Polity📖 3 min read

NBA Releases Rs 15.52 Crore ABS Proceeds from Mustard Genetic Resources

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released significant funds from Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) related to mustard genetic resources.

Source: PIB All Releases
Summary of News

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) recently announced the release of Rs. 15.52 crore as Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds. These funds come from the commercial utilization of genetic resources related to mustard. The NBA, established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is responsible for implementing the provisions of this Act. The ABS mechanism ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources with the local communities and traditional knowledge holders. This particular release highlights the successful implementation of the ABS framework in India, specifically concerning agricultural biodiversity. The funds are expected to be used for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use initiatives, benefiting the communities involved in conserving these genetic resources.

Why It Matters

This news is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights the functioning of the National Biodiversity Authority and the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Aspirants should understand the concept of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and its role in biodiversity conservation and equitable resource management.

Key Points for Exam
  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released Rs. 15.52 crore in ABS proceeds.
  • The funds are from the commercial use of mustard genetic resources.
  • NBA was established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  • Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a key principle of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
  • India is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted in 1992.
  • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aims to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable use.
Important Keywords Explained
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)organization

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 biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)concept

ABS is a principle that ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. It is a key component of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It aims to provide incentives for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by recognizing the rights of countries and communities over their genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002act

This Act was enacted by the Parliament of India to give effect to the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated knowledge. It established a three-tier structure: NBA at the national level, State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) at the state level, and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level.

Additional Facts & Context
1The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, came into force on February 1, 2003.
2India is one of the 196 parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
3The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing was adopted in 2010.
4The NBA consists of a Chairperson and not more than 10 ex officio members and 5 non-official members.
Examiner's Tip

UPSC often asks about statutory bodies like NBA, their mandate, and the Acts under which they are formed. SSC exams may focus on the year of establishment or headquarters of such organizations.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'NBA' for 'National Biodiversity Authority' and 'ABS' for 'Access and Benefit Sharing' they work together for 'Biodiversity' (B) conservation.

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 conserve biological diversity, promote the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in the context of biodiversity?

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a framework that ensures that benefits from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably with the providers of those resources. This includes local communities and indigenous people who have conserved and developed these resources and associated traditional knowledge over generations. It is a core principle of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

When was the Biological Diversity Act passed in India?

The Biological Diversity Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2002. It was enacted to fulfill India's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

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