Gujarat Ecology Commission set up by Government of Gujarat signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in the gracious presence of the Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, with The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Israel, on 9th September 1993, for

- Rehabilitation of degraded soils to increase production of bio-mass,
- To assist in preparing plan for restoration of degraded Eco-systems and
- To assist in planning of a Centre of Desert Ecology in Kachchh.

Subsequently, Prof. Uriel Safriel, Israel visited Kachchh for five days in May 1994. Based on his recommendation, Government of Gujarat, Forests and Environment Department vide Resolution dated 10 January 1995 accorded administrative sanction to establish Institute of Desert Ecology. Thus, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology was established at Bhuj, Kachchh district as an autonomous body and was registered as a Society and a Public Trust.

INSTITUTE

The institute functions in a modern earthquake resistant building which houses Administrative block, Scientist’s chambers, environmental – analytical laboratories, library and herbarium.

MANDATE

- Focus on desert arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Gujarat, with special emphasis on Kachchh;
- Develop benchmark database for ecosystems of Kachchh and thereafter undertake continuous monitoring and trend-analysis through specific research activities;
- Identify problem areas and evolve appropriate solutions and management strategies through basic and applied research;
- Formulate and implement relevant projects that would provide models for emulation;
- Disseminate ecological information and communicate action plans to suit local conditions, through extension and other programmes; and
- Provide consultancy and training to NGO’s, Government officials, corporate sectors and other natural resources managers, in the principles of ecology, integrated management and sustainable development.