FROM now on, training and education would be imparted in preserving biodiversity, say experts. In a recently-concluded workshop on taxonomy in Jaipur, Rajasthan, participants said that knowledge about biodiversity is required not only for the purpose of conservation, but also to share the benefits arising out of its utilisation.

According to T K A Nair, secretary, ministry of environment and forests, the work areas that have been marked out include an all-India coordinated project, identification of centres of excellence, creation of chairs in universities and maintaining a database on experts in taxonomy.

India is one of the 12 countries of the world having megadiversity. All these countries together constitute 80 per cent of the global biodiversity. Besides, India is a country with two of the 18 identified hotspots in plant diversity in the world. These areas - the Western Ghats and the northeast - are the original homes to many plant varieties. Experts say that the Andaman and Nicobar islands should also be placed in this category.