IBSD, Korean institute sign MoU
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 30 2016: South Korean National institute, Nakdonggang National Institute of Bioresources, (NNIBR), Ministry of Environment, Government of Republic of Korea and Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake joint researches for exploration and use of bioresources.

The MoU was signed at IBSD Takyelpat conference hall today.

The IBSD, based in the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, is carrying out extensive studies on the biodiversity of the biogeographic junction of the Indian and oriental landmasses under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

NNIBR president Dr.Young-Hee Ahn siad that, NNIBR and IBSD signed the MoU to undertake a joint research programmes on exploring fresh water bioresources and preserving the biodiversity in Northeastern India.

He said that, NNIBR will also push ahead with a plan to undertake joint researches with the IBSD on the development of technologies for the cultivation and conservation of microbes and the utilization of information on bio-resources.

This initiative would enable researchers of the two countries to exchange innovative ideas, knowledge, technical know-how etc.

The NNIBR-IBSD tie-up is expected to boost the South Korean institute's efforts to find unique bio- resources useful for agriculture and other industries, as the Northeastern Indian region offers a rich biodiversity as a tropical zone.

Information on biota in a tropical climate can be utilized to forecast climate change in South Korea and forestall it, he added.

Prof.Dinabandhu Sahoo said that, including Manipur and the Northeastern region have rich and unique bioresources.

The Korean researchers found many unique biore-sources available in NE India, out of which a few can be commercialized for the socio-economic development of the region .

The researchers appreciated the efforts taken by IBSD during the last 15 years and expressed satisfaction about the facilities at IBSD and said they have the technology for commercial development of the unique bioresources.

Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director IBSD, who led the Indian delegation, stressed on the uniqueness of this region and that the memorandum will focus on joint research and development of science and technology for sustainable utilization of bioresources.

This will be brought about by collaborative research and development (R&D) between IBSD and NNIBR and would also involve exchange of researchers between the two Institutes.

Other members of the Korean delegation from NNIBR, are Dr.Wook Jae Lee, Director NNIBR , Dr Namil Chung, Principal Researcher NNIBR and Dr.Mi-Hwa Lee , Senior Researcher NNIBR.

The Korean delegation who signed the MoU today invited delegates from IBSD to an International Symposium on "Biodiversity and Human" which would be held in South Korea in October this year.

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