Advancing Conservation with Data: How ICFRE Leveraged Technology to Manage Genetic Resources

The conservation and management of forest genetic resources are vital for sustainable development worldwide. For the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, this imperative translates into coordinating crucial activities concerning Forest Genetic Resources (FGR).

FGR refers to the heritable materials—from whole populations down to cloned DNA fragments—that hold actual or potential economic, scientific, or societal value. ICFRE, which caters to the needs of different biogeographical regions of the nation, must plan, promote, coordinate, and conduct activities related to the exploration, collection, characterisation, evaluation, documentation, conservation, sustainable utilisation, and exchange of germplasm.

The Conservation Challenge: Manual Data Bottlenecks

Historically, the data required for these expansive FGR programs was recorded manually, utilising multiple platforms and varying forms. This fragmented approach posed a significant hurdle to effective data utilisation and strategic conservation efforts.

To overcome this challenge and modernise FGR management, the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) intended to develop a comprehensive Digital (Software) Platform. This platform was designed to integrate and assist all aspects of FGR management, from collection to documentation.

The Solution: A Unified Digital Platform

The FGR Database Software project, undertaken by Kultivate India, was conceived as an interactive web portal for Database Management Systems (DBMS) coupled with an Android mobile application. This platform aims to digitise and streamline data handling, providing a crucial tool for scientists and research fellows.

Revolutionising Field Data Collection

One of the platform's core functionalities is to effectively collect data from remote locations, a necessity for field scientists. The solution features a dedicated Android Tablet Application that replaces the traditional paper-based methods, such as the Tree Data Form, Enumeration Form, and Population Studies Form.

Key technological features enabling this remote data collection include:

• Offline Mode: Field scientists can continue their work even when network access is unavailable, with collected data stored locally and then synchronized with the server when the network is restored.

• Comprehensive Data Capture: The application collects field data as texts, photos, and geo-location.

• Integration with GPS: While the in-built GPS feature in the Android Tablet Device is used by default, the application can integrate with an external GPS device to accurately record coordinates in areas where coordinates are otherwise difficult to obtain.

Furthermore, the Android Tablet device assists in planning activities, such as seed collection, based on locations previously recorded during data collection. To support accurate identification, the platform also stores and allows access to species literature and the species specific conservation strategy via both the web portal and the mobile device.

Centralised Data Management and Analysis

The collected FGR data is stored securely in the cloud server, accessible via both the Web Portal and the Android Tablet devices. The Web Portal provides sophisticated tools to enhance data utilisation:

1. Managing Extensive Data Sets: The platform maintains several crucial databases, including:

• Field Collection Data (e.g., Species Distribution, Diversity)

• Tree Data (e.g., image, leaf, latitude, longitude)

• Seed / Fruit Trait Data (e.g., physical measurements, viability, germination)

• Seed Gene Bank Data (e.g., seed lot number, quantity, storage details)

• Field Gene Data (e.g., trial site details, growth details)

The Web Portal allows users to characterise, evaluate, and document this collected data, and also includes functionalities for cataloging seed bank data and enhancing records with additional information.

2. Querying and Reporting: The FGR DB Platform includes a robust FGR Data Query Module allowing authorized users to run flexible queries based on various parameters. This functionality is available on both the Web Portal and the mobile device. On the Web Portal, query results can be exported or printed for further analysis. The system also supports automated report generation, which can be scheduled and sent to relevant stakeholders.

3. Decision Support: The web portal offers a Dashboard (a typical management MIS page) that visually presents FGR data, providing data analytics for quick decision making. This dashboard also provides reminders regarding data collection activities, seed collection, or necessary steps in the conservation stage.

4. External Integration: To enrich the FGR records, the platform is designed to connect with external devices like Image Analysers and X-Ray machines. A dedicated desktop computer is planned as part of the project scope to facilitate these external device integrations.

A Robust Technical Foundation

To ensure the platform is reliable and scalable, Kultivate employed a cutting-edge technical architecture. The system utilizes a PostgreSQL Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). The backend is built using the Python language and the Django MVC framework, with the web portal developed in Angular. For the mobile application, Flutter is used for hybrid mobile app development, allowing a single codebase for multi-platform applications.

Critically, the architecture employs RESTful webservices to publish data, ensuring a loose coupling between the Server, Mobile app, and Web Portal, which helps in managing, scaling up, and upgrading the system easily. Data security is prioritized, utilizing protocols such as HTTPS, TLS, SSL encryption, and firewalls.

All users are signed in using their ICFRE email ID, with access managed through Role Based Authentication. Defined roles range from Platform Admin and Institution Admin to various Field Data Associates, Lab Data Supervisors, and Senior Scientists, ensuring appropriate data access and management capabilities across the institutions.

The Future of Forest Conservation

By replacing manual, disparate data recording with a comprehensive, integrated digital solution, ICFRE is establishing a modern foundation for FGR management. This technological leap ensures that critical data—from field collection coordinates to seed viability traits—is collected efficiently (even offline), stored securely, and readily analyzed for quick decision-making and strategic planning.

This project is not just about software implementation; it represents ICFRE's commitment to advancing the exploration, conservation, and sustainable utilisation of India's vital forest genetic resources.