The India Biodiversity Portal was launched on December 15, 2008, at the Management Council Hall in Infosys, Bangalore.

Dr. Kamal Bawa, President, ATREE, while introducing the portal emphasized the importance of biodiversity and how we are losing it at a fast rate. He said that however today is a day to not wring our hands in despair but to use information technology to alter how biodiversity is portrayed to inform and empower larger sections of the society.

Dr. R. Prabhakar, Senior Fellow, ATREE and Director, Strand Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, led the gathering through a glimpse of the portal, where he highlighted its features.

Mr. Sam Pitroda addressed the gathering and pointed out that such virtual initiatives can be useful in bringing diverse types of people together not just at the virtual level but also in conferences. He felt it was important that such portals become economically sustainable. He commented on the multi disciplinary nature of the portal and said there is a need for many more such portals.

Dr. Ravi Chellam, Adjunct Senior Fellow, ATREE and Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society - India Programme talked about the way ahead, which included running campaigns to popularise the portal through means such as road shows. He also acknowledged the challenge of funding such a portal and the need for its sustainability.

Mr. S.D. Shibulal congratulated the National Knowledge Commission, ATREE and the others involved in creating this portal. He said he found the site intuitive and informative and indicated that there was a challenge to make this portal reach out to many more through the use of Indian languages.

Ms. Rohini Nilekani felt that the portal was not just about technology but about deepening democracy through participation. She said there was a new generation of netizens who will be the future creator of social contracts.

Dr. M.D. Madhusudan wrapped up the proceedings with the vote of thanks. Mr. Bhaskar Bhat, CEO, Titan Industries Ltd and Distinguished Alumnus IIT Madras anchored the event.