Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, organized a ‘Manak Manthan’ on the theme “Biodiversity — Considering Biodiversity in the Strategy and Operations of Organizations-Requirements and guidelines” at the Training Hall of the BIS Southern Regional Office, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai, on 21 July 2026.
The programme was organized to discuss on the draft Indian Standard under wide circulation and seek inputs/comments, if any, from the stakeholders and also to create awareness among stakeholders on the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into the strategy, decision-making and day-to-day operations of organizations across various sectors. The session provided a platform for stakeholders to understand the significance of biodiversity conservation and explore ways to incorporate environmental sustainability and biodiversity considerations into organizational practices.
Shri S. D. Dayanand, Scientist–F / Senior Director & Head, BIS Chennai Branch Office, delivered the Welcome Address and outlined the objectives of the programme. Highlighting the role of standards in promoting environmental sustainability, he stated that, “BIS plays an important role in supporting organizations in addressing environmental responsibilities through standards and conformity assessment. Standards such as IS/ISO/IEC 14001 provide a systematic framework for organizations to improve their environmental performance, conserve resources and energy, reduce pollution and waste. Similarly, the draft IS on Biodiversity — Considering Biodiversity in the Strategy and Operations of Organizations-Requirements and guidelines contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
Smt. Dr. S. Geetha, M.Sc., Ph.D., Associate Professor (Biochemistry) and Head of the Department of Basic Sciences, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), delivered the Keynote Address as the Guest of Honour. In her address, she highlighted the importance of biodiversity and its various components, with particular reference to educational institutions, corporate organizations, manufacturing units, industries and factories. She emphasized the need for organizations across sectors to understand their relationship with biodiversity and to adopt responsible practices that support conservation and sustainable development.
A detailed discussion on “Biodiversity — Considering Biodiversity in the Strategy and Operations of Organizations-Requirements and guidelines” was conducted by Shri Kumar Sourabh, Scientist–C / Deputy Director, Environment and Ecology Department (EED), Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. The session provided participants with insights into the significance of biodiversity in organizational strategies and operations and the need to identify and address biodiversity-related considerations as part of responsible and sustainable organizational practices.
A session on BIS and the e-BIS platform, General Awareness on BIS Activities and Stakeholders’ Responsibilities, followed by an Open House, was conducted by Shri Muninarayana R, Scientist–E / Director, BIS Chennai Branch Office. The session familiarized participants with the various activities and initiatives of BIS, digital services available through the e-BIS platform, and the responsibilities of stakeholders in promoting standardization, quality and consumer protection. The Open House provided an opportunity for participants to interact with BIS officials, clarify their queries and share their views on the subject.
The programme concluded with an interactive Open House and feedback session, with participants engaging in discussions on the importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for integrating biodiversity considerations into organizational strategies and operations. The programme reaffirmed BIS Chennai’s commitment towards promoting awareness on environmental sustainability, encouraging responsible organizational practices and strengthening stakeholder engagement on issues of relevance to sustainable development.
Consumers and industry stakeholders were also advised to verify the authenticity of ISI Mark, Hallmark and CRS registrations through the BIS Care App, BIS portal or by scanning QR codes, wherever applicable.