National Biodiversity Authority Enhances Access and Benefit Sharing Framework
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has unveiled a series of pivotal measures aimed at bolstering the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, following its 77th meeting on March 23, 2026, in Chennai. The new initiatives focus on streamlining procedures for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds and updating guidelines for designated repositories, ensuring a fair distribution of benefits from biological resources.
New Framework for ABS Funds
According to Section 27 of the Biological Diversity Act, any ABS funds collected must be redirected to identified beneficiaries. However, in scenarios where beneficiaries cannot be pinpointed, the funds are to be utilized for the socio-economic development of the regions that are the source of these biological resources. The NBA, in collaboration with an Expert Committee, has crafted detailed modalities for effective allocation of these funds. This includes cases where tracking the origin of biological resources is impossible.
The newly approved framework offers a clear percentage distribution to enhance transparency and equity. When biological resources are sourced from identifiable institutions or repositories, 25-40% of the ABS amount is allocated to these entities, acknowledging their contributions to conservation and documentation. The remaining 60-75% is designed to benefit local communities through State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs).
Flexibility and Standard Provisions
This framework includes provisions to adjust allocations based on the level of value added by institutions and clarity regarding the resources’ origins. If detailed information isn’t available, a default sharing formula of 30% to institutions and 70% to NBA is established. This latter portion will support biodiversity conservation efforts by SBBs and UTBCs, as specified under the Act.
Revised Guidelines for Repositories
In addition to the funding framework, the NBA has reviewed and revised the guidelines for designated repositories to address contemporary needs. The new guidelines stress the importance of proper management and documentation of voucher specimens collected under the Act. Enhanced practices for maintaining provenance records and adherence to standard operating procedures are also emphasized.
Moreover, these revised guidelines advocate for the digitization of voucher specimens to facilitate easier identification and verification, while ensuring compliance with the necessary legal restrictions surrounding the physical transfer of biological materials. Such improvements are expected to bolster traceability and scientific integrity across the sector.
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