Aizawl, July 7: In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation and scientific research, the Natural History Museum & Research Centre (NHM&RC) of Mizoram University has been granted the prestigious Designated Repository status by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023.
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| The Natural History Museum & Research Centre (NHM&RC) at Mizoram University, Aizawl, has been recognised by the National Biodiversity Authority as India's 21st Designated Repository, becoming the first such repository in Northeast India and the first university-based Designated Repository in the country. |
With this recognition, the NHM&RC becomes India's 21st Designated Repository, the first such repository in Northeast India, and the first university-based Designated Repository in the country.
The recognition marks a significant milestone not only for Mizoram University but also for biodiversity research and conservation efforts across the biologically rich Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
National Recognition for Biodiversity Conservation
The official notification was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) following approval by the National Biodiversity Authority.
As a Designated Repository, the NHM&RC will serve as an officially recognised institution for preserving voucher specimens of flora and fauna collected from the region. The repository will play a crucial role in biodiversity documentation, taxonomic research, conservation planning, environmental assessments, and scientific reference.
The recognition also strengthens India's efforts to scientifically document and conserve biological diversity in one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots.
Journey Began Under a DBT Project
The Natural History Museum was established under a Department of Biotechnology (DBT) project titled "Mizoram Biodiversity Documentation and Establishment of a Natural History Museum of Mizoram."
The project received financial support through a DBT sanction issued on October 14, 2019, with a total budget of ₹4.51 crore for implementation during the 2019–2022 period.
The initiative was spearheaded by Prof. John Zothanzama as Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator, with Prof. N. Senthil Kumar and Prof. Esther Lalhmingliani serving as Co-Coordinators.
The project brought together experts from Mizoram University and Pachhunga University College, creating one of the largest collaborative biodiversity documentation programmes in the state.
Extensive Biodiversity Documentation
The project focused on six major components covering several important biological groups and environmental studies.
Researchers carried out extensive documentation of:
• Beetles
• Mushrooms
• Moths belonging to the Saturniidae, Sphingidae and Erebidae families
• Amphibians
• Soil analysis in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems
• Establishment of a comprehensive Natural History Repository
A dedicated team comprising curators, research associates, junior research fellows and field assistants conducted extensive surveys across Mizoram beginning in November 2019.
Thousands of biological specimens were collected, scientifically identified, preserved and catalogued for long-term research and conservation.
University Continued the Mission
Following the successful completion of the DBT project in November 2022, Mizoram University assumed full responsibility for managing and operating the museum.
The University entrusted the responsibility of further developing the museum and obtaining Designated Repository status to Prof. John Zothanzama, Dr. R. Vanlalpeka, and Dr. Lalrotluanga.
Their efforts focused on upgrading museum standards, strengthening collections, improving scientific documentation and fulfilling all statutory requirements laid down by the National Biodiversity Authority.
International Collaboration
The NHM&RC also expanded its global partnerships through collaboration with the Natural History Museum, London.
The collaboration was established under the SPARC Project, titled "Biodiversity Documentation and Museum Repository Establishment in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot Region of Mizoram," implemented during 2024–2026.
The international partnership has strengthened museum management practices, biodiversity documentation and scientific research in Mizoram.
Three-Year Process to Secure Recognition
Obtaining Designated Repository status involved an extensive evaluation process spanning more than three years.
The NHM&RC submitted its application to the National Biodiversity Authority on March 22, 2023.
The NBA acknowledged the application and sought comments from the Mizoram State Biodiversity Board (SBB).
A detailed presentation was made before the State Biodiversity Board on February 4, 2025, following which the Board strongly recommended the museum's designation on February 17, 2025, describing it as the first facility of its kind in Northeast India.
The NBA subsequently requested additional documents after issuing revised rules and guidelines.
Mizoram University completed the required documentation, including institutional undertakings and approvals through its Research and Development Cell.
An expert team from the National Biodiversity Authority conducted an on-site inspection of the museum between February 23 and 25, 2026, evaluating infrastructure, collections, documentation systems, preservation methods and research facilities.
The proposal was placed before the 77th NBA Authority Meeting in March 2026 before receiving final approval during the 78th Authority Meeting held on May 23, 2026.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change subsequently issued the official notification granting the institution Designated Repository status.
Digital Biodiversity Database
Alongside the physical museum, the NHM&RC has also developed a dedicated digital platform and biodiversity database through www.nhrmc.in, with technical support from Siruk Consultancy.
The online platform enables researchers, students and the public to access biodiversity information and scientific resources relating to Mizoram's rich natural heritage.
Major Boost for Research and Conservation
Experts say the recognition will significantly strengthen biodiversity research in Northeast India by providing an officially recognised repository for scientifically validated specimens.
It is expected to facilitate research by universities, government agencies, conservation organisations and students working on taxonomy, ecology, wildlife biology, environmental impact assessment and climate studies.
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The repository will also support implementation of the Biological Diversity Act by maintaining authenticated reference collections for future scientific studies.
Collective Achievement
Mizoram University credited the achievement to the combined efforts of faculty members, researchers and staff from various departments under the School of Life Sciences, as well as Pachhunga University College.
The institution noted that the recognition reflects years of dedicated scientific work in documenting and preserving Mizoram's extraordinary biodiversity.
Officials said the new status places the Natural History Museum & Research Centre among India's premier biodiversity repositories and establishes Mizoram as an important centre for biodiversity conservation, research, education and environmental stewardship in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
The recognition is expected to enhance national and international collaborations while promoting scientific understanding and conservation of the region's unique biological wealth for generations to come.
