29 March 2009
National Symposium on “Knowledge System For Ecosystem Management And Sustainable Development” New Delhi, August 26-27, 2008
The degradation of natural ecosystems due to various anthropogenic activities and the growing demands of the ever-increasing human population, is a serious challenge for the future sustainability of humankind on this Earth.
19 April 2009
NIE has lost another Founder Fellow.
We have received the very sad news of the passing away of another Founder Fellow on 19 April 2009.
Professor Kailash Chandra Misra
1 September 2008
National Symposium on “Knowledge System For Ecosystem Management And Sustainable Development” New Delhi, August 26-27, 2008
The degradation of natural ecosystems due to various anthropogenic activities and the growing demands of the ever-increasing human population, is a serious challenge for the future sustainability of humankind on this Earth. The Climate Change adds to the gravity of this situation because the natural ecosystems will not be able to bear the additional stresses. This calls for appropriate policies and practices for managing ecosystems as well as for their restoration to assure sustainable development. This is necessary for assuring sustainability, avoiding natural disasters, improving livelihoods and meeting the millennium development goals.
Scientists are increasingly of the view that the best option for managing and restoring natural ecosystem lies in the integration of traditional knowledge and practices with modern science and technology. It is also important to integrate the set of knowledge, skills and technology unique to the culture and society for our sustainable future.
The approaches to integration of traditional and formal knowledge systems were discussed at a National Symposium organised by the National Institute of Ecology in New Delhi during 26-27 August, 2008 at the NASC complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The Symposium, jointly sponsored by the Fisheries Division of the ICAR, commemorated the birth centenary of late Prof. Ramdeo Misra, fondly known as the Father of Indian Ecology. Professor Misra, a former Professor of Botany at the Banaras Hindu University, recipient of the Sanjay Gandhi Environment Award (1984), and the founder of the National Institute of Ecology. The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. D.N. Tewari, Deputy Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Planning Board and former Member of the Planning Commission.
The NIE has instituted the Prof. R. Misra Birth Centenary Lecture which will be delivered annually by an eminent ecologists/environmental scientist. The First Lecture was delivered by Padmabhushan Professor Madhav Gadgil on 27 August 2008.
2 May 2008
The National Institute of Ecology establishes a Corpus Fund for an annual Prof. R Misra Birth Centenary Lecture in memory of its founder, Prof. Ramdeo Misra, fondly known as Father of Indian Ecology.
2nd February 2007
NIE has lost two Eminent Founder Fellows.
We have received the very sad news of the sudden demise of two of our Founder Fellows this year.
Professor Satish Chandra Pandeya
Professor S.C. Pandeya, FNA, breathed his last on 6 January 2007 in Gwalior. Prof. Pandeya was the first student of late Prof. R. Misra and obtained his Ph.D. degree from University of Saugor in 1953. He served as Professsor & Head of the dept of Biosciences at Saurashtra University, Rajkot, and Professor Emeritus with Department of Plant Sciences at BR Ambedkar University, Agra, Prof. Pandeya was a recipient of the Birbal Sahni Medal and also former President of the Indian Botanical Society, President of the International Grassland Congress, and received many awards and honours.
We the members of the National Institute of Ecology deeply mourn his passing away.
Professor Rameshwar Sharma
Prof. Rameshwar Sharma, the Founder President of the NIE, also passed away in January 2007, in Jaipur. The NIE owes its existence and its constitution to the untiring efforts of Prof. Rameshwar Sharma who organized it following a resolution adopted in December 1976 at a Conference in Jaipur, and served as the first President. Prof. Sharma was a renowned Public Health scientist who served as Principal of the SMS Medical College, Jaipur, and trhen as Vice Chancellor of the Rajasthan University, Jaipur. Lately. He was director of the Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Jaipur.
We the members of the National Institute of Ecology deeply mourn his passing away.
2 November 2006
The National Institute of Ecology has opened today the office of the Conference Secretariat for Taal2007 at 125, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi. The NIE’s Delhi office will also operate from the same premises.
1 November 2006
The National Institute of Ecology launched today its new, completely re-designed website. As the site develops, it will offer better e-governance, and provide the members with more useful information on all aspects of Indian ecology and environment.
17 October 2006
New Ecology Book
The NIE is very pleased to announce the release of the much-awaited book Ecology, Environment and Resource Conservation
by J.S. Singh, S.P. Singh and S.R. Gupta
This is the first comprehensive textbook of its kind on ecology and environment published in India by three leading ecologists. Every post-graduate student of ecology must have a personal copy.
Prof. J.S. Singh, former President of the NIE, is one of the most acclaimed ecologists in India. His research spanning over nearly 5 decades has covered a very wide range of fields and he is one of the most prolific writers having authored over 400 research/review papers. Prof. S.P. Singh is a well known ecologist (former Joint Secretary of the NIE), and currently the Vice Chancellor of HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Uttaranchal). Prof. S.R. Gupta, another well-known ecologist, is a former Vice president of the NIE and currently Director of the Institute of Environmental Studies at Kurukshetra University.
For a detailed review of the book Click here.
16 October 2006
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, has asked the National Institute of Ecology to function as the Conference Secretariat for the 12th World Lake Conference (Taal2007) which will be held at Jaipur during 28 October to 2 November 2007. The Conference information is available on a separate website at http://www.taal207.org/ which is designed and maintained by the NIE.
10 October 2006
The Central Executive Council has taken several important decisions at its meeting on 19 September 2006. These include:
1. The Regional Chapters will be revived with the active help of the Vice Presidents. All Fellows in the region (in each state) are requested to take lead in organizing activities, and enrolling more members.
2. Efforts will be made to organize annual seminars/conferences in different parts of the country, particularly in the south and the east. Fellows are requested to send proposals fir holding the seminars.
3. An international Conference is proposed to be organized at Varanasi.
4. A National Workshop on Ecotourism is proposed to be organised preferably in Dehradun.
5. The NIE shall take part in bidding for large multi-institutional, multidisciplinary research/management projects to be funded by various national or international agencies/organizations. A Committee comprising of Dr K.K. Vass, Dr P.S. Pathak, Prof. A.R. Yousuf and Prof. K.G. Saxena has been set up to frame rules for bidding the projects.
6. The NIE will organize short-term training courses on a variety of topics of current interest, particularly for administrators and officials of various departments.
7. Greater effort will be made by the NIE to organize education and awareness programmes in different parts of the country.
8. The Council also decided to raise the annual subscription of members to Rs 500 per year w.e.f. January 2007, and that for the students to Rs 400 per year. The Life membership rates have also been increased proportionately for each age class.
19 September 2006
The Central Executive Council of the NIE held its meeting in New Delhi today, with the President, Dr P.V. Dehadrai, in chair. See photos from the meeting.
1 September 2006
Progress of the NIE's Project on Upper Catchment of River Tons Reviewed
The NIE team presented the results of their studies in the Upper Catchment of River Tons today before the Project Monitoring Committee. The Committee appreciated the hard work of the research students under most difficult conditions. The Project has been extended until March 2007.
CEC to meet on 19 September 2006 in New Delhi
The First meeting of the Newly elected Central Executive Council has been scheduled for 19 September 2006 in New Delhi.
All Fellows and Members are welcome to send their suggestions and proposals for the consideration of the Council.
These should be sent by email only to secretary@nieindia.org.
1 May 2006
CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (2006-2008)
The elections to the Central Executive Council of the NIE (2006-08) have been completed.
We thank the members of the outgoing Council for their guidance, help and support. We are particularly indebted to Dr D.N. Tewari under whose guidance as the President, the NIE has made phenomenal progress and embarked on several new activities. We are happy that he has kindly consented to be the PATRON of the NIE.
NEW FELLOWS ELECTED
Following individuals have been elected Fellow of the NIE for the year 2005. Heartiest Congratulations to all of them.
Dr S. Ayyappan, DDG (Fisheries), ICAR (Delhi)
Dr O.P. Chaturvedi , Scientist, NRC Agroforestry (Jhansi)
Dr R. Dalwani, Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests (Delhi)
Prof. Abhik Gupta , Professor, Asaam University (Silchar)
Dr. M L Khan, Scientist, NERIST (Itanagar)
Prof. P.C. Kotwal , Professor, Indian Institute of Forest Management (Bhopal)
Dr Prakash Nautiyal, Professor, Garhwal University (Srinagar, Garhwal)
Dr A. Raman, Animal Ecologist, University of Sydney, (Australia)
Dr Uma Shankar , Reader, NE Hill University(Shillong)
Prof. K.C. Sharma, Professor, MS University (Ajmer)
Dr Satyavati Sharma , Professor, IIT (Delhi)
Dr Subodh K. Sharma, Adviser, Ministry of Environment & Forests (Delhi)
Dr R.B. Singh, Professor, Delhi School of Economics (Delhi)
Dr V.V. Sugunan, Scientist, World Fish Center (Egypt)
Prof. R.K. Trivedy , Professor, University of Pune (Pune)
26 October 2005
The 12th World Lake Conference be organised by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, is planned to be held in Jaipur during 28 October to 2 November 2007. The Government of Rajasthan is likely to be a Co-Sponsor of the Conference.
The Conference has been named 'Taal2007' with the theme "Conserving Lakes and Wetlands for Future"
22 August 2005
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt of India, has decided to invite the 12th World Lake Conference of the International lake Environment Committee (Japan) to be held in India in 2007. The Ministry has formed a Preparatory Committee for preparing the Formal Invitation to the ILEC and decide the venue, etc. The National Institute of Ecology has been asked by the Ministry to provide help and support in organising the Conference. The Secretary General, NIE, Prof. Brij Gopal, has been named by the Ministry as a Member of the Preparatory Committee to represent the NIE.
More news of the Conference will be posted as the program develops and the invitation is formally accepted in early November 2005 at the 11th Lakes Conference in Nairobi (Kenya).
25 July 2005
The NIE has invited applications for several positions of junior research fellows in the MOEF's Project on the Tons River Upper Catchment.
For Details, download the WORD file of the advertisement notice (click here)
18 July 2005
The Ministry of of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, has undertaken a one year project on “Baseline Studies of the Tons River Upper Catchment for Conservation of River Yamuna with Reference to Potential for Improvement of River Flow”. These studies will be conducted by the National Institute of Ecology (NIE), New Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun. The studies will be monitored regularly by a Committee chaired by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests. The studies by the NIE will cover biological, hydrological, and ecological aspects of both the terrestrial and aquatic systems in the study area that lies in the Himalaya at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 m.
The NIE has been asked to implement and coordinate these studies with the IIRS, Dept of Forests and other concerned departments and institutions of the Government of Uttaranchal, and then to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the rehabilitation of the upper watershed of river Tons. The entire project will be centrally funded, implemented by the State Government and monitored by the NIE over the next 4 years.
11 July 2005
Prof. Mohamed Iqbal, Fellow of the NIE, and Professor of Environmental Botany, Jamia Hamdard University, New delhi, has taken over a Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard. HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS.
24 March 2005
The NIE organised jointly with the International Water Management Institute (Sri Lanka) and with the support from the WWF-International, a two-day Workshop onEnvironmental Flows, with active support and participation of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The Workshop was inaugurated by Dr Prodipto Ghosh, Secretary, MoEF, and chaired by the President of the NIE, Dr D.N. Tewari. More than 50 scientists and officials actively participated from different parts of India. The IWMI had sent a delegation of three scientists and Dr W.J. Junk (Germany) participated with WWF support.
The Report and Recommendations are available for download here.
15 October 2004
The NIE gets registration under the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act, 1976.
The Registration number is 231660512 (Education).
The NIE will now be able to apply for funds from international sources and expand its activities. The NIE proposes to initiate research and management projects, and training courses besides its on-going activities such as Conferences, workshops, seminars and publications.
8 August 2004
Dr Brij Gopal, Secretary General, NIE, has received the prestigious Naumann-Thienemann Medal of the International Association of Limnology (SIL) at the 28th Limnology Congress in Lahti (Finland). "for his major contributions to the biology and management of aquatic plants and wetland ecosystems, and for his perseverance in encouraging understanding and improvement of limnology of developing countries". The medal, awarded one per year, is the highest
honor that can be bestowed internationally for outstanding scientific contributions to limnology. Dr Gopal is the first ever recipient of this medal outside Europe and North America since the medal was instituted in 1940s.
1 March 2002
NIE Receives Grant from the Ministry of Environment and Forests
for Preparing a Background Document for the Proposed River Regulation Zone
A National Workshop on "Conservation of Rivers and Floodplains in India" organised by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in New Delhi, during 23-24 November 2001 (see Report in this issue of the Bulletin) urged the MoEF
"to take necessary steps towards issuing a notification under the Environment Protection Act, to protect river floodplains, and areas surrounding all inland water bodies, from uncontrolled anthropogenic activities (tentatively called as River Regulation Zone notification)".
The MoEF promptly set up a Committee to examine various issues, and at its first meeting, the Committee decided that a Background Document should be prepared by the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD).
The NRCD has asked the National Institute of Ecology to prepare this Background Document and has sanctioned a small grant for the purpose. The Document, to be prepared within four months, will form the basis for further discussion within the MOEF and later at an inter-Ministerial meeting. The National Institute of Ecology is proud to be associated with this national activity. We thank the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the recognition.
It is expected that the National Institute of Ecology will also be associated with the implementation of another resolution concerning "the conservation and restoration of floodplains, and protection of upper watersheds of rivers". Plans are being prepared to undertake Pilot-scale Demonstration Projects in the upper watersheds of several rivers, especially River Yamuna.
NIE Vice President takes over a Chairman, State Pollution Control Board
Prof. P.S. Dubey, Vice President of the NIE (from Vikram University Ujjain) has been appointed Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, Bhopal. Heartiest Congratulations.
Prof. M.C. Dash appointed Vice Chancellor
Prof. M.C. Dash, former Vice President of the NIE and until recently Chairman of the Orissa State Pollution Control Board, has been appointed Vice Chancellor of the Sambalpur University. Heartiest Congratulations.
30 December 2001
The subscription rates for membership have been revised with effect from 1 January 2002.
For individuals in India, paying their dues annually, the amount has been raised to Rs 300 per year. The Admission Fee for New members has also been raised to Rs 100.
The annual dues for Overseas Members are:
Developed Countries US$ 40
Developing Countries US$ 30
29 October 2001
The International Conference on Eco-Restoration has been POSTPONED once again indefinitely in view of the current situation. New dates will be announced as soon as possible.
20 June 2001
The International Conference on Eco-Restoration has been rescheduled for 14-18 January 2002. Preliminary announcement is now available on the NIE homepage. The Conference will be organised in association with the Society for Ecological Restoration (USA) and the International Society for Tropical Ecology.
30 December 2000
Prof. Brij Gopal (Secretary General, NIE; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi) has been nominated by the Planning Commission
as as Member of the Steering Committee on Empowerment of Tribal Communities, and a Member of the Working Group on Environment for the preparation on Tenth Five-Year Plan.
22 December 2000
Prof. R.S. Tripathi, Dept of Botany, NE Hill University, Shillong, has been elected a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy.
Our Heartiest Congratulations.
Prof. Ravindra K. Sinha (Patna University, Patna) has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences.
Heartiest Congratulations.
25 November 2000
The publisher of the International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences has informed us that with effect from 2001 (Vol. 27) the journal shall be published in association with Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands, who will be the Sole Distributor of the Journal outside the Indian Subcontinent. The Publisher has also announced a change in the subscription rates w.e.f. January 2001. Further the Journal will be published in the larger A4 format.
More details will be available soon on the journals page.
23 November 2000
The NIE has decided to invite the INTECOL to hold its next International Ecology Congress in India in December 2000. A proposal to this effect will be submitted soon to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and other organisations for supporting the invitation.
20 November 2000
The NIE has started collaboration with the Kumaon University, Nainital (Uttaranchal), on an Environmental Economic Project. The project entitled " Integrated Management of Water Resources of Lake Nainital and its Watershed: An Environmental Economics Approach" has been funded by the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, through the Environmental Economics Research Committee (EERC), under the World Bank-aided Environment Management Capacity Building Project (EMCaB). The project is of 18 months duration.
Prof. S.P. Singh (Nainital), Joint Secretary, NIE, is the Principal Investigator, and Dr Brij Gopal (Delhi), Secretary General, NIE) is the Co-PI. Dr Malavika Chauhan has joined as the Research Scientist, and two junior research fellows have been appointed. There is also a position of semior Project Fellow with specialisation in Economics / Natural Resource Economics / Environmental Economics. Interested individuals may contact Prof. S.P. Singh (email: surps@yahoo.com).
