Gujarat Institute Of Desert Ecology

What Gujarat Institute Of Desert Ecology does

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) is an autonomous research institute registered as a Society and Public Trust, established on 1 May 1995 in Bhuj, Kachchh District, Gujarat, India. It was created under a 1993 Memorandum of Understanding between the Gujarat Ecology Commission and the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research (Israel) with administrative sanction from the Government of Gujarat's Forests and Environment Department. The institute operates from an earthquake-resistant building housing administrative offices, laboratories, a herbarium, and a library, and is structured around five functional divisions: Terrestrial Ecology, Coastal and Marine Ecology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Impact Assessment.

GUIDE's core offerings are environmental research, monitoring, and consultancy services for desert, arid, semi-arid, and coastal ecosystems of Gujarat, with particular emphasis on the Kachchh region. Its technical infrastructure includes a NABL-accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2005) testing laboratory equipped with atomic absorption spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and flame photometry; a GIS and Remote Sensing cell running ArcGIS 9.3, ERDAS Imagine 9.0, and Idrisi Kilimanjaro; a herbarium holding 1,100+ plant species and 6,000 herbarium sheets; and a 1,500+ book ecological sciences library. It is also NABET Category B accredited for EIA in mining, irrigation, and ports/dredging, recognized as a Schedule-I Environmental Auditor by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, designated a State Air and Water Laboratory, and holds SIRO recognition from the Department of Science and Technology.

GUIDE's revenue is generated primarily through government-funded research projects sourced from Central and Gujarat State agencies (Forests and Environment Department, Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, DST, MoEFCC), supplemented by environmental consultancy and EIA services to corporate clients in port operations, cement/manufacturing, and energy sectors (Adani Port, Tata Chemicals, Kandla Port Trust, Essar), as well as training programmes in mushroom cultivation and hydroponics. Over 25+ years it has completed 144 research projects, restored 5,000+ hectares of mangroves, produced 88+ research publications from the Director alone, hosted dissertation students from 20+ universities, and trained 1,500+ people in sustainable cultivation. The institute maintains international research collaborations with institutions in Israel, the UK, Norway, New Zealand, and France, and is a member of IUCN, UNESCO, and the Global Network of Dryland Research Institutes.

Name

Gujarat Institute Of Desert Ecology

Legal name

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology

Website

https://gujaratdesertecology.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) is an autonomous research institute in Bhuj, Gujarat, providing environmental research, NABL-accredited laboratory testing, GIS/remote sensing, and EIA consultancy to government agencies and corporate clients in desert and coastal ecosystems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Research Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMAMAJAB

Forest Inventory, Mapping & Monitoring (GIS/Remote Sensing/MRV)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Paper & Forest Products/Forest Management, Reforestation & Carbon Forestry Services

SECONDARYEUAMANAB

Permitting, Siting & Environmental Impact (EIA/NEPA) Advisory

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro & Geothermal)/Policy & Regulatory Consulting for Renewables

SECONDARYAFAMAKAG

Timberland GIS, Remote Sensing & Data Analytics

Agriculture & Food Production/Forestry & Logging/Timberland Management Services

SECONDARYAFAMACAO

Monitoring, Survival Surveys & Carbon/MRV Services (Remote Sensing, Field Audits)

Agriculture & Food Production/Forestry & Logging/Reforestation, Afforestation & Tree Planting Services

SECONDARYEUAHAEAM

Natural Hazard & Climate Physical Risk Screening for Sites (Flood, Wildfire, Sea Level)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Compliance, Monitoring & Consulting/Environmental Risk Assessment & Due Diligence (Phase I/II ESA)

Keywords

• Environmental research services
• Ecological monitoring services
• Environmental impact assessment
• Desert ecosystem research
• Analytical testing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bhuj, Kachchh

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funded Research Projects: Primary revenue from government-funded research projects sourced from Gujarat Department of Forests and Environment, Department of Agriculture, Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, and various Central Government agencies including DST, MoEFCC, and Ministry of Rural Development.
2. Environmental Consultancy Services: Provides environmental monitoring, assessment, and consultancy services to industrial sectors, corporate clients, and coastal industries. Includes environmental auditing, EIA studies, and technical services for compliance.
3. Training Programmes: Offers hands-on, skill-oriented training programmes in sustainable cultivation technologies including mushroom cultivation (Oyster and Cordyceps militaris) and hydroponics. Targets entrepreneurs, students, researchers, farmers, and women self-help groups.
4. Corporate Sector Environmental Services: Provides environmental advocacy and services to corporate sectors including environmental monitoring, mangrove restoration, and biodiversity management plans for companies operating in coastal and desert regions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) is an autonomous research institute providing multi-disciplinary environmental research, testing and analytical laboratory services, environmental impact assessments, and consultancy focused on desert, arid, semi-arid, coastal, and marine ecosystems of Gujarat. It offers NABL-accredited water and wastewater testing, GIS and remote sensing mapping, herbarium and library reference services, and skill-oriented training in mushroom cultivation and hydroponics for government agencies, corporate clients, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Product overview

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) operates as a multi-disciplinary research institute rather than a single software product company. Its offerings are organized around five functional divisions: Terrestrial Ecology, Coastal and Marine Ecology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Impact Assessment. Core services include environmental testing and analytical laboratory services (accredited by NABL), Remote Sensing and GIS services for biodiversity and land use research, Herbarium services with 1100+ plant species specimens, Library and Documentation with 1500+ books, and Environmental Impact Assessment services. Additionally, GUIDE offers skill-oriented training programmes in sustainable agriculture including mushroom cultivation (Oyster and Cordyceps militaris) and hydroponics. The institute also provides consultancy and conducts conferences/workshops on ecological themes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Testing and Analytical Services Environmental testing and analytical laboratory services for government and corporate clients, including analysis of air, water, wastewater, soil, and sediment for physical, chemical, microbial, and biological parameters. Equipped with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Ion Chromatography, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, and Flame Photometer, accredited by NABL as per ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
• Remote Sensing and GIS Services Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing services for biodiversity, land use, soil, geology, and hydrological regime research. Equipped with ArcGIS 9.3, ERDAS Imagine 9.0, Idrishi Kilimanjaro, and Cartalinx software, providing thematic layer mapping of Gujarat and Kachchh region.
• Herbarium Services Floral diversity referral centre with approximately 1100 plant species and 6000 herbarium sheets from Kachchh, Saurashtra, and North Gujarat arid regions, serving researchers and students.
• Library and Documentation Services Specialized library with 1500+ books covering ecological sciences disciplines, 600+ technical reports, and subscriptions to journals and electronic journals through JSTOR.
• Mushroom Cultivation Training Programme Hands-on training programmes on edible Oyster mushroom cultivation and Cordyceps militaris (Himalayan Gold medicinal mushroom) cultivation for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, farmers, and women self-help groups.
• Hydroponics Cultivation Training Training on modern soilless farming techniques including hydroponics systems, nutrient solution preparation, crop management, and commercial hydroponics business planning.
• Environmental Impact Assessment Services Expert EIA services for assessing environmental, social, and economic impacts of developmental projects including mining, irrigation, industrial estates, ports, and dredging projects, providing assessment reports, mitigation measures, management plans, and conservation plans.
• Conference and Workshop Organization Organization of national conferences, symposiums, and workshops on ecological themes including biodiversity, wetlands, mangroves, climate change, dryland conservation, and marine bioresources.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5000+ hectares of mangrove ecosystems restored/replanted through corporate-community partnerships
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Blaustein Institute for Desert Research (BIDR), IsraelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 1993MoU signed between Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) and Jacob Blaustein Institute of Desert Research (JBIDR), Israel in September 1993. This foundational international partnership led to the establishment of GUIDE in Bhuj and continues as a primary research collaboration in desert ecology.
• Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research collaboration in development studies and environmental research. Part of GUIDE's network of international research institutions.
• Massey University, North Palmerston, New ZealandsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partnership for collaborative research in environmental sciences and ecology.
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NorwaysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research collaboration in life sciences and environmental research.
• The University of Greenwich, London, UKsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic collaboration for research in environmental sciences.
• Le Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), Montpellier, FrancesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research partnership with French national research organization for ecological studies.
• KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj-Kachchh, GujaratcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational academic partnership. GUIDE recognized as academic institution by KSKV Kachchh University and involved in conducting Post Graduate Programme in Environmental Sciences since 2008. Vice Chancellor serves as member of GUIDE's Board of Governors.
• CSIR - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), NagpurcoreTechnology or IntegrationNational research collaboration for environmental engineering research and technology development.
• Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, RajasthancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research partnership for arid zone ecology. Head of CAZRI Regional Station serves as society member. Collaborative research in desert ecology and dryland management.
• Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding parent organization. GEC set up by Government of Gujarat signed MoU with BIDR, Israel and established GUIDE. Member Secretary of GEC serves on GUIDE's society. Primary government partner for ecological research.
• Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), GandhinagarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental regulatory partnership. GPCB has recognized GUIDE as State Air & Water Laboratory, Schedule-I Environmental Auditor, and Member Secretary of GPCB serves on Board of Governors.
• Gujarat Biodiversity Board (GBB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState biodiversity authority partnership for biodiversity conservation, awareness workshops, and People's Biodiversity Register preparation.
• Gujarat Environmental Management Institute (GEMI), Gandhinagar, GujaratsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationState environmental management institute collaboration for environmental research and management.
• Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar PradeshsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research institute collaboration for grassland and fodder research.
• ICAR-Central Institute for Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA), ChennaisecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research collaboration for brackish water and coastal aquaculture research.
• The Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil NadusecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for marine biology research and doctoral supervision.
• Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), GandhinagarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration with energy university for environmental research.
• Nirma University, AhmedabadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research collaboration.
• GSFC University, VadodaraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration with fertilizer corporation university.
• Excel Industries, Kukma, KachchhminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate sector society member providing industrial perspective and potential project partnerships.
• Welspun India Limited, AnjarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate sector society member engaged in mangrove restoration projects in Kachchh coastal area.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): One of India's oldest natural history and conservation research organizations. Direct peer to GUIDE because both publish ecological research, conduct biodiversity assessments, and operate in conservation science relevant to Gujarat's arid and coastal ecosystems.
• Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI): ICAR-affiliated national research institute focused on arid and semi-arid zone ecology. Direct peer to GUIDE because both conduct desert ecology research, dryland management, and ecological monitoring, and CAZRI already serves on GUIDE's society — they are explicitly comparable in mission and domain.
• Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation: Gujarat state body focused on ecological research, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education. Direct regional peer to GUIDE because they share Gujarat-based environmental research mandate and GEER Foundation is already listed as a member organization on GUIDE's website.
• Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE): India's leading private non-profit ecology and conservation research organization. Direct peer to GUIDE because both run multi-disciplinary ecological research, biodiversity surveys, and environmental monitoring with academic and policy impact.
• CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI): CSIR laboratory specializing in environmental engineering, testing, and EIA. Direct peer to GUIDE because both run accredited environmental labs, conduct EIA studies for mining/industrial projects, and partner on environmental research (NEERI is a documented GUIDE partner).
• Gujarat Environmental Management Institute (GEMI): State-level institute providing environmental management services, training, and consultancy in Gujarat. Direct peer because both serve Gujarat state environmental compliance and capacity-building needs, and GEMI is a documented GUIDE partner.

Broad incumbents

• The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI): Large multi-disciplinary research institute covering environment, energy, and sustainability. Broad incumbent peer to GUIDE because it runs accredited environmental testing labs, conducts EIA studies, and offers consultancy at a national scale, overlapping GUIDE's service portfolio.
• Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON): MoEFCC autonomous centre for avian ecology, biodiversity, and ecological research. Broad incumbent peer to GUIDE because it conducts ecological monitoring and ornithology research relevant to Kachchh's avian ecology work that GUIDE's scientists also pursue.
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII): National apex institute under MoEFCC for wildlife research, training, and capacity building. Broad incumbent peer to GUIDE because it covers biodiversity, wildlife, and ecological research at national scale, with overlapping mandate in conservation research and PhD supervision (WII is referenced in GUIDE scientist Dr. S.K. Sajan's PhD).

Emerging players

• National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA) / CIBA: ICAR institute for brackish water aquaculture research and coastal community development. Emerging peer to GUIDE because both conduct coastal/marine research and community training in Kachchh's coastal belt, and CIBA is a documented GUIDE partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gujarat-institute-of-desert-ecology

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Gujarat Institute Of Desert Ecology