October 03, 2001

    The Vice President of India, Shri Krishna Kant has said that eco-based wildlife conservation is critical for human survival. He said, "ecosystem-based wildlife conservation has proved to be the best means of conserving biodiversity and ecological functions critical for human survival and well-being." This was stated by him while giving away Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Awards for 1999 to renowned conservationist Late Shri Sanjay Deb Roy and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, in recognition of their outstanding contributions for wildlife conservation, here today.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Environment and Forests, Shri T.R. Baalu, revealed that soon we are going to have a new Action Plan for effective conservation of our 81,000 animal species and 45,000 species of plant life across the country. He stated that India is really fortunate to have a vast variety of flora & founa in 17 major forest-types and 26 biotic provinces with 586 protected areas extending over 1,56,392 sq. kms.. He informed that during the recent years greater emphasis has been given on having long-term management plans for the protected areas, expeditious settlement of rights, improved habitat management and strengthening of enforcement structure with 100% funding being provided by the Govt. of India for meeting capital as well as recurring expenditure on wildlife conservation and as compensation for abridgement of rights. The Minister congratulated the awardees, Wildlife Institute of India and Smt. Manjushri Deb Roy for outstanding contributions of her husband in the field of wildlife conservation. He hoped that larger number of institutions and individuals would participate in wildlife conservation in the coming years.

    Shri P. V. Jayakrishnan, Secretary (Environment and Forests) apprised about the objectives of institution of these Awards. He said that Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award has been instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in memory of Late Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi who had special interests in conserving the natural heritage of the country. The Award was instituted in the year 1998 to recognize the significant contribution for outstanding scientific work/field work for preservation and conservation of wildlife, especially the endangered species.

    Every year two such awards are given, one each in institutional category and individual category. The Award consists of a trophy and a cash award of Rs. 1.00 lakh in each category.