**4. Identification of research needs gaps and constraints**

#### **4.1. Identification of Research and Development Gaps**

#### **i. Identification of research needs:**


**c.** Strategies and Actions for Wild biodiversity

**Technique Definition**

266 Biodiversity - The Dynamic Balance of the Planet

The collection of seed sample at one location and their transfer to a gene bank for storage. The samples are usually dried to a suitable low moisture content and then

at a second site. Large number of accessions of a few species are usually conserved.

The collection of seed sample at one location and their transfer to a gene bank for storage. The samples are usually dried to a suitable low moisture content and then

at a second site. Large number of accessions of a few species are usually conserved.

The collecting of seed or living material from one location and its transfer and maintenance at second location as living plant collections of species in an arboretum. Small numbers of accessions of a large number of species are usually conserved.

The collecting of seed or living material from one location and its transfer and maintenance at second location as living plant collections of species in an arboretum. Small numbers of accessions of a large number of species are usually conserved.

kept at sub-zero temperatures.

kept at sub-zero temperatures.

free environment).

**4. Identification of research needs gaps and constraints**

**b.** Global Net-Working in identification and monitoring forest biodiversity

condition.

**4.1. Identification of Research and Development Gaps**

**i. Identification of research needs:**

**a.** Biodiversity documentation

**Table 14.** Techniques of *ex-situ* conservation (Hawkes *et al.* 2000)

environment).

condition.

**Table 13.** Techniques of *ex-situ* conservation (Hawkes *et al.* 2000)

**Technique Definition**

Field gene bank The collecting of seed or living material from one location and its transfer and planting

*In-vitro* storage The collection and maintenance of ex-plants (tissue samples) in a sterile, pathogen free

Field gene bank The collecting of seed or living material from one location and its transfer and planting

*In-vitro* storage The collection and maintenance of ex-plants (tissue samples) in a sterile, pathogen

DNA/ Pollen storage The collecting of DNA or pollen and storage in appropriate, usually refrigerated

DNA/ Pollen storage The collecting of DNA or pollen and storage in appropriate, usually refrigerated

Seed storage

Seed storage

Botanic garden/ arboretum

Botanic garden/ arboretum


**•** A further strategic approach is needed for detailed research on different ecosystem services and functions to estimate the potential impacts of climate change

**•** Establishing of Gene Sanctuaries of endemic & RET species

**•** Biodiversity assessment and updating for Forest Working Plans.

**•** Monitoring biodiversity of Sacred Groves and provide inputs for conservation.

**•** Studies on regeneration status of important primary and secondary timber species.

**•** Monitoring the structural composition of different forest types vis-à-vis climatic factors.

**•** Identification, documentation and domestication of wild plant species of aesthetic value for

**•** Studies on usage of plants and animals in lesser known ethnic communities and validation

**•** Studies on sustainability of over-exploited bioresources among forest dwelling communi‐

**•** Impact of natural calamities on forests and developing technologies for re-vegetating the

**•** Studies on reproductive biology and breeding systems of important tree species.

**•** Awareness creation on biodiversity, benefit sharing and other legal issues.

**•** Phenological studies on important tree species vis-à-vis climate change.

**•** Studies on species yielding natural dyes, wild fruits, tubers and fodder.

**•** Studies on intra-specific variations in important timber species.

Boards.

Urban Forestry.

of information.

affected areas.

**•** Studies on plant successions.

**•** Eco-restoration of degraded forest areas.

**•** Environment Impact Assessment Studies.

**•** Studies on factors contributing towards forest degradation.

**•** Studies on reclamation of lands subjected to pollution and mining.

**•** Eco-restoration of degraded riparian and swamp ecosystems.

**•** Studies on the impact of invasive weeds in forest ecosystem.

**•** Studies on aquatic biodiversity in hill streams and rivers.

**•** Microfloral and faunal dynamics of forest litter vis-à-vis climate change

ties.

**•** Preparation of Biodiversity Registers in a collaborative mode with the State Biodiversity

Ecosystem Biodiversity of India http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58431 269

**d.** *Technological and Capacity Building Gaps*: Today, science and technology is growing very fast. But it is not hard to see that the forestry sector of India has not been able to tap into the advances in technology to the optimal and uniform level. On the one hand, we have high and technical devices and on the other forestry sector lacks well equipped technical devices needed to research activity. Perhaps, one of the reasons why the status of forestry statistics has become a cause of concern because there is a vast gap in the current technology applications and their adaptation to the day-today working of forest research.

The local capacity to collect data at regional level is weak. Before implementing technological advances in statistical data reporting work, it is necessary to build adequate capacity for collection of data from primary sources. The primary data collector should be well versed not only in the terminology of the database, but also with the importance of such a database to ensure sincerity in the work. The capacity-building programmes should have a sustainable structure aiming at timely upgrading in tandem with the technology. Use of local and wide area networks is essential to ensure on-time data availability.

**e.** *Capacity strengthening:* The capacity to identify, collect and share data, use information and methods and build knowledge relevant for biodiversity conservation and ecological security is critical because of rapidly changing climatic, environmental and socioeconomic conditions. Extension services and mechanisms have been weakened greatly over the last two decades. Extension will need to be strengthened substantially in order to address biodiversity conservation for providing an efficient interface between policymakers and the forest community.
