Location: Wayanad, Kerala

Funded by: Various philanthropic groups

For over 25 years, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has been a pioneer in conservation research, focusing on plant genetic resources, rare and endangered species, and ecosystem restoration. At the heart of this mission lies the M.S. Swaminathan Botanical Garden (MSSBG), established at the Community Agrobiodiversity Centre in Wayanad, which serves as a vital hub for ex-situ conservation, community engagement, and scientific innovation. The garden conserves over 1,061 plant species, including 247 listed under IUCN threat categories, and has developed robust protocols for seed collection, nursery management, and large-scale multiplication of rare species. Since the inception, MSSRF has been actively involved in conserving Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) species and Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), conducting scientific research, standardizing propagation techniques, and working closely with tribal communities and local institutions to promote sustainable use of biodiversity. With 168 traditional varieties across 68 species already conserved—spanning rice, root and tuber crops, legumes, greens, spices, and medicinal plants—MSSBG has significantly contributed to food and nutritional security. 

Building on this legacy, MSSRF is now transforming MSSBG into the M.S. Swaminathan Biodiversity Park, an expanded landscape integrating natural vegetation patches such as evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. This Biodiversity Park, together with a Resource Hub, exemplifies a comprehensive model of biodiversity conservation that blends ecosystem restoration, scientific approaches, and community empowerment. Through demonstration sites, training programs, and participatory education, the Park aims to serve as a living classroom and conservation centre, ensuring the protection of genetic resources while fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship.