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

COURSE LAYOUTBLOCK 1 PRELUDE TO BIODIVERSITYWeek 11. Basic concept of Biodiversity2. Origin of Species3. Value of BiodiversityWeek 21. Ecosystem Services2. Biodiversity in IndiaWeek 31. Introduction to Forest Biodiversity2. Biodiversity in Tropical Forest3. Biodiversity in Subtropical and Temperate ForestWeek 41. Introduction to Wetland Biodiversity2. Biodiversity in Wetland Ecosystem3. Extinction of SpeciesBLOCK 2: GENETIC RESOURCESWeek 51. Plant Genetic Resources2. Centres of Origin of Agrobiodiversity3. Agrobiodiversity4. Crop DomesticationWeek 61. Animal Genetic Resources2. Fish Genetic Resources3. Germplasm Characterization and Evaluation4. Food Security and AgrobiodiversityBLOCK 3 DRIVERS OF BIODIVERSITY LOSSWeek 71. Direct Drivers of Biodiversity Loss2. Biodiversity Hotspots3. Impact of Climate Change on BiodiversityWeek 81. Invasive Species as a Threat to Biodiversity2. Threats to Biodiversity Hotspots in India3. Consequences of Biodiversity LossBLOCK 4: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENTWeek 91. Conservation Biology2. Germplasm Conservation3. In situ Conservation of Biodiversity4. Ex situ Conservation Methods5. Protected AreasWeek 101. Sustainable Management of Biodiversity- An Ecosystem Approach2. Role of Traditional Knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation3. Community Based Ecosystem Conservation4. Gender and Biodiversity ConservationWeek 111. International Instruments to Conserve Biological Diversity2. Convention of Biological Diversity3. Millennium Developmental Goals and BiodiversityWeek 121. National Instruments to Conserve Biological Diversity2. National Biodiversity Act 20023. Governance of Biodiversity in India