Latest Events / News
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Release of Spring issue" of the Natural Heritage Bulletin
The Spring issue" (January - March, 2018) of the Natural Heritage Bulletin published by UNESCO C2C was released during the WII Governing Body Meeting at MoEFCC, New Delhi on 18th April, 2018 Download E-Bulletin 
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Last Updated: April 19, 2018 -
Press Note on UNESCO C2C New Building Inauguration at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun on 10th March, 2018
Acknowledging the demonstrated capability of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in the field of wildlife, biodiversity, and natural heritage conservation, UNESCO and Government of India decided to establish the Category 2 Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia and the Pacific Region at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun with a formal signing of the agreement on 2nd September, 2015.
A new building for the Centre was inaugurated by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India at an event organized in the premises of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun on 10th March, 2018. After inaugurating and taking a tour of the new building, the Hon’ble Minister addressed the large gathering of distinguished guests along with staff and researchers of the Wildlife Institute of India by lauding the capacity and competence of WII to have achieved this prestigious recognition. Dr Harsh Vardhan noted with pleasure that this Centre had the unique distinction of being the first Centre in the world on natural heritage conservation. He acknowledged the Centre’s activities over the last three years of its functioning and urged the Centre to further strengthen India’s leadership in the Asia and the Pacific region as per its mandate. On this occasion he planted a sapling of Magnolia champaca.
The Minister highlighted the support from the Government of India by pointing out that the Cabinet approval for establishing this Centre was given in the meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Foundation Stone of the building was also laid by Shri Prakash Javadekar ji, the then Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge). Dr. Harsh Vardhan reiterated the Government’s commitment not only to strengthen the Category 2 Centre but also to take forward the proposal for designating Wildlife Institute of India as an Institute of National Importance (INI) to its logical conclusion.
Shri Siddhanta Das, the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary to Government of India graced the occasion as Guest of Honour and congratulated the Wildlife Institute of India for the establishment of this Category 2 Centre. Shri Das too recalled the support of the Ministry to this endeavour and expressed confidence that the Centre will successfully fulfil its mandate of natural heritage conservation both within India and its neighbourhood.
Dr.V.B.Mathur, the Director, Wildlife Institute of India and UNESCO Category 2 Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia and the Pacific Region, expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister and acknowledged the presence of Shri Siddhanta Das, the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary to Government of India and Shri M.S. Negi, Additional Director General (Wildlife), MoEFCC along with other dignitaries for their presence on this momentous occasion. Dr. Mathur highlighted the long journey in the process of approval and establishment of this Centre and the Ministry’s generous support for the same. He mentioned that the C2C will function as an integral part of the Wildlife Institute of India by sharing its campus, management and human resources. The Director reiterated the commitment to deliver high quality outcomes through activities of WII and the UNESCO Category 2 Centre.
Last Updated: March 13, 2018 -
One-week Compulsory Training Course for Indian Forest Service Officers on “Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation”, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12-16 February 2018)
Wildlife Institute of India has organized a one-week compulsory training course for Indian Forest Service Officers on “Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation” was conducted from 12-16 February 2018 at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This course was co-sponsored by the Capacity building component of CAMPA-Dugong Recovery program and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. This training course was designed to achieve the objectives of mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into eco-tourism sector in India. The course was attended by 36 IFS officers from thirteen state cadres (AGMUT, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand) and two ministries (Ministry of Ayush & Ministry of Tribal Affairs).
Last Updated: February 21, 2018 -
'World Wetlands Day 2018' Celebrations
ENVIS Resource Partner 'Wildlife and Protected Areas’, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun has organized a 'Nature Awareness cum Bird watching cum Wetland Clean-up Programme' for the school children of Uttrakhand. This programme was jointly supported by the State Forest Department especially the Chakrata Forest Division and School Education Department of Uttrakhand. This programme was conducted as part of 'World Wetlands Day 2018' celebrations. School children from five schools, located at vicinity of the Conservation Reserve were participated in this programme. The programme was inaugurated with address by Mr. S. K. Kala, ACF, Chakrata Forest Division, Dehradun. Mr. Ashutosh Singh from Wildlife Institute of India presented a lecture on the Importance of Birds and their ecological roles with identification guidance. Principal of Purva Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Dhalipur, Mr. Muhammad Aquil Chauhan addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of saving our ecosystems. A drawing competition was organized with topics of 'Paryavaran Sanrakshan and Nam Bhumi- Asan Conservation Reserve'. Winners of the competition have been honoured with prize by the Team of ENVIS Resource Partner (WII).
Last Updated: February 2, 2018 -
69th Republic Day Celebrated at Wildlife Institute of India
The 69th Republic Day was celebrated at the Wildlife Institute of India on 26th January, 2018. Addressing the gathering of Institute’s faculty, staff, researchers, officer trainees and students Dr. V.B.Mathur, Director emphasized on the need to uphold the constitution of India in both letter and spirit and to promote peace, equality and justice for all through inclusive governance. He recalled the Institute’s contribution in securing the natural assets and unique heritage of the country through capacity building initiatives of the Ministryof Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and of State Forest Departments and other stakeholders. He informed that Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has agreed to lead the process for designating WII as an ‘Institute of National Importance (INI)’. He said that the Institute’s current efforts in resource mobilization were giving excellent outcomes and these had to be pursued with greater zeal.‘Certificate of Appreciation’ were awarded to individuals involved in successful operationalization of the ‘Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS) train of Government of India and the Institute staff for their outstanding performance during 'Hindi Fortnight 2018'.
Following the flag hoisting, the Institute launched the 'Campus Solid Organic Waste Management Programme', for which technical assistance was provided by Ms. Meera Iyer, Principal Central Academy of State Forest Service (CASFOS) and her team. A volleyball match was also played between CASFOS and WII teams.
Last Updated: January 27, 2018 -
Science Express : Virtual Express Experience (Climate Action Special)
Last Updated: January 25, 2018 -
Visit of His Excellency Shri V.P. Singh Badnore, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory of Chandigarh to Wildlife Institute of India on 27 December, 2017
The Governor of Punjab & Administrator, Union Territory of Chandigarh, His Excellency Shri V.P. Singh Badnore visited the Wildlife Institute of India on 27th December, 2017. The Hon’ble Governor expressed his pleasure to be at the Institute and recalled his long association with the Institute in working towards the goal of wildlife conservation in general and tiger conservation in particular. The programme of his visit included interaction with the faculty and research staff of the Institute. Presentations were made on four topics comprising ‘Tiger Conservation in India: An Update’ delivered by Dr. Kausik Banerjee; ‘Tiger Conservation in Sariska’ by Dr. Parag Nigam; ‘Conservation of the Great Indian Bustard’ by Dr. Sutirtha Dutta; and ‘Management of Keoladeo National Park: A World Heritage Site’ by Dr. K. Sivakumar. The Hon’ble Governor acknowledged the Institute’s scientific inputs in successfully bringing the tiger back in Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves. He emphasised the need to connect local communities with conservation and stressed the importance of their support for achieving conservation success. He also highlighted the need for responsible tourism and the need for tourism to provide benefits to local communities while ensuring its regulation and commitment to best practices. The Hon’ble Governor also expressed his willingness to promote the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard by lending his support in involving the Indian Army further in the species conservation in large tracts of land where the Army operates and which also provide habitat to the species.
A souvenir was presented to the Hon’ble Governor by the Director, Dr. V.B. Mathur as a token of gratitude on behalf of the Wildlife Institute of India. Dr. Mathur recalled the dynamic leadership provided by the Hon’ble Governor as Chairman of the Rajasthan State Empowered Committee set up to deal with tiger conservation and wildlife management issues post Sariska debacle.
Last Updated: December 30, 2017 -
Himalayan Heritage: Community-led Economic Regeneration
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) - Intangible Cultural Heritage Division
in collaboration with INTACH Uttarakhand Chapter and UNESCO Category 2 Centre on World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia and the Pacific Region, Wildlife Institute of India (29th - 30th November, 2017)
The Himalayan region in India, broadly comprising of the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, the hill region of West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh, is a unique landscape dotted with communities possessing a wealth of intangible heritage. This is reflected in numerous languages, indigenous knowledge systems including medicinal knowledge, food ways, arts, crafts and performative traditions. Several major religions and sacred shrines have influenced the movements of populations and impacted cultural flows in the area. For hundreds of years, the beliefs and practices of ethnographically complex groups have informed the region’s way of life, and contributed to the evolution of distinct cultural identities. The region is also high in biodiversity and has a very rich natural heritage which is inseparably entwined with local cultures.Due to the mainly agrarian nature of this region, its climatic conditions and tough topography, and lack of income opportunities locally, migration is on the rise, putting at risk many old traditions. Under gravest threat are the oral traditions of several communities, which incorporate invaluable local knowledge and creative output. This loss is also underpinned by the loss of languages, thus impacting the composite culture of this region.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage Division, INTACH in collaboration with the INTACH Uttarakhand Chapter and the UNESCO Category 2 Centre on World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia and the Pacific Region at Wildlife Institute of India is organising a National Conference on the intangible culture of the Himalayan region, with an aim to deliberate with community members, professionals, scholars, researchers and other cultural and natural heritage specialists on the idea of social and cultural identity, related oral traditions and to explore how this meets the challenge of an ever changing contextual environment.
Last Updated: November 29, 2017 -
WII-POWERGRID MOU for Avifaunal conservation under Corporate Social Responsibility
The Govt. of India has enacted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Act in 2013 with the objective of engaging the companies in managing their business to produce an overall positive effect on society and environment. CSR is governed by clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 that encourages companies to spend at least 2% of their average net profit from the previous three years on CSR activities. In order to meet the growing requirements of the power sector, the country is seeing a surge in the expansion of power transmission line network across the country, many of which are being aligned through areas harbouring avifaunal populations and growing network is becoming a threat to the survival of a range of rare and endangered birds. In order to mitigate this situation, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Powergrid Corporation India Pvt. Ltd (PGCIL) have signed an MOU on 31st October, 2017 for initiating a project on “Assessing the Impacts of Power-Lines on Avian Species in the Arid Plains of Western Gujarat” under the CSR initiative of PGCIL. This is the first ever project taken up by WII seeking partnership with corporate sector under the CSR umbrella. The project will be completed in two years with a financial assistance of with corporate sector under the CSR umbrella. The project will be completed in two years with a financial assistance of Rs.90,00,000/- from PGCIL. The key objectives of the project are:
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To assess the electrocution and collision risk to birds due to existing power-lines and wind farms, identify problematic configurations and generate comprehensive data on mortality of avifauna
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To identify sensitive bird habitats along existing and proposed power-line and wind farm corridors in Western Gujarat.
Dr. R Suresh Kumar and Dr. Anju Baroth would coordinate this project.
Last Updated: November 29, 2017 -
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Hands-on Training towards marine biodiversity monitoring with scuba diving for the frontline staff of Tamil Nadu Forest Department by CAMPA-Dugong Recovery Programme
Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Forest Department and SDMRI has organized One-Week Special Course in ‘Hands-on Training towards marine biodiversity monitoring with scuba diving for the frontline staff of Tamil Nadu Forest Department’ as part of CAMPA-Dugong Recovery Programme, on 8th – 15th October, 2017 at Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu. A total of 10 Range Forest Officers and four Researchers have participated in the training. The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Tamil Nadu, Director, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar National Park, Director, SDMRI have provided inputs in the course along with WII Team lead by Dr JA Johnson. The main objectives of this training are to provide a) basic knowledge of marine biodiversity of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay and their conservation b) knowledge on dugongs and their conservation c) SCUBA diving in open water d) hands-on training of under water marine biodiversity monitoring using, quadrats, LIT and PIT methods. In future, similar trainings are planned for frontline staff of Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar islands and also for the Managers of Marine Protected Areas of these three states.Sea Cow Dugong dugon, is occur in Andaman and Nicobar islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Gulf of Kutch in India. Several reasons have been attributed to their population decline, some of which include sea grass habitat loss and degradation, boat traffic, gill netting, disease, chemical pollutants, consumptive use, and poaching. Therefore, recovering dugongs entails targeted, multidisciplinary research that flows into management actions and advocacy for policy changes. Therefore, dugong recovery program aims at: (a) assessing and monitoring Dugong population and habitat status; (b) implementing site specific management actions to recover populations and restore critical habitats; (c) incentivizing participatory conservation efforts involving local stakeholders; and (d) improving the capacity of enforcement and management agencies to promote integrated protection and management of Dugong and associated species. For further details: ksivakumar [at] wii [dot] gov [dot] in
Last Updated: January 8, 2018
