New Delhi: Environmental watchdog and research organisation The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) will set up 15 laboratories in northeastern India to help students with environmental and biotechnological experiments.

The 15 laboratories would be set up in the states of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura with facilities to provide computer education, taxonomic studies, microbiological and biotechnological experiments among schoolchildren.

This initiative is an outcome of TERI's agreement with the Ministry of Science and Technology's Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

"Unless the schoolchildren are made aware of the resources and the present trend of conservation and management, it would not be possible for future sustainable development," TERI director general R.K. Pachauri said Wednesday.

The institute would also to set up natural resources awareness clubs in schools, nicknamed DNA Clubs.

The objective of DNA Clubs is to enhance understanding among students about the immense value of biological diversity and to tell students the importance of locally available bio resources, their sustainable use and conservation.

They will equip students with relevant skills for bio resources conservation, familiarise students with scientific and technological issues related to biotechnology, provide them with experimental learning opportunities and create opportunities for hands-on experiences in the field at the school level.

As part of the initiative, TERI will invite renowned contemporary scientists in the areas of ecosystems, major species diversity and biodiversity to help youngsters understand the subject better.

The institute said the effort would add value to their knowledge of bio resources, landscape characterisation, species relationships, phylogeny and bio prospecting for new organisms.

"The DNA clubs would lead to transformation of young minds into well-informed citizens having capabilities to rationalise the importance of natural resources and zeal to opt for a career in the field of biotechnology," said Pachauri, who is also the head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).