MEV 017: Unit 11 – Biodiversity

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 UNIT 11: BIODIVERSITY

11.1 Introduction

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of life forms on Earth — from tiny microorganisms to vast forests and animal species. It encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is not only vital for ecological balance but also underpins human survival by providing food, water, medicines, and climate regulation.

India, being one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, is home to nearly 8% of the world's known species. From the Himalayas to the Western Ghats and from rainforests to coastal ecosystems, India showcases a rich and varied range of flora and fauna. Yet, this treasure is under constant threat from human activities, climate change, and unsustainable development.

Recognizing the need to conserve biodiversity, the Indian government enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992, to which India is a signatory.

11.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the concept and significance of biodiversity.
  • Explain the key provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  • Describe the roles of institutions like the NBA, SBBs, and BMCs.
  • Understand the concept of Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
  • Appreciate India’s legal and institutional mechanisms for biodiversity conservation.

11.3 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 is India’s principal legislation aimed at conserving biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of its use.

Key Objectives of the Act:

  1. Conservation of biodiversity
  2. Sustainable use of its components
  3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated knowledge

Key Features:

  • Regulates access to biological resources for commercial and research purposes.
  • Mandates benefit-sharing with local communities when their resources or knowledge are used.
  • Protects traditional knowledge from exploitation or bio-piracy.
  • Encourages conservation through local participation.

Scope:

  • Applies to biological resources, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and parts thereof.
  • Covers associated traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of local communities.

11.4 National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, with its headquarters in Chennai.

Functions of NBA:

  1. Grant approvals for access to biological resources by foreign individuals, companies, or organizations.
  2. Regulate transfer of research results relating to biological resources.
  3. Advise the Central Government on biodiversity conservation.
  4. Facilitate the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of traditional knowledge and biological resources.
  5. Provide guidelines and technical support to State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees.
  6. Document and protect traditional knowledge systems.

NBA also collaborates with international bodies to prevent bio-piracy and promote bio-resource-based industries within a sustainable framework.

11.5 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)

Each Indian state has a State Biodiversity Board (SBB) responsible for implementing the Biodiversity Act at the state level.

Functions of SBBs:

  • Advise the State Government on conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing.
  • Regulate commercial use of biological resources by Indian nationals.
  • Oversee the functioning of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
  • Promote awareness and research on state-specific biodiversity.
  • Collaborate with forest departments and local bodies in biodiversity documentation.

Each board ensures that the unique biodiversity of its region is preserved and utilized responsibly.

11.6 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

At the grassroots level, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are formed in every local self-government body (Panchayats, municipalities, etc.) under the Act.

Functions of BMCs:

  • Prepare People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) documenting local flora, fauna, and traditional knowledge.
  • Safeguard community intellectual property and traditional knowledge systems.
  • Promote in-situ conservation and support eco-friendly practices.
  • Act as a liaison between local communities, SBBs, and the NBA.
  • Ensure local participation in biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing schemes.

People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR):

It is a community-based documentation system that records the wealth of biological resources and associated knowledge, including conservation practices passed through generations.

11.7 Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are unique and ecologically fragile ecosystems identified by state governments for protection under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act.

Characteristics of BHS:

  • Areas of rich biodiversity, especially of wild relatives of cultivated plants and domesticated animals.
  • Regions with significant cultural, medicinal, or religious value.
  • Managed by local communities with technical assistance from SBBs and BMCs.

Significance:

  • Recognizes and honors community efforts in biodiversity conservation.
  • Ensures protection without displacing local people or their livelihoods.
  • Encourages eco-tourism and awareness.

Examples include:

  • Aravali Biodiversity Park in Haryana
  • Nallur Tamarind Grove in Karnataka
  • Majuli Island in Assam

Each BHS is a symbol of harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

11.8 Let Us Sum Up

Biodiversity is the cornerstone of life on Earth and a key factor in ecological sustainability. India, with its vast and diverse ecosystems, holds an important place in global biodiversity conservation.

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, has established a three-tier institutional structure — NBA at the national level, SBBs at the state level, and BMCs at the local level — to promote conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing of biodiversity.

Further, initiatives like People’s Biodiversity Registers, Biodiversity Heritage Sites, and community participation highlight India’s commitment to integrating traditional knowledge and modern conservation principles.

To preserve biodiversity for future generations, coordinated efforts at every level — from village communities to national authorities — are essential.

 

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