It is a network-based information system established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, to facilitate the collection, organisation, processing, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of environmental information.
In simple words, ENVIS helps make useful and reliable information about the environment available to students, researchers, scientists, policymakers, planners, organisations, and the general public.
When Was ENVIS Started?
ENVIS was launched in 1982 during India's Sixth Five-Year Plan period.
The system was developed because environmental information was scattered across different organisations and institutions. There was a need for a coordinated information network through which environmental information could be collected, organised, and disseminated effectively.
Objectives of ENVIS
The major objectives of ENVIS include:
- To develop a national network for environmental information.
- To collect, organise, store, and disseminate environmental information.
- To provide environmental information to researchers, policymakers, planners, students, and the public.
- To connect organisations working in different areas of environmental information.
- To support environmental research and planning.
- To facilitate information exchange among environmental information centres.
- To create awareness about important environmental issues.
Structure of ENVIS
ENVIS can be understood through a hub-and-spoke model.
1. ENVIS Focal Point – Hub
The ENVIS Focal Point acts as the central coordinating unit. It coordinates and supports the ENVIS network and facilitates the flow of environmental information.
2. ENVIS Centres – Spokes
ENVIS Centres are specialised information centres working on different environmental subject areas.
These centres may focus on areas such as:
- Biodiversity
- Pollution
- Forestry
- Wildlife
- Climate change
- Environmental education
- Renewable energy
- Ecosystems
- Environmental management
Each centre works with information related to its specialised area and helps in its collection, processing, organisation, and dissemination.
ENVIS as an Information Network
From the Library and Information Science point of view, ENVIS is an excellent example of an information network.
It demonstrates how information from different sources can be:
Collected → Organised → Processed → Stored → Retrieved → Disseminated
This makes ENVIS particularly relevant to LIS students studying:
- National Information Systems
- Information Networks
- Information Centres
- Specialised Information Services
- Information Dissemination
- Environmental Information Services
- Information Retrieval
Services of ENVIS
ENVIS has provided and supported various information services related to environmental studies and research.
1. Environmental Information
ENVIS facilitates access to information on different environmental topics.
2. Databases
Environmental databases can help researchers and students locate useful information related to specific environmental subjects.
3. Publications and Newsletters
Environmental information, developments, and research-related content may be disseminated through publications and newsletters.
4. Bibliographic Information
Bibliographic information helps users identify relevant literature and resources related to environmental studies.
5. Query and Information Services
Information centres can assist users by responding to queries and helping them locate relevant environmental information.
6. Information Dissemination
The network facilitates the dissemination of environmental information to different categories of users.
Who Uses ENVIS Information?
- LIS students
- Researchers
- Teachers and academicians
- Environmental scientists
- Policymakers
- Government departments
- Planners
- NGOs
- Students
- General public
ENVIS – Quick Revision for Exams
| Topic | Answer |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Environmental Information System |
| Abbreviation | ENVIS |
| Started | 1982 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) |
| Country | India |
| Main Purpose | Environmental information management and dissemination |
| Structure | Hub-and-Spoke / Network Model |
| Central Coordination | ENVIS Focal Point |
| Other Units | ENVIS Centres |
| Major Areas | Biodiversity, pollution, forestry, climate change, wildlife, etc. |
| LIS Relevance | National Information System and Information Network |