• To provide an organization that plans and works for restoration of ecologically degraded areas.
• To arouse ecological consciousness among the people of Gujarat and to develop a conservation ethos in the state.
• To undertake on its own or with the support of other agencies, restoration of disturbed eco-systems of the State, with special emphasis on degraded lands.
• To create institutions and organizations necessary for achieving the objectives of GEC.
• To act as the State's single umbrella for accreditation of various NGOs eligible for funding for activities aimed at ecological restoration of degraded eco-systems, andallocation of funds to various non-government agencies for ecological restoration programs.

It is the first and possibly even now, the only institution of its kind in the country. This was appropriate in more ways than one. The State Government has over the years already taken a
number of measures for environmental protection both in terms of policy decisions and administrative initiatives.As an extension to this, it felt the need for an independent institution which would maintain informed and continuous overview of all aspects of ecological security, environmental protection and optimal use of natural resources. And this task was entrusted to GEC. Apart from this, it was also envisaged that GEC would play a major role in evolving a comprehensive policy for the State as also could be entrusted with responsibilities for interacting with, and empowering NGOs and working in the preservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and conservation of biological diversity as also to establish new institutions as and when required.

Besides, Gujarat has a long and varied coastline, a complex geomorphological evolution, a very wide range of climatic variability and uniqueness of flora and fauna.. As a result, within its comparatively small geographical area, a number of unique and vastly diverse ecosystems co-exist and some of them are very fragile and already under great risk. At the same time, the aspiration of the people, both in urban and rural zones, to achieve faster economic growth has put a progressively increasing pressure on environment. Gujarat is amongst the most industrialized states in the country; and also leads in urbanization. So proactive and innovative efforts and measures are required to optimise the use of natural resources in the process of generating wealth. Rapid economic development has to be balanced with environmental concerns in their far-reaching implications to public health, productivity, provision of public amenities and maintenance of bio-diversity.

Equally, Gujarat has, traditionally, a large number of civil-society institutions, including non-governmental organizations, which are active in fields of education, culture, economic growth and social development as well as environmental concerns, making their own contribution at the level of ideas, research and policy as also direct action in taking up and providing support to specific causes.

No wonder, therefore, that a body like GEC would be a part of this milieu and play a positive and supportive role in it.