Indian Biodiversity Congress 2017
Pondicherry University, 10–12 March 2017 |  Dr. S. Jayakumar,  Organising Secretary, IBC 2017

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The Indian Biodiversity Congress (IBC) 2017 was held from 10th to 12th March 2017 at Pondicherry University, jointly organized with the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), Thiruvananthapuram, and in association with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry, Navdanya, and several other partner organizations.

Marking the fourth edition of this prestigious biennial event, IBC 2017 attracted more than 800 delegates from all Indian states and Union Territories, including notable international participants from France, Nepal, and Malaysia. For the first time, representatives from all Northeastern states of India were in attendance, highlighting the Congress’s growing inclusiveness and reach.

A total of 560 research papers covering 12 sub-themes were selected for presentation. These papers reflected the diversity and vibrancy of research and practice in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and ecological management across the country.

The focal theme, “Climate Change and Biodiversity,” framed discussions around critical challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to protect India’s rich biological heritage.

The Congress featured plenary, keynote, and invited lectures by several eminent scientists, conservationists, and policy experts, including:

Dr. Vandana Shiva (Navdanya)
Dr. Ram Boojh (UNESCO)
Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati (Former Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority)
Prof. MK Prasad (Sastra Sahitya Parishad)
Dr. V.S. Vijayan (Former Director, SACON)
Prof. P.S. Roy (University of Hyderabad)
Dr. Joss Brooks (Pitchandikulam Bioresource Centre, Auroville) 

and many other distinguished speakers from leading research institutions and universities.
 

In addition to technical sessions, the Congress organized a Civil Society Meet and a Children’s Conclave on Biodiversity, fostering broader societal engagement and creating awareness among younger generations.

Representatives from more than 40 prominent institutions, including the University of Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, Forest Research Institute Dehradun, Annamalai University, ICAR institutes, Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Law School of India University, contributed to the rich deliberations.