The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): MoEFCC is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government of India for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of the environmental and forestry programmes. The primary concerns of the Ministry are implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including lakes and rivers, biodiversity, forests, wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and prevention and reduction of pollution.

Website: www.envfor.nic.in

Wetlands International South Asia is a non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in South Asia region. They envision a world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide.

Website: www.south-asia.wetlands.org

AVT McCormick is one of the largest producers and exporters of value-added spice ingredients in India. It is also the biggest exporters of red peppers in India and is working towards becoming the biggest exporter of sustainably grown spices for their other core products viz. turmeric and cumin by 2024/25 besides developing a sustainable supply chain for cardamom. Established in 1994, AVT McCormick (AVT McC) is a 50:50 Joint Venture between A.V. Thomas Group, India and McCormick & Co., USA. It is in their business interest to spread the adoption of sustainable practices to reduce the negative impacts on the environment. The overall business aims to improve the safety and quality of spices which has market access in the domestic, regional and global markets. AVT McCormick is currently trading spice ingredients and blends in more than 45 countries to food companies such as Mondelez International, Kellogg´s, Nestle, Mars, Starbucks, Kraft Heinz, Dole and Westmill.

Website: www.avtmccormick.com

The Forest Department of Uttarakhand is one of the oldest in India with a history of forestry reaching back by about 150 years into the middle of the nineteenth century. It has the responsibility for managing some of the richest forests and biodiversity in India. These are spread over a landscape that includes plains where the tall Sal trees and myriad other plant species hold sway. Tigers, Elephants, Deer, Antelopes, Pythons, a large number of bird species, amongst many others, inhabit these forests and grasslands.

Website: www.forest.uk.gov.in

The Karnataka Forest Department works with the vision of conservation, management and development of forests and tree growth, on sustainable basis, for present and future generations. It has a long and cherished history of pragmatic and conservation oriented management of forests. Its mission is to plan, execute, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Forestry and Wildlife programmes to meet people needs and to ensure ecological security and environmental balance, by sustainable management of forests.

Website: www.aranya.gov.in

The West Bengal Forestry has completed 150 years of scientific forestry in the Eastern region of India which is home to a rich and bewildering variety of forests and wildlife. Here emphasis has been given to conservation and management of sustainable resources in order to achieve the goal of long-term biodiversity conservation. The overall strategy involves protection of critical habitats of endangered species, reduction of man animal conflict, capacity building and involvement of local people in management of Protected Areas among many others.

Website: www.westbengalforest.gov.in

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): MoEFCC is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government of India for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of the environmental and forestry programmes. The primary concerns of the Ministry are implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including lakes and rivers, biodiversity, forests, wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and prevention and reduction of pollution.

Website: www.envfor.nic.in

Established in 1982, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an internationally acclaimed Institution, which offers training program, academic courses and advisory in wildlife research and management. The Institute is actively engaged in research across the breadth of the country on biodiversity related issues.

Website: www.wii.gov.in

The Union for Ethical Biotrade was launched in October 2007 and is a non-profit association that promotes the “Sourcing with Respect” of ingredients that come from biodiversity. UEBT was created as a spin off from the United Nations to promote business engagement in BioTrade. Ethical BioTrade advances sustainable business growth, local development and biodiversity conservation. UEBT is on the mission to promote Ethical BioTrade practices by offering UEBT members independent verification, technical support and networking opportunities for biodiversity-based innovation and sourcing.

Website: www.ethicalbiotrade.org

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established by the Central Government in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002). The NBA is a Statutory Body and it performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory functions for the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

Website: www.nbaindia.org

The Government of Maharashtra has established the State Biodiversity Board for the conservation and regulation of biological resources in the state. Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, Nagpur has been established according to the notification issued by Revenue and Forest Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai on 02 January 2012 with letter no. WLP-1009/C.R 15/F-1 (Part 3) in exercise of the powers turboessays conferred under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 (18 of 2003).

Website: www.maharashtrabiodiversityboard.gov.in

Tamil Nadu is home to a unique flora and fauna (wild as well as domesticated) and several agricultural crops. The state accounts for nearly 1/3 of the total flora of India. The Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board was constituted under Section 22 of the Biological Diversity Act, 22 (Central Act 18 of 2003) and is currently in the process of notifying the State rules for implementing the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules 2004.

Website: www.tnbb.tn.gov.in

The Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board

• Advice the State Government, subject to any guidelines issued by the Central Government, on matters related to conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources;
• Regulate by granting of approvals or otherwise request for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization and any biological resource by Indians;
• Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 or as may be prescribed by the State Government.

Website: www.sbb.uk.gov.in

The ABS Capacity Development Initiative was established in 2006 to support the development and implementation of national regulations on "Access and Benefit Sharing" (ABS).

The ABS Initiative holds the unique position as a global information and knowledge broker on ABS with the goal to support its national implementation.

The guiding principles of the ABS Initiative's approach arise from the third objective of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol which is in force since October 2014.

Website: www.abs-initiative.info

INTERACT-Bio is a four-year project designed for improving the utilization and management of nature within fast-growing cities and the regions surrounding them. It aims to provide expanding urban communities in the Global South with nature-based solutions and associated long-term benefits.

The project will enable governments at all levels – from local to national – to integrate their efforts for mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem services into core subnational government functions such as spatial planning, land-use management, local economic development and infrastructure design.

Website: www.cbc.iclei.org

To guide and mentor business organisations in India on conservation and sustainable use, the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development launched the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI).

This business-led initiative serves as a national platform for business, to promote sharing and learning, and will ultimately lead to mainstreaming sustainable management of biological diversity by business.

IBBI was initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, and is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Website: www.businessbiodiversity.in

The Forests of Himachal Pradesh are known for their grandeur and majesty and are famous as the green pearl in the Himalayan crown. These life supporting systems are presently under great stress due to impacts of modern civilisation, economic development and growth in human and cattle population. The forest department closely works with the issues with the objective to bring 50% of the state’s geographical area under forest cover.

Website: www.hpforest.nic.in

The Government of Himachal Pradesh is the supreme governing authority of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It consists of an executive branch, led by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, a judiciary and a legislative branch. The state of Himachal Pradesh was formed in 1948 and is situated in northern India in the Western Himalayas.

Website: www.himachal.nic.in

The Rainforest Alliance is working to solve urgent environmental and social challenges from fighting deforestation and climate change to building economic opportunities and better working conditions for rural people. They have been working for more than 30 years to bring real, measurable benefits to forests, communities, and wildlife in vulnerable landscapes around the world.

Website: www.rainforest-alliance.org

UEBT was launched in October 2007 and is a non-profit association that promotes the “Sourcing with Respect” of ingredients that come from biodiversity. UEBT was created as a spin off from the United Nations to promote business engagement in BioTrade. Ethical BioTrade advances sustainable business growth, local development and biodiversity conservation.

Website: www.ethicalbiotrade.org

To guide and mentor business organisations in India on conservation and sustainable use, the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development launched the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI).

This business-led initiative serves as a national platform for business, to promote sharing and learning, and will ultimately lead to mainstreaming sustainable management of biological diversity by business.

IBBI was initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, and is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Website: www.businessbiodiversity.in

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government alike through advisory and consultative processes.

Website: www.cii.in

Since its foundation in 1987 AISEF works towards protecting the interests of spice exporters in the country and creating a sustainable, pro-development business environment for the spice industry and its stakeholders. AISEF is managed by an elected Managing Committee chosen from among its members.

Website: www.aisef.org

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established by the Central Government in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002). The NBA is a Statutory Body and it performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory functions for the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

Website: www.nbaindia.org

As a constituent body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), IISR is a is a major Institute devoted to research on spices. In 1976, it started as a Regional Station of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, engaged in research on spices. IISR is devoted in the sectors of Research, Education and Agricultural Extension.

Website: www.spices.res.in

Global Nature Fund is a non-profit, private, independent international foundation for the protection of environment and nature. The headquarters are located in Radolfzell at Lake Constance, Germany. GNF was founded in 1998 with the objective to foster the protection of nature and environment as well as animals.

Website: www.globalnature.org

PDS is one of the largest non-government organisations (NGO) in South India and has received many recognitions and awards in length and breadth. PDS aims to promote the sustainable development of tribal, rural poor, marginal farmers, women and children through developing various indigenous, community based and participatory developmental programmes.

Website: www.pdspeermade.com

Gujarat has a rich floral diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems that represents nearly 13% of the floristic diversity of the country. The majestic Asiatic Lion and Wild Ass have their last resorts in the world in Gujarat. The faunal biodiversity consists of 14% fishes, 18% reptiles, 37% avifauna and 25% of the mammal population of the country. Gujarat Forest Department is entrusted with the prime responsibility of protection, conservation and development of forest and wildlife of the state.

Website: www.forests.gujarat.gov.in

The forests of Goa are known for their grandeur and majesty. They are like the green pearl of the tourist paradise state. Forests of Goa form part of the Western Ghats, a region which has been internationally recognised as Biodiversity Hotspot of the world owing to its rich flora and fauna. The Forest Department endeavours to serve the people of Goa in many fields. The main objective of the Forest Department is the conservation of the forests in Goa. Protection of wildlife is another important area in which the Department plays a vital role.

Website: www.forest.goa.gov.in

As custodian of the state’s rich and diverse biodiversity, Maharashtra Forest Department is committed to a conservation-centric management and protection strategy. Wildlife focused eco-tourism management hinges on sustainability. Production – be it timber or non-timber forest produce – is managed with sustainability at its core. Joint Forestry Management is implemented to secure natural resources as well as livelihood security remains the major people-centric activity.

Website: www.mahaforest.nic.in

The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) was constituted in the year 1987 by renaming the erstwhile Indian Forest College, which was originally established in 1938 for training senior forest officers. The primary mandate of the Academy is to impart knowledge and skills to the professional foresters and help them to develop competence for managing the country forest and wildlife resources on a sustainable basis.

Website: www.ignfa.gov.in

Established in 1982, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an internationally acclaimed Institution, which offers training program, academic courses and advisory in wildlife research and management. The Institute is actively engaged in research across the breadth of the country on biodiversity related issues.

Website: www.wii.gov.in

ICAR is an apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research, extension and education in agriculture in the entire country under the aegis of DARE, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. It is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.

Website: www.aieea.net

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (was established by Government of India under the ICAR family in 1967. During the course of over 65 years the Institute has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world.

Since its inception, the CMFRI grew significantly. During the first half of the five decades of its existence, the CMFRI devoted its research attention towards the estimation of marine fisheries landings and effort, taxonomy of marine organisms and the bio-economic characteristics of the exploited stocks of finfish and shellfish.

Website: www.cmfri.org.in

The Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) is India's premier Scuba Diving School located in Tarkarli (Sindhudurg, Maharashtra). It is India's first integrated scuba diving resort with a 25 ft. dedicated scuba diving pool, class rooms and a conference room with advanced multimedia presentation facility.

Website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

The Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation is an autonomous body, set up in 1982 by the Forests & Environment Department of the Government of Gujarat. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Governors chaired by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Website: www.geerfoundation.gujarat.gov.in

The Department of Environment & Forests is the Nodal Department in the Administrative set up of Andaman & Nicobar Administration for planning, formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for conservation, protection, and management of the forests and wildlife in the territory The Forestry practices in these islands have undergone remarkable changes in the last 132 years, influenced by major policy changes and the socio-economic and political situation in this country and abroad.

Website: www.ls1.and.nic.in

Earth Watch Institute is an international environmental charity founded as Educational Expeditions International in 1971 near Boston (USA) by Robert A. Citron and Clarence Truesdale, then superintendent of Vermont public schools. It is one of the largest global underwriters of scientific field research in archaeology, palaeontology, marine life, biodiversity, ecosystems and wildlife. For over forty years, Earth Watch has delivered a unique citizen science model to raise funds and recruit individuals, students, teachers and corporate fellows to participate in critical field research to understand nature's response to accelerating global change.

Website: www.earthwatch.org

Gujarat University is a state university situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The university is an affiliating university at the under-graduate level and a teaching university at the postgraduate level. It is accredited B++ by NAAC. It was established in 1949.

Website: www.gujaratuniversity.ac.in

SPICE is a fast-growing media school, offering comprehensive Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs in the field of media. The institute, popularly called SPICE by students, also offers short diploma courses, certificate courses and workshops in graphic designs, digital photography, film making and video editing. With its top-notch media faculty and excellent infrastructure, SPICE is the go-to destination for Gen Next media professionals.

Website: www.stpaulsice.com

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, (informally Xavier's) is a college affiliated to the University of Mumbai offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce and Management. Xavier's was the first college to be granted autonomy by the University of Mumbai in 2010. In 2006, St. Xavier's was awarded 'A+' grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

Website: www.xaviers.edu

The AIZ lives up to its name, because cooperation is very important in the AIZ. They are convinced that cooperation decides the success of our measures: that is why we are a member of associations; open networks for our participants and cooperate with further education institutions worldwide.

Website: www.giz.de

The Bay of Bengal Regional Project is part of the “Ocean Partnerships for Sustainable Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation – Models for Innovation and Reform” Project (OPP-BOB) funded by the World Bank. Implemented by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) in its member-countries. The Project recognises that the challenge of fisheries management requires effective collaboration and, therefore, works with a full range of stakeholders at international, national and local levels.

Website: www.oppbob.org

The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM),Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has the following vision and mission that would aid in the better protection, conservation, rehabilitation, management and policy design of the coast. It would promote integrated and sustainable management of coastal and marine areas in India and advise the Union and States/ Union Territory Governments and other associated stakeholders on policy, and scientific matters relating to Integrated Coastal Management (ICZM)

Website: www.ncscm.res.in

Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) is a leading non-government organization (NGO) in India, engaged in conservation of, education about and research on nature. In the year 1992, SNM started its work in the pristine region of Konkan on the western coast of Maharashtra state in India.

Website: www.snmcpn.org

Over the 107 years since its establishment, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, has become the premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education in India. Since its inception, the Institute has laid a balanced emphasis on the pursuit of basic knowledge in science and engineering, as well as on the application of its research findings for industrial and social benefit.

Website: www.iisc.ac.in

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is a non governmental organisation located in Mumbai. the guiding principle of BNHS has been that conservation should be based on scientific research.

BNHS has a vibrant presence at dozens of places across India covering diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, mountains, deserts and marine areas. This includes work in the Global Biodiversity Hotspots such as Western Ghats and eastern Himalaya. Over 150 scientists and professionals work on and off the field to further the tasks of research, conservation and nature education.

Website: www.bnhs.org

Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) is a Marine Research and Higher Education organization. The founders of SDMRI are well known personalities in the society. The Founder President of SDMRI, Mr. D.G. Rajan is an industrialist, administrator and social worker with various capacities in the society.

Website: www.sdmri.in

The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) is an Indian autonomous research institute, established in 1980 to facilitate research activity in Economics and Social Sciences. It was the brain child of B.P.R. Vithal, IAS (Retd)., the former Principal Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Finance and Planning Department. The campus is situated at Begumpet in Hyderabad.

Website: www.cess.ac.in

CESC is a not-for-profit resource centre initiated by a group of professionals from different disciplines. It recognises the pressing need to seriously address the interdisciplinary concerns of diverse initiatives for placing development process on a sustainable trajectory. The mission of the centre is to provide such knowledge-based services to a wide range of stakeholders in the development sector such as local communities, government agencies, non-government organizations, and decision makers at different levels.

Website: www.cesc-india.org

The Chilika Development Authority is a Government of Odisha Agency) that was created under the Forest & Environment Department in1991. Its objective is the conservation of the ecology of the Chilika lagoon and to achieve an all-round development in and around the lagoon through multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary development activities.

Website: www.chilika.com

The IISc is one of India’s leading institution in advanced education and research within the fields of sciences and engineering. IISc aims to be among the world’s foremost academic institutions through the pursuit of excellence in research and promotion of innovation by offering world-class education to train future leaders in science and technology and by applying science and technology breakthroughs for India’s wealth creation and social welfare.

Website: www.iisc.ac.in

The institute is recognised worldwide as a leader in the field of engineering education and research. Reputed for the outstanding calibre of students graduating from its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the institute attracts the best students from the country for its bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Website: www.iitb.ac.in

The Institute of Economic Growth is an autonomous, multidisciplinary centre for advanced research and training. Widely recognized as a Centre of excellence, it is one of India 's leading academic institutions. The Institute’s research profile reflects national concerns and themes such as agricultural and rural development, industry, trade, finance, monetary economics, population, urbanization, macroeconomics, and social change receive prime attention.

Website: www.iegindia.org

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.

Website: www.iucn.org

The Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS) is a research institute based in Chennai. It is a joint undertaking of the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu for conducting research on development problems in Tamil Nadu and the rest of India. MIDS has become a centre for critical thinking on development issues.

Website: www.mids.ac.in

The starting of the MSE can be looked upon as a venture to establish a largely privately funded independent institution of higher learning in a vital field of social sciences. MSE aims to become an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence in economic studies, attracting the best of students and teachers from different parts of the country.

Website: www.mse.ac.in

NIE is an online open access journal devoted to a wide range of subjects and issues related to ecology and environment. It publishes short research communications and articles of general interest to members from different disciplines. It also publishes news items and information on recent publications and forthcoming meetings, besides matters related to the NIE.

Website: www.nieindia.org

The Asian Nature Conservation Foundation (ANCF) is a non-profit public charitable organisation that is constituted as an independent group of conservation professionals; in implementing its programmes it works closely with Government agencies, sister research and education institutions, civil society groups and community organisations.

Website: www.asiannature.org

Wetlands International is the global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. Wetlands are the source of water that supports all forms of life, there vision is a world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide.

Website: www.wetlands.org

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a leading Indian nature conservation organisation committed to the service of nature. Its mission is to conserve wildlife and its habitat and to work for the welfare of individual wild animals, in partnership with communities and governments.

Website: www.wti.org.in

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (was established by Government of India under the ICAR family in 1967. During the course of over 65 years the Institute has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world.

Since its inception, the CMFRI grew significantly. During the first half of the five decades of its existence, the CMFRI devoted its research attention towards the estimation of marine fisheries landings and effort, taxonomy of marine organisms and the bio-economic characteristics of the exploited stocks of finfish and shellfish.

Website: www.cmfri.org.in

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): MoEFCC is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government of India for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of the environmental and forestry programmes. The primary concerns of the Ministry are implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including lakes and rivers, biodiversity, forests, wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and prevention and reduction of pollution.

Website: www.envfor.nic.in