CSIR‑CCMB’s LaCONES Leads Genomic‑Based Conservation Workshop on Eastern Ghats Biodiversity — UPSC Current Affairs | March 4, 2026
CSIR‑CCMB’s LaCONES Leads Genomic‑Based Conservation Workshop on Eastern Ghats Biodiversity
The CSIR‑CCMB’s LaCONES hosted a four‑day workshop to apply genomic tools like eDNA and high‑throughput sequencing for biodiversity assessment in the Eastern Ghats. The event highlighted the need for integrated, technology‑driven conservation planning to address habitat loss and climate threats, offering valuable insights for UPSC aspirants on science‑policy linkages.
Workshop Overview The CSIR‑CCMB organised a four‑day workshop at its LaCONES campus. The event brought together scientists, students, NGOs and forest officials to discuss how Eastern Ghats can be studied using modern genomic tools and landscape ecology. Key Developments Presentation of eDNA surveys that uncovered a previously undocumented diversity of insects, fishes, reptiles, birds, mammals and microbes. Demonstration of high‑throughput sequencing for population genetics and phylogeography. Integration of genomic data with remote‑sensing based habitat mapping, land‑use change analysis and connectivity modelling. Collaborative talks from IIHS Bengaluru, IISER Tirupati and NCBS Bengaluru covering freshwater ecology, pollination biology, ancient DNA and conservation genomics. Important Facts • The Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats and host many endemic species, yet systematic biodiversity documentation is scant. • Habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change are accelerating threats, making rapid assessment tools like eDNA crucial. • The workshop emphasized a multidisciplinary approach: conservation genomics , species interaction studies, and spatial analysis of land‑use patterns. UPSC Relevance Understanding the synergy between genetics and ecology is vital for GS‑3 (Science & Technology) questions on biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and the role of technology in policy implementation. The Eastern Ghats case illustrates challenges in managing fragmented ecosystems, a topic that also appears in GS‑1 (Geography) under physical features and environmental concerns. Moreover, the involvement of multiple ministries and forest departments highlights inter‑agency coordination, relevant to GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑4 (Ethics) discussions on sustainable development. Way Forward • Expand a network of field‑based genomics labs across the Eastern Ghats to enable real‑time eDNA monitoring. • Integrate genomic datasets with the National Biodiversity Authority’s species‑level action plans. • Use the workshop’s collaborative model to formulate region‑specific conservation policies, ensuring habitat connectivity and climate‑resilient management. • Train early‑career researchers in high‑throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to build indigenous capacity.
CSIR‑CCMB’s LaCONES organized a four‑day workshop on genomic‑based conservation in the Eastern Ghats (April 2024).
eDNA surveys uncovered previously undocumented diversity of insects, fishes, reptiles, birds, mammals and microbes.
High‑throughput sequencing was demonstrated for population genetics and phylogeography of endemic taxa.
Genomic data were integrated with remote‑sensing habitat mapping, land‑use change analysis and connectivity modelling.
Scientists from IIHS Bengaluru, IISER Tirupati, NCBS Bengaluru, NGOs, forest officials and graduate students participated.
The Eastern Ghats, older than the Western Ghats, host over 200 endemic species but lack systematic biodiversity documentation.
The workshop advocated setting up field‑based genomics labs across the Eastern Ghats for real‑time eDNA monitoring.
Background & Context
The Eastern Ghats, a fragmented ancient mountain range, face accelerating habitat loss and climate threats, demanding rapid, precise biodiversity assessment. Genomic tools like eDNA and high‑throughput sequencing enable large‑scale, non‑invasive monitoring, aligning with GS‑3 (Science & Technology) and GS‑1 (Geography) syllabus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
UPSC Syllabus Connections
Prelims_GS•Ecology and BiodiversityEssay•Environment and SustainabilityGS3•Conservation, environmental pollution and degradationGS3•Biodiversity and its ConservationPrelims_GS•Physical Geography of IndiaPrelims_CSAT•Basic NumeracyPrelims_GS•Biology and Health
Mains Answer Angle
In a Mains answer, discuss how integrating genomics with remote sensing can strengthen conservation planning for fragmented landscapes, linking GS‑3 (Conservation) with policy implementation and inter‑agency coordination. A likely question could ask to evaluate technology‑driven approaches for biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Ghats.