NBA Disburses Rs 3.79 Crore Under Access and Benefit Sharing
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has distributed funds to states and national institutes, promoting fair sharing of benefits from biological resources.
Source: PIB All ReleasesThe National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) recently disbursed approximately Rs. 3.79 crore under its Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism. This significant amount was distributed to 33 States/Union Territories and various National Institutes across India. The ABS mechanism is a core component of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aiming to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The NBA's initiative supports conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by providing financial incentives. This disbursement highlights the NBA's commitment to implementing the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, to which India is a signatory. The funds will likely be used by the recipient states and institutes for biodiversity conservation projects, research, and supporting local communities involved in protecting biological resources.
This news is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the Nagoya Protocol. Aspirants should understand the concept of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and the role of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in India's biodiversity conservation efforts. Questions often focus on the legal framework and institutional mechanisms for environmental protection.
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed approximately Rs. 3.79 crore.
- Funds were distributed to 33 States/Union Territories and National Institutes.
- The disbursement is under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism.
- The ABS mechanism is part of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- India is a signatory to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.
- The funds aim to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
The NBA is a statutory autonomous body established in 2003 by the Government of India under Section 8 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Its headquarters are in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It facilitates, regulates, and advises the Indian government on matters related to conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.
ABS is a principle that ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. It means that those who access genetic resources (e.g., for research or commercial use) must share the benefits (monetary or non-monetary) with the providers of those resources, often indigenous and local communities, and the country of origin. This promotes conservation and sustainable use.
This Act was enacted by the Parliament of India to provide for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It aims to implement the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) is an international agreement adopted in 2010. It is a supplementary agreement to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of the third objective of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
UPSC often asks about the institutional framework for environmental protection, including the roles of bodies like NBA and the provisions of key acts like the Biological Diversity Act. SSC exams may focus on the year of establishment or headquarters of such organizations.
Remember 'NBA' for 'National Biodiversity Authority' and 'ABS' for 'Access and Benefit Sharing' they work together to 'Save Bio' (Biodiversity).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)?
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) primarily aims to implement India's Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Its main purpose is to regulate access to biological resources, ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity across the country.
How does the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism work in India?
In India, the ABS mechanism, governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, requires anyone seeking to access biological resources or associated traditional knowledge for commercial use or research to obtain prior approval from the NBA or State Biodiversity Boards. Benefits, monetary or non-monetary, are then shared with the providers of these resources, often local communities, ensuring their contribution is recognized and rewarded.
What is the connection between the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the Nagoya Protocol?
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is India's national legislation designed to implement the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement that further elaborates on the 'Access and Benefit Sharing' objective of the CBD. India's Act aligns with and helps fulfill the commitments made under the Nagoya Protocol.