Current Programmes

4. State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP)

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is being prepared by MoEF with technical support of Kalpvriksh and logistic support of Biotech Consortium India Ltd. The National strategy derives its inputs from all states strategies, strategies from identified eco-regions and sub-states sites.

PSCST has been identified as nodal agency for all biodiversity issues and preparation of biodiversity strategy and action plan for Punjab. The final document has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry. The document establishes a general framework for the State’s policy on conservation & sustainable use of its biological resources, defines their current status, identifies processes leading to its deterioration and sets out guidelines and specific programs for future action. It covers both, natural & agricultural systems and presents data on wild & domesticated species/varieties of flora & fauna.

A multi-pronged approach was adopted for preparation of this document. This included inputs from the State Steering Committee, collection of primary data through public hearings, questionnaire and interviews with representatives from key departments, academic institutions, NGOs, Panchayats and local experts and collection & collation of secondary data from published journals & departmental reports. Ongoing initiatives for biodiversity conservation have been listed and gaps in information, policy & legal structure, institutional & human capacities, linkages & awareness & education have been identified.

Some of the major strategies include assessment of existing status of wild & domesticated biological resources of the state & building up a database, defining criteria for their economic evaluation, promotion of policies/projects linking wild & domesticated biodiversity, developing resource efficient technologies, guidelines for management of natural resources including habitat restoration and in-situ & ex-situ conservation of species, incentives for promotion of sustainability in agriculture and taking up intensive capacity building programs through establishment of appropriate training facilities within the Department of Science, Technology & Environment.

The document also includes 42 project proposals from key departments for consideration by Govt. of India & the State Government for future funding. The document is being translated into Punjabi for wider dissemination.

The report is under print. For detailed lists, please visit www.punjabenvironment.com or www.punenvis.nic.in

Contact Person: Dr. Neelima Jerath, neelimajerath@pscst.com
Ms. Puja, pujanangia@yahoo.co.in