In the face of pronounced on-going degradation of natural ecosystems, there has been a conscious and steady effort towards enhancing the protected area coverage. However, much remains to be done to assess the physical and ecological conditions of these areas. By utilising remotely sensed data and GIS techniques, it is possible to evaluate such conditions and to help develop eco- development plans for these areas. Such diagnostic studies to identify the frailties of these areas are, thus, of utmost importance to support measures for bringing about improvements through developmental activities. It is therefore intended to develop Geographic Information Systems for the protected areas in the country so that the requisite spatial information becomes available to resource managers and planners.
Similar work is planned for wetlands, degraded forests and other important ecosystems.
Adequate hardware and software facilities are being set up in the Centre to take up the above mentioned activities. These databases will provide useful inputs for effective eco-development and management planning. Information on India's living natural resources is today held by a large number of agencies dispersed all over the country. In a recent survey, most of these agencies indicated that they have plans afoot to consolidate and expand their existing data bases. This is because none of these institutions have all the information available with them individually which may be required by them from time to time.