainable development of the coastal stretches and marine environment, designates ecologically sensitive areas for intensive conservation and management; and v) enactment of the BDA (2002), Biological Diversity Rules (2004) and National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), established in 2003, aim at safeguarding the biodiversity and regulating access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge to ensure sharing of benefits. Besides, a strong policy framework is also available in the form of NFP (1988), National Agriculture Policy (2000) and National Water Policy (2002), etc. The MoEF has notified the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989” under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) 1986.

India's capacity building initiatives that have made significant impact in coordination within and among different sectors, build skills to promote bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and strengthened framework of decision making processes include: i) strengthening of institutional and legal framework to improve capacity and coordination in decision making within and across Ministries; ii) improved capacity for risk evaluation and management; iii) strengthening of laboratories for analytical detection of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs); iv) Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) and enhanced information sharing and public awareness; v) specialized training on spatial referencing of monitoring of illegal killing of elephants; vi) creation of synergy between commerce and industry; vii) standardization of applied rates and import duties of forestry products; viii) collaborative training programmes on wetland conservation; ix) training in plant and animal biosystematics; x) promotion of linkages between NAP with other developmental programmes to ensure sustainability of JFM; and xi) extensive training and awareness
initiatives through National Green Corps (NGC) and National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), etc.

Major capacity building programmes organized through specialized institutions and centres of excellence include: i) advanced forest management and policy and legal issues at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA); ii) diploma and vocational courses for Human Resource Development (HRD) needs of wood industry, post-graduate programme in forestry management at Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute (IPIRTI); iii) post-graduate diploma course in wildlife management at Wildlife
Institute of India (WII)); iv) post-graduate diploma in forest management at Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM); v) mountain specific rural technologies for rural communities and conservation science to students and teachers at G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED); vi) taxonomy of plants and animals (BSI and ZSI); vii) collaborative programmes on environmental education and awareness [Centre for Environmental Education (CEE)]; and vii) green school initiatives and publications on sacred animals, water bodies, etc., at CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC). Besides, ENVIS, a comprehensive network of environmental information and dissemination with 76 network partners for variety of users is making a huge difference in India's outreach and mainstreaming. Likewise, Information Facilitation Counter (IFC) of the Ministry updates the database on NGOs working on environment problems and provides a unique interface between the Government and civil society.

Presently, various cross-cutting initiatives of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) provide appropriate environment for sectoral and cross-sectoral integration of land use. These among others, include: i) scheme on macro management of agriculture being implemented in states through State Land Use Board; ii) scheme on All India Soil and Land Use Survey; iii) preparation of land use policies and perspective plan for optimum utilization of land resources through National Land Use and Conservation Board; iv) Watershed Development Project in Shifting Cultivation Areas of Northeastern States, etc.

In India, research and technology upgradation and diversification across sectors is proving immensely valuable in addressing and promoting cross-sectoral integration of biodiversity related issues. This is achieved through various interdisciplinary programmes/projects of various Ministries, departments, institutions and collaborative mechanisms. Some major initiatives in this direction are: i) green channel project to seek public support on conservation of endangered species [Department of Science and Technoogy (DST)]; ii) scientific methodology evolved and mainstreamed for estimating tiger population; iii) new projects on snow and glaciers, mapping of WLSs, NPs, coastal areas, wetlands, etc., through National Natural Resource Management System (NNRMS); iv) Eco-development Forces (EDF) scheme implemented through the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for ecological restoration of difficult and degraded terrains; v) seven regional centres of the NAEB promote sustainability of JFM beyond NAP scheme; vi) setting up of demonstration units for bamboo mat manufacture in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode; vii) design of solar heated kiln developed and standardized for accelerated seasoning; viii) evaluation of butterfly communities as bioindicators in Western Ghats; ix) adaptation and tolerance of birds to urbanization; x) monitoring of climate change and forest sector in India; xi) wide range of technology development in medicinal plants sector; xii) super speciality services and diagnostic facilities for better
healthcare of wild animals; xiii) digital inventorization of bioresources covering medicinal and other economically important plants, animals, marine and microbial resources; xiv) All India coordinated research project on prospecting of food grade natural dyes from bioresources; xv) All India coordinated research project on development of environment friendly pesticides; xvi) promoting use of bioinformatics for plant diversity databases; xvii) monitoring of genetic variation through DNA fingerprinting, establishment of cell and gene banks, development of assisted reproductive technologies, etc., through internationally acclaimed inter-ministerial and inter-departmental project on Laboratory for Conservation of Species (LaCONES); xviii) a major initiative to tap bio-resources and bio-molecules through a path breaking programme involving 20 laboratories of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), 13 universities and institutes of traditional medicine, under which 23,000 samples have been screened and 4 potential bio-active molecules identified; xix) Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a collaborative project of CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) documents traditional knowledge on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Yoga available in public domain in digitized format; and xx) the strategy and implementation plan of Science and Technology Policy (2003) that emphasises technology development, transfer, diffusion and promotion of innovation.

Participation of diverse stakeholders is critical for promoting integration and mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations. In this context, a large number of NGOs have been making significant contribution and playing a pivotal role as an interface between the Government and community groups.

Their contribution has helped a great deal in taking forward the three main objectives of the CBD.
India has all along shown deep commitment for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and has responded effectively to relevant international treaties and conventions. Partnerships and cooperation in different sectors have further strengthened and consolidated India's efforts in cross-sectoral integration of biodiversity considerations. Among others, the sectors and programmes include: i) plant, animal, human and microbial genomics (joint centres in biotechnology with France, Germany, Indo-ASEAN Institute of Biotechnology, Indo-ASEAN Biotechnology Network); ii) International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi (an autonomous UN organization); iii) cooperation with Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centres for development of high quality seed material of some crops; iv) partnership building through FDAs and JFMCs, partnerships with industries; v) CSIR Strategic Alliances; vi) new initiatives in agriculture sector to promote agriculture research and education through collaboration with a large number of countries; vii) promoting investment in coastal ecosystem conservation with IUCN; viii) wildlife protection and care with USA; and ix) collaboration with GEF through wide ranging twelve on-going projects.

Other major cross-sectoral initiatives include: i) a flagship NREGS (2005), implemented through coordinated efforts of various Ministries [Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), MoEF, MoA, MoHFW, Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Ministery of Power (MoP)], augments wage employment (33% participation for women) through different activities, such as, natural resource management, afforestation, flood protection, water harvesting, etc.; ii) environmental education in schools and colleges that includes modules on biodiversity conservation implemented by education department through Centre and State Education Boards; iii) documenting grassroots green innovation through 'Honey Bee Network', value addition and dissemination supported by DST and National Innovation Foundation; and iv) development of bioprocesses and bioproducts, technology upgradation and transfer through DST, State and local institutions.

In keeping with India's robust democratic institutional framework and mechanisms, the Indian judiciary plays a facilitative role in implementing programmes and commitments relating to conservation of biological diversity. This owes its origin to the advent of public interest litigation in India. Towards this end, the courts have elaborated and interpreted various extant provisions of domestic legislations on biodiversity.
Source : Indian's Fourth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.