Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment (Biodiversity, Conservation Governance)
Source: The Hindu, Down to Earth
Context & News
The Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002 is back in focus due to ongoing discussions on regulating access to India’s biological resources, strengthening community rights, and streamlining benefit-sharing processes. The Act operationalises India’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992).
What is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002?
A comprehensive law aimed at:
- Conservation of India’s vast biological diversity
- Sustainable use of its components
- Fair and equitable benefit-sharing with traditional knowledge holders and local communities
Institutional Structure (Prelims Focus)
Body | Level | Key Functions |
| National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) | Central | Approves foreign access, decides benefit-sharing, advises Centre |
| State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) | State | Regulates access for Indian entities, advises State govt |
| Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) | Local | Maintains People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), manages local resources |
Important Provisions
- Regulates use of plants, animals, microorganisms, and traditional knowledge for research and commercial purposes.
- Requires NBA approval for foreign-based individuals or companies to access biological resources.
- Mandates benefit-sharing with local communities when industries or researchers use biological materials or knowledge.
- Supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) and India’s broader conservation goals.
Key Issues & Concerns
- Weak implementation of People’s Biodiversity Registers across states.
- Limited capacity of BMCs and delays in benefit-sharing payments.
- Concerns around biopiracy, inadequate monitoring, and inconsistent enforcement.
- Balancing scientific research needs with protection of indigenous rights.
Way Ahead
- Strengthen BMCs and PBR documentation through funding and training.
- Create a transparent, time-bound approval and benefit-sharing framework.
- Improve coordination between NBA, SBBs, and local bodies.
- Promote digital biodiversity databases for easier monitoring and compliance.
- Enhance community participation to ensure real benefit-sharing at the grassroots.
One-line Wrap: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 remains India’s key tool for conserving ecosystems while safeguarding community rights, but demands stronger on-ground implementation and streamlined governance.
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