12. Established a Bioinformatics Centre under DBT's, BTIS-Net programme, Government of India.
13. Set up a database on the Flora of Kerala, for ready reference.
14. Developed an innovative 'TBGRI Model' of benefit sharing with tribal community and thereby
    effectively implementing Art. 8j of CBD in both letter and spirit.
15. Transferred the production technologies of Jeevani (an immuno-enhancing, anti-fatigue, anti-stress and hepatoprotective herbal drug) and SISAIROSP (a herbal formulation to control psoriasis and dandruff) for commercial manufacture.
16. Carried out chemical screening and marketing of 450 plants.
17. Developed 12 new phyto -medicines.
18. Filed 15 patents.
19. Published 23 books, 950 papers, 20 handouts/ bulletins /course materials.
20. Distributed seedlings in flasks/ polybags to public, NGOs and Governmental agencies as part of the extension activities.
21. Conducted several national and international conferences, training courses and the first meeting
    of the Indian Subcontinent Regional Orchid Specialist Group (ISROSG) of IUCN/SSC, etc.
22. Recognized research center for higher degrees by Kerala University, Gujarat University, etc.and
    accredited to UNCED and member of IUCN and BGCI.
23. Recognized as a Centre of Excellence in conservation and sustainable utilization of tropical plant diversity by MOEF New Delhi and also in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Plant Science by NAM S & T, New Delhi.

    Fig.23. Couroupitta guianensis Aubl. at TBGRI

    Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute
    Pacha-Palode, Thiruvananthapuram 695562 Kerala, India
    Phone:	91(0) 472 2869226,2869626, 2869246
    Fax:	91(0) 472 2869646
    E-mail:	tbgri@sancharnet.in
    	btis_tbgri@rediffmail.com
    website:	http://www.btisnet.nic.in/tbgri

BGCI have recently re-launched their website with a new design and several innovative features. The new-look website has been developed with a number of key objectives in mind. First and foremost, BCGI aims to use the website as a means to raise awareness about the need to conserve plants. The website also provides key resources and information for botanic garden policy makers, conservation botanists and educators. BGCI will be using the website to build an on-line community amongst the world's botanic gardens, as well as offering BGCI members a range of additional online benefits.

The new web site incorporates a simple, intuitive navigation system and site search so we hope you will be able to find the information you want with ease. Split into seven main areas, the site includes education tools and policy documents. A main feature of the site is the garden search, which allows users to search for a botanic garden anywhere in the world. In order to keep this information up-to-date, BGCI is asking gardens to take responsibility for their own listing through providing gardens with online
access to the database. If you would like to receive a login and password for your garden, send an email to Through the database, you will have gardens@bgci.org. the opportunity to promote your garden and include a link to your own website if you have one.

As a gateway to information on the world's botanic gardens, BGCI welcomes your contributions. We will be publishing case studies of conservation work in botanic gardens around the world, sharing education resources, promoting volunteer positions, advertising jobs and much more. If you have a story to tell, or experiences and resources to share please let us know.

Visit BGCI Online at www.bgci.org. Let us know what you think, get involved and keep an eye on the
website's development as new features come online.