Natural
History Museum (NHM) at Mizoram University
Prelims:
Environment &
Ecology, Biodiversity
Mains:
GS
Paper II-Governance, GS Paper III-Environment
Current relevance:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC) has officially designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) at
Mizoram University, Aizawl, as a Designated Repository under Section
39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Highlights:
1.
The designation was made based on the recommendation
of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). The museum is located in
the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world's richest regions
for biodiversity.
2.
Designated
Repository:
i.
It
is an institution officially recognized by the Central Government under Section
39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to preserve authenticated
biological specimens collected under the provisions of the Act.
ii.
These
repositories function as permanent scientific reference centres
where biological specimens are securely preserved for research, identification,
verification, conservation, and future scientific studies.
3.
Natural
History Museum:
i.
It
will preserve authenticated specimens from both plant and animal groups.
ii.
Preserve
flora such as pteridophytes and macrofungi, and fauna including reptiles,
amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles, and butterflies.
iii.
It
will also maintain type specimens of newly discovered species from the region
for scientific documentation and long-term conservation.
4.
Indo-Burma
Biodiversity Hotspot:
i.
The
Natural History Museum is strategically located in the Indo-Burma
Biodiversity Hotspot.
ii.
Indo-Burma
Biodiversity Hotspot is one of the world's recognized biodiversity hotspots.
iii.
It
extends across northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam,
and parts of southern China.
Source: PIB- https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx?mincode=30®=48&lang=2