This course provides an understanding of the concept and principle of biodiversity science. The course provides detailed information on the values of biodiversity, causes as well as current crisis, and consequences of biodiversity loss. The course provides a conceptual understanding of various means of conservation, restoration and sustainable utilization of biodiversity which can provide viable solutions to a range of societal challenges and provides an effective tool to bridge the knowledge gap for sustainable management of biodiversity. The course also explores the linkages between biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and climate change. The course will also provide insights into current challenges as well as opportunities in the context of various international cooperation and national level programmes and legislative framework for biodiversity conservation and management. The course provides the opportunities for biodiversity mainstreaming by stressing the role of biodiversity in achieving the SDGs.Course Credit - 4
Overview
Syllabus
BLOCK 1 PRELUDE TO BIODIVERSITY
Week 1
1. Basic concept of Biodiversity
2. Origin of Species
3. Value of Biodiversity
Week 2
1. Ecosystem Services
2. Biodiversity in India
Week 3
1. Introduction to Forest Biodiversity
2. Biodiversity in Tropical Forest
3. Biodiversity in Subtropical and Temperate Forest
Week 4
1. Introduction to Wetland Biodiversity
2. Biodiversity in Wetland Ecosystem
3. Extinction of Species
BLOCK 2: GENETIC RESOURCES
Week 5
1. Plant Genetic Resources
2. Centres of Origin of Agrobiodiversity
3. Agrobiodiversity
4. Crop Domestication
Week 6
1. Animal Genetic Resources
2. Fish Genetic Resources
3. Germplasm Characterization and Evaluation
4. Food Security and Agrobiodiversity
BLOCK 3 DRIVERS OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Week 7
1. Direct Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
2. Biodiversity Hotspots
3. Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
Week 8
1. Invasive Species as a Threat to Biodiversity
2. Threats to Biodiversity Hotspots in India
3. Consequences of Biodiversity Loss
BLOCK 4: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
Week 9
1. Conservation Biology
2. Germplasm Conservation
3. In situ Conservation of Biodiversity
4. Ex situ Conservation Methods
5. Protected Areas
Week 10
1. Sustainable Management of Biodiversity- An Ecosystem Approach
2. Role of Traditional Knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation
3. Community Based Ecosystem Conservation
4. Gender and Biodiversity Conservation
Week 11
1. International Instruments to Conserve Biological Diversity
2. Convention of Biological Diversity
3. Millennium Developmental Goals and Biodiversity
Week 12
1. National Instruments to Conserve Biological Diversity
2. National Biodiversity Act 2002
3. Governance of Biodiversity in India
Taught by
Dr. Shachi Shah
