Institute of Forest Biodiversity (IFB)

The Institute of Forest Biodiversity, Hyderabad focuses on forest genetics, conservation, and Eastern Ghats ecology under ICFRE, aiding policy and research.

Institute of Forest Biodiversity (IFB), Hyderabad

Syllabus: Indian Institutions (UPSC Prelims)

Introduction

The Institute of Forest Biodiversity (IFB) is a premier research institute under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
It plays a key role in forest biodiversity research, especially for the Eastern Ghats region.

Background

Established in December 2012, upgrading the earlier Forest Research Centre, Hyderabad.
Functions as one of the regional institutes of ICFRE.
Works closely with Central and State Forest Departments, forest-based industries, NGOs, and local communities.

Location

Dulapally, Kompally (S.O.), Hyderabad¹ – 500100, Telangana
~23 km from Secunderabad Railway Station
~65 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Approx. 100-acre campus with laboratories, nurseries, germplasm facilities, field trial plots, and a field station (~60 acres) at Mulugu.

Mandate of IFB

IFB focuses on research, training, and extension in the following areas:

Forest Biodiversity Assessment & Conservation
Genetic resource evaluation of endemic and rare plants
In-situ and ex-situ conservation (including nurseries, seed banks, tissue culture)
Climate Change Impact Studies
Forest Soil Studies, Pests, Diseases & Invasive Species
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) related to forests
Agroforestry and Livelihood Models for forest-dependent communities
Documentation of flora of Eastern Ghats
Restoration of degraded and stress-prone forest areas

Research Focus Areas

Biodiversity documentation of Eastern Ghats (AP, Telangana; parts of Maharashtra & Goa)
Conservation of rare/endangered/threatened (RET) plant species
Development of propagation protocols for valuable species
Seed science, genetic improvement, and nursery management
Climate-resilient forestry practices
Impact of development projects on biodiversity through EIA
Community-based conservation and NTFP-based livelihood support

Institutional Infrastructure

Molecular genetics lab
Plant tissue culture lab
Soil testing lab
Seed testing and storage facilities
Germplasm conservation units
Arboreta and demonstration plots
Training centre and library

Jurisdiction

Primary focus regions:

Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Eastern Ghats landscape
Extended activities:
Parts of Maharashtra and Goa

Training & Extension

Conducts training for forest officers, students, researchers, and community groups.
Awareness programmes on biodiversity, forest conservation, and sustainable NTFP use.
Research dissemination to state forest departments & industries.