The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) at Mizoram University in Aizawl as a Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This move marks NHM as India’s 21st Designated Repository, enhancing the nation’s biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure. Designated Repositories play a crucial role in India’s biodiversity governance framework by safeguarding authenticated biological specimens under the Act.
NHM will house voucher specimens of specific flora like pteridophytes and macrofungi, as well as fauna including reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles, and butterflies. It will also act as the depository for type specimens of newly discovered species in the region. These collections will aid in species identification, traceability, and scientific research, contributing to the long-term conservation of India’s biological resources. Additionally, they will support ecological restoration efforts in case of habitat loss, natural calamities, or species decline.
Even prior to its designation, NHM had showcased its scientific readiness by preserving over 500 specimens, including herbarium sheets and wet-preserved collections. The institution boasts a diverse scientific team from Mizoram University specializing in seven taxonomic groups, from macrofungi and pteridophytes to fishes, moths, and butterflies. This designation strengthens India’s network of Designated Repositories, facilitating the preservation of biological specimens closer to their sources, enhancing scientific documentation, and fostering collaboration with the Mizoram State Biodiversity Board and regional research institutions.
The designation of NHM aligns with India’s National Biodiversity Target 4 of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030). It reinforces ex situ conservation and genetic diversity preservation, in accordance with Target 4 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
