Andaman, January 19 (MNN): Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has said that the biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is of immense importance for both environmental conservation and economic security. He made these remarks during his visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sri Vijaya Puram, highlighting the strategic significance of island biodiversity.

Addressing scientists and officials, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands represent a “living laboratory of biodiversity,” where advanced science must be harmonised with conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods. He noted that institutions like ZSI play a vital role in generating credible scientific data, which guides national policies on biodiversity conservation, ecological resilience, and marine-based economic development.

During the visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh was received by Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Scientist-F and Officer-in-Charge, who briefed him on the Regional Centre’s mandate, ongoing research programmes, and its key role in documentation, conservation, and monitoring of the islands’ unique biodiversity. The briefing highlighted ZSI’s work in areas such as taxonomy, molecular systematics, DNA barcoding, biodiversity assessments, and capacity building.

Established in 1977, the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre of ZSI has rendered authentic scientific services for over five decades. It has emerged as a premier institution for research on tropical island biodiversity, having completed nearly 90 research projects across various faunal groups. Scientists of the Centre have published 85 books and more than 850 research papers in reputed national and international journals, significantly enriching India’s knowledge base on biodiversity.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also visited the ZSI Museum, a prominent educational and tourist attraction in the islands, which houses around 3,500 specimens representing 22 faunal groups. He was informed about the museum’s role in public outreach, education, and awareness generation, attracting approximately 75,000 to 100,000 visitors annually, including students, researchers, and tourists.

The Union Minister showed special interest in the reference collections, type specimens, and exhibits representing the islands’ endemic, threatened, and endangered fauna.