CAPACITY BUILDING FOR BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS

4. FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

4.1 History of forests and wildlife institutes

There are several forest research institutes in India offering various research courses and projects. One of the most popular forest research institutes in the country is Forest Research Institute which is located at Dehradun in Uttrakhand. Forest Research Institute Dehradun is regarded as one of the oldest in the respective field in India. in 1991, it was declared a deemed university by the University Grants Commission and is managed by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

The forest research institutes in India are broadly classified into three categories which are - Institutes under India's Ministry of Environment and Forests, Institutes under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and Institutes Under state governments. There are various forest research projects and courses such as Environment Management, Forestry Management, Wood Science Technology, and others offered by forest research institutions in India.

4.2 Importance of Institutes in Conservation

Institute as a strategy to conserve biodiversity aims to provide critical, sensitive understanding of biodiversity science and the socio-economic political, cultural and institutional environment within which policies and decision making is done.

Biodiversity is best learnt in the place where it is situated which should be done with sensitivity and hence architecture becomes important aspect.

4.3 Forest Research Institute in India

No Forest Research Institute Name Location Forest Research Institutes under India's Ministry of Environment and Forests

1 Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun Dehradun, Uttrakhand

2 Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora Almora, Uttrakhand

3 Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Forest Research Institutes under State Governments

4 Kerala Forest Research Institute Thrissur, Kerala

5 Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu

6 Forest Research Institute, Kanpur Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Forest Research Institutes under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

7 Forest Research Institution Dehradun Dehradun, Uttrakhand

8 Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur Jodhpur, Jaipur

9 Centre for Forest-based Livelihoods and Extension (CFLE), Agartala Agartala, Tripura

10 Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

11 Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

12 Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore Bengaluru, Karnataka

13 Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

14 Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun Dehradun, Uttrakhand

15 National Institute of Animal Welfare, Faridabad Faridabad, Haryana

16 Advanced Research Centre for Bamboo and Rattan Aizawl, Mizoram

17 Centre for Forestry Research and Human Resource Development Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh

18

Centre for Social Forestry and EcoRehabilitation Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

19 Institute of Forest Biodiversity Hyderabad, Telangana

20 Institute of Forest Productivity Ranchi, Jharkhand

21 Rain Forest Research Institute Jorhat, Assam

Figure 7 : Map indicating Forest institutes in India

Table 1 : Various forest institutes in India

5. CASE STUDY

5.1 Forest Research Institute

Location - Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Built by - Sir C.G. Blomfield

Style - Greco-Roman and Colonial styles of architecture

Area - 7 acres

Is an institute of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India. It is located at Dehradun in Uttarakhand, and is among the oldest institutions of its kind. In 1991, it was declared a deemed university by the University Grants Commission

This organization has led to the evolution of scientific forestry not only in our country but the entire Indian Subcontinent.

it is the home to a large amount of biodiversity including some endangered species of flora and fauna. It stores an impressive research history in the field of forestry of more.

Figure 8 : Forest research institute, Dehradun

a) Aim and objectives of the Institute

• Conservation of biodiversity

• Production, certification and supply of quality seeds of fuel, fodder and timber species.

• Social forestry/ Agroforestry.

• Conservation and eco-restoration of ecologically fragile and disturbed areas.

• Utilization of non-conventional woods and weeds for manufacture of forest products.

• Development of technology for reclamation of wastelands.

• Planting stock improvement program of different species.

• Geological, geomorphological and micro-morphological studies on sketetal and sodic soils.

• Reclamation and ecological monitoring of mined areas.

• Development of technology for eco-friendly preservatives.

• To impart education in such branches of forestry and environment as it may deem fit.

• To provide for research and for the advancement of and dissemination of knowledge in the forestry and environment. The disciplines pursued in the Institute are Silviculture, Resource Survey and Management, Social forestry, Minor forest produce, Ecology and conservation, Genetics and tree propagation, Forest protection, Forest Botany, Forest products and Forest Operations. The thrust areas are bio-diversity, tree improvement & quality seed production, non-wood forest products, social forestry & wasteland afforestation, design development of modern forestry tools, etc.

• To create consciousness about forest and environment among the people through extension programs.

• To do all such other acts and things as may be necessary or desirable to further the safeguarding of environment and protection of forest & wildlife.

• The Institute caters, in particular, to the research needs of the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh, as Well as the U.P. Himalayas. Forest research at the FRI is organized under fourteen divisions.

b) Programs

• laboratories, library, herbarium, arboreta, experimental field area for research, computer lab, botanical museum

• The place is dedicated for studying the plants, animals, climate and topography of the Himalaya

• The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and the head office of the Indian Council of Forestry Research are also housed in its premises.

• This building houses six museums related to forestry, which include museums on social forestry, pathology, silviculture, timber, non-wood forest products and entomology.

• the place also houses a Botanical Garden, which is a popular picnic spot among travelers

• The other 4 museums designed in the British era with heavy display cases and handwritten labels

Figure 9 : Computer lab

Figure 10 : Laboratories

Figure 11 : Library

Figure 12 : Meeting room

Figure 13 : Lecture hall

Figure 14 : Museum

c) Architecture

The institute’s main building is an impressive example hybrid architecture of GrecoRoman and Colonial styles of architecture, with a plinth area of 2.5 hectares.

The main façade of the building is almost 1,000 ft long

The building was listed for a time, in the Guinness Book of Records, as the largest purely brick structure in the world.

The main parking and ticket counters are on the eastern side/back of the FRI building

Blomfield had earlier worked with Edwin Lutyens on many projects in Delhi. Thus, the Lutyen’s touch to the forest research institute’s architecture can’t be missed. In fact, I would say that the courtyards are archetypal of Indian and oriental architecture,too.

Figure 15 : The main facade of the building

Figure 16 : Parking and Ticket counter

Groin vault is a long tube of arches.

A large central avenue bisects the lawns, while the Tons river forms the northern boundary of the campus.

There are Domed towers built on both side of the central entrance.

The entrance leads to the convocation hall with elegant wooden interior

The Pediment is again very typical of the classical architecture. The triangular area enclosed the pediment known as the tympanum, some of them have an ovel-shaped vent, covered with glass.

The windows on the ground floor are huge and on the 1st floor are smaller, It is a typical feature of colonial architecture.

Figure 17 : Pediment Figure 18 : Side view

Figure 19 : Sizing of Windows in Elevation Figure 20 : Sizing of Windows in Elevation

Wood and brick interiors with symmetrical layout are used in FRI according to British architectural style

There are 6 central courtyards, surrounded by wide corridors on all sides. These open to various museums, washrooms and offices.

TSC - Ticket sale counter I C - Information centre

M-1 - Social forestry museum M-4 - Timber museum

M-2 - Forest pathology museum M-5 - Non wood forest products museum

M-3 - Silviculture museum M-6 - Entomology museum

Figure 21 : Interior spaces

Figure 22 : Indoor space front view

Figure 23 : Plan of the building

Classical architectural form such as Arcaded and airy corridors are designed around the courtyards

The FRI is made entirely of bricks. The bricks and mortar used in forest research institute are arranged in repetitive patterns

The drain pipe look rust-free and intact.

Figure 24 : Internal Coutryards

Figure 25 : Central Courtyard

Figure 26 : Vault made of bricks

Figure 27 : Elevation

Figure 28 : Groin vault

Figure 29 : Domed tower

d) Research, Activities and Achievements

According to the present report, 410 mammal species are present in India. 13 of them are reported in FRI campus, including the top predator, the leopard. The presence of species like leopard in human dominated landscape invariably leads to some predation on domestic animals. They thrive on the abundant resources present in the FRI campus.

Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology gave the task to Forest Research Institute to develop a Biodiversity park. It was done under Forest Ecology and Climate Change Division. It was one of the best example of conversion of riverine ecosystem to Biodiversity park.

The Campus Bird Count is a significant component of GBBC which runs every year during 16-19th February. It is a coordinated effort of the volunteers to document the birdlife in multiple campus across India and Forest Research Institute (FRI) is a part of it. Campus Bird Count is a great way to introduce the student to birds and birding.

Figure 30 : Biodiversity in the campus

Figure 31 : Research activites

Figure 32 : Biodiversity park

In 450 hectare area of FRI, a tremendous avian diversity was reported making the species count 186 in four days, which constitute important habitats for birds resulting in record of some new species such as, Sirkeer malkoha (Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii) and Short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) reported in the FRI New Forest Campus. Documenting of avian richness was done in accordance with the protocol of eBird. Such events add to the cognizance of the students and inculcate the will to conserve nature, these events reveal the great biodiversity which is bestowed upon the campus of FRI.

Documenting of avian richness was done in accordance with the protocol of eBird. Such events add to the cognizance of the students and inculcate the will to conserve nature, these events reveal the great biodiversity which is bestowed upon the campus of FRI.

Research importance of understanding the intricate relationship between plants and why they grow where they grow. how a particular plant affected its immediate surrounding and in turn the entire ecosystem. The basic concepts of how slope, aspect, temperature, etc. effects the vegetation were also explained to us. Along the way, many species were identified at Maldevta which is approximately 25 km from Dehradun city such as Rumex hastatus, Adhatoda vasica, Lantana camara, Pogostemon benghalensis, Woodfordia fruticosa, Mallotus philippensis.

The wetland of the Asan and Yamuna Rivers covering an area of 4.44 sq km. The wetland is listed as an Important Bird Area and serves as a prominent wintering spot for migrating birds. The birds listed as globally threatened species and in the IUCN Red Data Book have been observed at Asan.

Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand Situated at the confluence of the rivers Yamuna and Asian is an important transition zone between riverine and forest ecosystems. Forest Research Institute was aimed to understand wetland ecology with special reference to avian and plant diversity

e) How to reach

Distance from main town is 5km

Connected by buses, taxis, cars and autos within 30 min

Figure 33 : Group activity Figure 34 : Species in campus

Figure 35: species in campus

5.2 Wildlife Institute of India

Ownership

It is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change, Government of India.

Research Areas

Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Forensics, Spatial Modeling, Ecodevelopment, Ecotoxicology, Habitat Ecology and Climate Change.

Research Facility

Forensics, Remote Sensing and GIS, Laboratory, Herbarium, and an Electronic Library.

Founder

V. B. Saharia while the first Director was Hemendra Singh Panwar who remained the director from 1985 to 1994.

Figure 36 : Wildlife Institute Of India, Dehradun

a) Mission

To nurture the development of Wildlife Science and promote its application in conservation, in consonance with our cultural and socio-economic milieum

Figure 37 : Wildlife Institute Of India, Campus

Figure 38 : Diversity around campus

b) Aims and objectives

● Build up scientific knowledge on wildlife resources.

● Train personnel at various levels for conservation and management of wildlife.

● Carry out research relevant to management including the development of techniques appropriate to Indian conditions.

● Provide information and advice on specific wildlife management problems.

● Collaborate with international organizations on wildlife research, management and training.

c) Courses offered in the institute

• Masters in Wildlife science

• Advanced Wildlife Management at diploma and Post grad level.

• Heritage conservation and management

• Other short-term courses

d) Programs

Lecture room, museum, library, computer lab, research lab, forensics lab, meeting hall, seminar hall, auditorium, guest house, dining hall, kitchen, artificial lake, nature trail

Figure 39 : Meeting room Figure 40 : seminar hall

Figure 41 : Auditorium

Figure 42 : Computer lab

e) Various departments in the institute

• Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology: This department is dedicated to gaining an understanding of the ecology of wild fauna and their conservation issues. This discipline cuts across subject areas of animal population ecology, behavioral ecology, biogeography, community ecology, trophic interactions, systematics, conservation genetics and meta-population dynamics. The department also strives to use modern technology, development of methods for monitoring animal populations, and survey of rare and elusive species.

• Ecodevelopment Planning: Ecodevelopment is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder strategy to link the conservation values of protected areas (PAs) with the livelihoods of local people and development processes in the surrounding landscapes.

1. To develop an understanding of the issues involved in community participation in wildlife conservation.

2. To build the capacity of the state forest departments and other stakeholders in involving local communities in PA management while working with multiple stakeholders to arrive at a consensus for integrating conservation and development at the landscape level.

Figure 43 : Research lab

Figure 44 : Forensics lab

Figure 45 : Dining hall

Figure 46 : Research lab

• Endangered Species Management: The Department of Endangered Species Management (ESM) has the mandate to work for the conservation of rare and endangered species of India through status surveys, research, monitoring, development of conservation action plans and advocacy.

• Habitat Ecology is a fascinating area of natural sciences that helps to advance our understanding of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. This knowledge is essential to refine our conservation efforts and management decisions for wildlife species and their habitats.

• Landscape planning and Management: The Department of Landscape Level Planning and Management was established to stimulate interest and capacity in this respect by offering training modules for managers and biologists in landscape ecology, landscape level policy development and human–wildlife interface options. The department has both field managers and biologists, providing for integration of different perspectives towards translating theoretical models to practical management solutions. The faculty members are involved in research and training programs in a variety of landscapes, providing new dimensions to wildlife management in the country.

• Wildlife health management: The department provides veterinary medical services to wildlife managers, biologists and veterinary specialists in projects where ecological studies on endangered species require highly professional services for immobilization, restraint and telemetry in wildlife. The department coordinates activities with several veterinary medical institutions for investigation, monitoring, researching and controlling diseases affecting the health and survival of wildlife and livestock across the country.

5.3 California Academy of Sciences

Architects - Renzo Piano

Location - Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, United States

Category – University

Project Year - 2008

• one of the few institutes of natural sciences in which public experience and scientific research occur at the same location.

• The entire 37,000 sq. m complex is like a piece of the park that has been cut away and lifted 10 m up above the ground.

• All concrete contains 30% fly ash, a by-product of coal-fi red power plants. It also contains 20% slag

.

Figure 47 : California Academy of Sciences

Figure 48 : Indoor programs of California Academy of Sciences

• The choice of materials, recycling, the positioning of the spaces with respect to the natural lighting, natural ventilation, water usage, rainwater recovery and energy production: all of these design issues became an integral part of the project itself, and helped the museum obtain LEED platinum certification.

• California Academy of Sciences Discovers Hundreds of New Species in the Philippines California Academy of Sciences uncovered more than 300 new species. The discovery included new species of plants and fish, as well as numerous crabs and a unique species of shark.

• The two main domes cover the planetarium and rain forest exhibitions. all the functions laid out around a central courtyard exhibition space, Natural History Museum, African Hall, the North American Hall, Steinhart Aquarium, planetarium, research offices, dioramas, house exhibit and teaching spaces, café, retail store, research library, laboratories, Storage facilities, offices

Figure 49 : Plan of the bulding

Figure 50 : Section

• The roof is flat at its perimeter and, like a natural landscape, becomes increasingly undulating as it moves away from the edge to form a series of domes of various sizes rising up from the roof plane.

• These hills, which feature slopes in excess of 60 degrees, will draw cool air into the open Piazza at the center of the building, naturally ventilating the surrounding exhibit spaces.

• The domes are speckled with a pattern of skylights automated to open and close for ventilation.

Figure 51 : Section & Internal Layout Plan

a) Main Lobby

The space also features two-story columns, customizable flat screens, and floor-toceiling windows. Impressive Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton at the centre of lobby, with the information desk to yourleft and the academy store and photo services to your right.

Square footage: 4,100

Figure 52 : Lobby space

Figure 53 : Reception and Waiting area plan

live entertainment, presentations, DJs, and proms, the Piazza of the California Academy of Sciences is an open-air space for fair-weather events. Glass walls and ceilings allow for views of the evening sky and surrounding exhibits. Four large trees feature prominently in the space, which is. Well suited to creative decor

Seated

b) Piazza

Square footage: 5,900

capacity: 350+

Figure 54 : Piazza

Figure 55 : Plan of Piazza

c) Grand Hall An extension of the Swamp

Figure 56 : Skylight Roof

Figure 57 : Section

Figure 58 : Ground Hall Plan

d) Swamp

Featuring tall columns and other impressive architectural elements, the Swamp at the California Academy of Sciences is ideal for seated dinners and presentations during the events. turtles, colourful freshwater fish & the albino alligator highlighting ecosystems of the South eastern United States.

Square footage: 5,000 Seated capacity: 200+

Figure 59 : Swamp

Figure 60 : Observation deck

Figure 61 :Plan of Swamp

e) East & West Halls

east halls are interactive exhibitions and live animals.it combines well with the adjacent African Hall space.

The West Hall space features immersive natural history exhibits and views into the Rainforest and the West Garden. Garden terrace included.

Figure 62 :Plan of Swamp (East and West Pavilion

f) Osher Rainforest

Osher Rainforest spectacular 90-foot-diameter glass dome. More than 1,600 live animals reside in rainforest dome. Four story rainforest contains free-flying birds to exotic reptiles, amphibians, golden silk orb-weaver spiders, and enormous Amazonian fish. The rainforest's living plants include trees like the Brazilian beauty leaf and West Indies mahogany etc.

Strategically placed skylights will automatically open and close to allow heat to escape through the tops of the domes. These skylights will also allow sunlight to reach the living rainforest and coral reef exhibits below, reducing the energy requirements for artificial lighting.

g) Kimball Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum explores some of the most significant discoveries as well as T. rex and 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton.

Figure 63 : Osher Rainforest Section

Figure 64 : Osher Rainforest

Figure 65 : Museum Figure 66 :Exhibitions

h) Steinhart Aquarium

Steinhart Aquarium is most biologically diverse and interactive aquarium. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species it offers guests view of underwater

Seated capacity: 100

Square footage: varies

Figure 67 : Steinhart Aquarium

Figure 68 : Steinhart Aquarium

Figure 69 : Steinhart Aquarium plan

i) Moss Room

Featuring a decorative rock wall, the California Academy of Sciences' Moss Room is an ideal location for luncheons, meetings, receptions, and more.

Square footage: 1,100

Seated capacity: 75+

Figure 70 : Moss Room

Figure 71 : stairway to museum

Figure 72 : Moss Room Plan

j) Morrison Planetarium

75-foot dome displays digital Universes.

Square footage: 1,300

Theatre seating: 290

Figure 73 : Morrison Planetarium

Figure 74 : Morrison Planetarium

Figure 75 : Plan of Planetarium

k) Tusher African Hall

African Hall, where you can compare fossils of early human ancestors. African landscapes & wildlife dioramas through the glass windows of their detailed displays.

Square footage: 4,800 Seated capacity: 280

Figure 76 : Lecture in African Hall Figure 77 : wildlife dioramas

Figure 78 : African Hall plan

l) Research & Training Facility

more than 100 dedicated scientists, researchers, and support staff. Together, we travel the world in our efforts to discover new knowledge about Earth's biodiversity, and to rapidly apply that knowledge to a wide range of protections.

Figure 80 : Collection of specimens

Figure 81 : Research & Training area

Figure 79 : Research area

Figure 83 : Meeting area for Researchers

Figure 84 : Collection of specimens

Figure 82 : Research area

Square footage: 4,000 Seated capacity: 250+

Figure 85 : Lecture Hall

Figure 86 : Lecture Hall

Figure 87 : Lecture Hall plan

n) Board Room

The board room is an intimate space well suited for lectures, presentations, and seated or buffet lunches. Tables and chairs included, along with state-of the-art (audio vision) capabilities and an adjacent reception area.

Square footage: 1,250

Reception capacity: 120

Seated capacity: 70

Figure 88 : Board Room

Figure 89 : Board Room

Figure 90 : Board Room plan

o) Living Roof

Living Roof providing 2.5 acres of habitat of native species. Allows the guest to view golden gate park from the observation deck at 360 degree. This “living roof” is covered with 1,700,000 selected native plants species planted in specially conceived biodegradable coconut fibre containers

The soil’s moisture, keeping interior temperatures about 10 degrees cooler than a standard roof and reducing low frequency noise by 40 decibels.thus avoiding the need for air-conditioning in the ground-floor public areas and the research offices along the facade.It absorb about 98% of all storm water, preventing up to 3.6 million gallons of runoff each year.

Figure 91 : Living Roof

Figure 92 : Living Roof

Figure 93 : Roof plan

p) East Garden

The East Garden at the California Academy of Sciences is an outdoor space that features sculptures and the beauty of Golden Gate Park. Photovoltaic cells are contained between the two glass panels that form the transparent canopy around the perimeter of the green roof, they provide more than 5% of the electricity required by the museum. Glass is used extensively in the exterior walls, allowing visitors to look through the museum to the surrounding green space

Figure 94 : East Garden seating

Figure 96 : Plan

Figure 95 : East Garden seating

Figure 97 : Section

q) Terrace

Terrace is freestanding steel and glass cafe building located in the West Garden. The structure is sited at the south end of the existing garden using its placement and simple form to visibly connect the interior of the café to the museum.

Square footage: 5,000

Seated capacity: 200+

Piano’s goal was to create a sense of transparency and connection between the building and the park through both a careful selection of materials and a thoughtful arrangement of space.

Figure 98 : Terrace Cafe

Figure 99 : Terrace plan

The lightweight roof form and translucent back wall allows to view of museum, implying one continuous space. Two tall all-glass sliding doors along the entire length of two sides can open completely for a direct connection between inside and out, and offer an enjoyable al fresco dining experience. Skylights allows natural light and blue shadow boxes made of recycled resin recall a bright blue sky even on the foggy days.

Figure 100 : Section & Elevation

5.4 Comparative table of case studies

INSTITUTES IN INDIA

Institute Name Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

Kerala Forest Research Institute Forest Research Institution, Dehradun

M.Sc. And Ph.D. Courses

Biodiversity hotspot location

M.Sc. And Ph.D. in Wildlife Science Wildlife management, Forest Management, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Entomology

M.Sc. And Ph.D. in Forestry

Wildlife management, Zoology, Botany

Himalaya

Amenities & Facilities laboratories, museum, computer lab, library, meeting hall, auditorium, guest house, dining hall, kitchen, artificial lake, nature trail

Institute Name

Research Courses

Forest Management, Zoology, Botany, Geology, Entomology

Western Ghat Himalaya

laboratories, museum, library, lecture hall, seminar hall, meeting room, computer lab, herbarium, arboretum, guest house, nurseries, green house,

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

California Academy of Sciences

laboratories, museum, computer lab, library, lecture hall, herbarium, arboreta, experimental field area for research, Botanical Garden

Biodiversity Science, anthropology, marine, biology, botany, entomology, herpetology, ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, mammalogy, ornithology, geology, and paleontology

Amenities & Facilities laboratories, lectures & workshops area, exhibitions area, museum, aquarium, dining area, lecture hall, meeting, dry and wet collection roof garden, cafe

Table 2 : Comparative analysis of institutes