Union Environment Minister presides over the 28th Meeting of the reconstituted Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Society, at Coimbatore

**Executive Summary** The 28th Meeting of the reconstituted Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Society was held in Coimbatore to establish a scientific agenda for its new three-year tenure. Presided over by Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav on July 9, 2026, the meeting focused on aligning the institute’s research and policy frameworks with the "Viksit Bharat @ 2047" national blueprint. Key priorities identified include human-wildlife conflict resolution, technology-driven management, and capacity building. **Key Points / Main Content** **Institutional Reconstitution and Governance** * This marks the first meeting of the WII Society following its reconstitution for a three-year term, necessitated by the expiration of previous members' tenures in April. * The meeting was presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, serving as the President of the WII Society. * The session established a robust scientific agenda to guide the institute’s goals over the next three years. **Strategic Vision and Alignment** * There is a mandatory requirement to align WII’s research, training, and policy-support frameworks with the national "Viksit Bharat @ 2047" vision. * Scientific research is emphasized as a critical tool for preserving India’s biological heritage. * The institutional roadmap must prioritize three specific pillars: human-wildlife conflict resolution, technology-driven management, and capacity building. **Review of Performance and Outcomes** * The Director of WII presented an overview of the institute's landmark achievements since its inception and evaluated current institutional priorities. * An "Action Taken Report" regarding decisions from the previous meeting was reviewed. * The meeting integrated strategic outcomes and suggestions from a recently convened Former Directors' Meeting. **Stakeholder Participation** * The meeting included diverse participation from newly nominated and ex-officio members, including a Member of Parliament and the Gujarat State Minister for Forest and Environment. * Representatives from across India (Northeast, Eastern, Western, Southern, Northern, and Central regions) participated alongside scientists, conservationists, and academicians. **Impact Analysis** **Wildlife Institute of India (WII)** **Impact** The institute is now bound by a new three-year scientific agenda that shifts its focus toward long-term national developmental goals. **Action Required** The institute must rigorously restructure its research and training frameworks to align with the ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ blueprint and prioritize conflict resolution and technology. **Newly Nominated and Ex-officio Society Members** **Impact** These members are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the institute for the current three-year tenure. **Action Required** Members must oversee the implementation of the Action Taken Reports and ensure that the suggested outcomes from Former Directors are integrated into future institutional decisions. **State Forest Departments and Regional Representatives** **Impact** States across all Indian regions are affected by the new emphasis on technology-driven management and capacity building. **Action Required** State representatives must collaborate with WII to implement localized wildlife management imperatives and address human-wildlife conflicts using the updated scientific frameworks.

Key Entities Referenced