11.Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
Statutory Foundation and Evolution:
- Established as a statutory body under the 'Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineering Organisms or Cells, 1989,' notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Originally formed as the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee and underwent a name change in 2010.
Administrative Affiliation:
- Operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Regulatory Mandate:
- Regulates the use, manufacture, storage, import, and export of hazardous microorganisms or genetically-engineered organisms and cells within India.
Leadership Structure:
- Chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of the MoEF&CC, with a co-chair from the Department of Biotechnology.
Functions of GEAC:
- Responsible for appraising activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microbes and recombinants in research and industrial production within the environment.
- Assesses proposals for the release of genetically engineered products and organisms into the environment, including experimental field trials.
- Examines proposals related to the use of living modified organisms falling in risk category III and above in the import/manufacture of recombinant pharma products or cases where the end-product is a modified living organism.
Enforcement Authority:
- Empowered to take punitive action against individuals or entities under the Environment (Protection) Act.
Mandatory Approval:
- The approval of GEAC is a prerequisite for the commercial use of genetically modified organisms and products derived from them.
12.Botanical Survey of India (BSI):
Apex Research Organization:
- BSI serves as the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Its primary focus is on conducting taxonomic and floristic studies pertaining to the wild plant resources across the country.
Establishment and Leadership:
- Established on 13th February 1890, BSI has a rich history rooted in botanical research.
- Sir George King, then Superintendent of the 'Royal Botanic Garden' Calcutta, was appointed as the inaugural ex-officio Honorary Director of BSI.
Post-Independence Reorganization:
- In 1954, post-independence, the Government of India reorganized the department as part of the scientific development initiatives.
- The functional base of BSI was expanded to encompass various new areas, aligning with the evolving scientific landscape of the country.
Objectives and Scope:
- BSI's prime objectives revolve around conducting intensive floristic surveys.
- The organization is dedicated to collecting accurate and detailed information on the occurrence, distribution, ecology, and economic utility of plants in India.
13.Forest Survey of India (FSI):
Background and Establishment:
- Founded in 1981, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) is a national organization tasked with the systematic assessment and ongoing monitoring of India's forest resources.
- The precursor to FSI was the 'Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources' (PISFR), initiated in 1965 with support from UNDP and FAO.
Organizational Structure:
- FSI operates under the purview of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- The headquarters of FSI is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Key Functions:
- As one of India's major national survey organizations, FSI plays a crucial role in evaluating and tracking the country's diverse forest resources regularly.
14.Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS):
Founding and Status:
- Established on 15 September 1883, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) stands as one of India's largest non-governmental organizations dedicated to conservation and biodiversity research.
Partnership with BirdLife International:
- BNHS holds the position of a key partner for BirdLife International in India, highlighting its significant role in avian conservation efforts. Moreover, it has earned the designation of a 'Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation' by the Department of Science and Technology.
Distinctive Logo:
- The emblem of BNHS features the majestic great hornbill, symbolizing the organization's commitment to the preservation of India's diverse bird species.
Internet of Birds Initiative:
- In collaboration with IT consultancy firm Accenture, BNHS has pioneered the Internet of Birds platform. This innovative initiative employs Artificial Intelligence technology, encompassing machine learning and computer vision. It allows for the identification of bird species found in India by analyzing digital photos uploaded by the public. This demonstrates BNHS's embrace of modern technology for advancing wildlife research and conservation.
15.National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB):
Establishment and Mandate:
- Founded in August 1992.
- Tasked with promoting afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration, and eco-development activities across the nation.
Focus Areas:
- Gives special attention to degraded forest areas, lands adjacent to forests, national parks, sanctuaries, and protected areas.
- Particular emphasis on ecologically fragile regions like the Western Himalayas, Aravallis, Western Ghats, etc.
Ecological Restoration Mechanisms:
- Develops mechanisms for the ecological restoration of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands.
- Implements systematic planning and cost-effective measures for restoration.
Resource Rehabilitation:
- Restores fuelwood, fodder, timber, and other forest produce on degraded forest and adjacent lands.
- Aims to meet the demands for these essential items sustainably.
Research and Technology Dissemination:
- Actively sponsors research initiatives.
- Extends research findings through outreach to disseminate new and effective technologies for the regeneration and development of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands.
16.National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
Establishment and Composition
- Constituted as a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Formed under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with amendments in 2006.
- Chaired by the Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Comprises eight experts or professionals with qualifications and experience in wildlife conservation, including tribal welfare.
- Includes three Members of Parliament, two elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States.
- The Inspector-General of Forests, overseeing Project Tiger, serves as the ex-officio Member Secretary.
Objectives of NTCA:
- Provide statutory authority to Project Tiger, ensuring legal compliance with its directives.
- Enhance accountability of the Center-State partnership in managing Tiger Reserves, establishing a basis for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with States.
- Facilitate oversight by Parliament.
- Address the livelihood interests of local communities residing around Tiger Reserves.
Powers and Functions:
- Approval of tiger conservation plans prepared by State Governments under section 38V(3) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Evaluation and assessment of sustainable ecology, prohibiting ecologically unsustainable land use such as mining and industry within tiger reserves.
- Provision of management focus and measures to address conflicts between humans and wild animals, emphasizing co-existence in forest areas outside National Parks, sanctuaries, or tiger reserves.
- Dissemination of information on protection measures, future conservation plans, population estimates of tigers and their prey species, habitat status, disease surveillance, mortality surveys, patrolling, and other relevant management aspects.
- Ensuring critical support, including scientific, information technology, and legal assistance for effective implementation of tiger conservation plans.
- Facilitation of ongoing capacity-building programs for the skill development of officers and staff within tiger reserves.