Biological diversity or biodiversity - the web of life, includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. A healthier biodiversity is of fundamental importance as it delivers a variety of natural services viz., ecosystem services, biological resources, and social benefits completely free of charge to the human society. According to the convention of biodiversity, 40% of the world's economy and 80% of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. A rich biodiversity also ensures a greater ability of the ecosystems to withstand natural disasters more efficiently. Biodiversity acts as both the measure of variety of Life and an indicator of overall health of our planet.

In the recent decades, the interest in biodiversity has grown immensely as a consequence of a rapid loss of it, as well as, due to the increasing realization of its biological and commercial importance to the human society and environment. The year 2010, being the international year of biodiversity has brought renewed attention to factors that threaten biodiversity. Efficient management of biodiversity and its conservation are the major challenges facing the world. Since, the genome plasticity is basal to the evolution and the biodiversity in nature, its proliferating, information amenable through genome-based strategies, have been looked upon by molecular biologists as an effective tool for utilization and conservation of genetic resources. The genomic approaches have created a new paradigm in conservation genetics. The present symposium and the hands-on training course will primarily focus on the recent advances in genomics research/ technologies, as well as, their great potential for easily identifying, cataloguing, conserving and utilizing the genetic diversity of the Earth's flora and fauna.

On behalf of the ADNAT and CCMB, we would like to invite you all to Hyderabad, India. Hyderabad is one of the fast growing metros in the country that represents unique culture, history as well as strong academic and industrial position.

The event will bring in National and International experts to share their views, research in the thematic area of "Genomics and Biodiversity", and young research students to update with the current status, future perspectives about the means and needs to explore/conserve/utilize the vast biological diversity that has become central to the survival of our planet mother earth.