Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) in India

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment

Why in News?

Recently, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has surpassed Rs.200 crore in cumulative disbursements under India's Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework.

Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) – This concept is grounded in the principle that when biological resources or associated traditional knowledge are accessed and utilized for commercial or research purposes, the resulting benefits must be shared fairly and equitably with relevant stakeholders.

Biopiracy – The unauthorized appropriation or commercial exploitation of biological resources or associated traditional knowledge, typically occurring without proper recognition or equitable benefit-sharing.

• The most recent Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) proceeds resulted from research and commercial utilization of four specific crops:
  • Bitter gourd,
  • Okra,
  • Chilli,
  • Onion.
• These proceeds were obtained from seed companies such as Nunhems India, East-West Seeds India, and Bayer Science and Innovation.

• Allocation of Funds – State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory (UT) Biodiversity Councils must allocate funds for activities specified under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, as outlined in the article.
• Primary Areas of Fund Utilisation
  • Development and maintenance of People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)
  • Conservation Initiatives – It encompasses in-situ conservation efforts, as well as ex-situ conservation measures.
  • Ecosystem Restoration – This includes the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity Heritage Sites – It focuses on the strengthening and conservation of biodiversity heritage sites.
  • Biodiversity Management Committees – It includes capacity-building initiatives for committee members.
  • Community Livelihoods – Funds support the improvement of livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Reference

DD India | ABS Funds