Governor N.N. Vohra has complimented Prof. Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi, Vice-Chancellor Kashmir University, on being informed that the University’s proposed project, “Biodiversity of Kashmir Himalaya: Documentation, Bioprospection and Conservation”, has been recommended by the Expert Committee of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and selected for financial support of Rs. 5 crore for implementation of this project.This multi-disciplinary research project, to be coordinated by various science streams, includes: compilation of authentic database of species diversity; documentation of traditional knowledge about biodiversity in the region and its utilization for bioprospection; development of new products such as biofertilizers ((for conifers and other economically important plants/crops); identification of biologically relevant metabolites with therapeutic potential from mushrooms, medicinal herbs, invasive plants and other texa; impact assessment of proximate causes of biodiversity loss/threat (such as land-use changes, biological invasions, climate change) and strategies for their mitigation; formulation of efficient and implementable strategies for conservation of biodiversity and promotion of information exchange among the stakeholders and building of linkages with industry for sustainable utilization of bio-resources in regional development.On the occasion of the announcement of this important opening in the research arena the Governor has complimented the Vice-Chancellor and his colleagues and hoped that the efficient implementation of the project will produce high quality and valuable research outcomes.