India Boosts Biodiversity Efforts with ₹17 Lakh for Mumbai Committee
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is taking significant steps to reinforce India’s dedication to sustainable biological resource management. Recently, the NBA allocated ₹17 lakh to the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra, supporting initiatives to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources. This funding was facilitated through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board and stems from the successful commercial use of beneficial soil micro-organisms.
The micro-organisms, specifically from the Bacillus genus, are being harnessed for the creation of value-added probiotic products. This example illustrates a fruitful connection between biodiversity conservation and modern biotechnology. The benefit-sharing model guarantees that a share of commercial profits from biological resources is routed back to local communities, promoting sustainable local development.
Growth in Biotechnology Sector
In recent years, the biotechnology sector has noted a surge in the utilization of micro-organisms, which are becoming foundational to industrial innovation. The sector overall has contributed approximately ₹10 crore to the accumulated Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) fund, underscoring the importance of microbial resources in various areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and industrial functions.
Maharashtra’s Continued Leadership
Maharashtra is recognized as the second-largest beneficiary of ABS funding, following Andhra Pradesh. The state has received significant financial support through ABS disbursements, amounting to nearly ₹8 crore and benefiting over 200 Biodiversity Management Committees as well as seven institutions. This latest funding further enhances Maharashtra’s status within the ABS framework.
National Milestone Achieved
On a national scale, the cumulative ABS disbursements have now surpassed ₹144.37 crore (approximately USD 16 million). This accomplishment is a testament to the effective execution of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and aligns with India’s obligations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly in achieving Targets 13 and 19.
India’s efforts also support the National Biodiversity Targets, focusing on sustainable resource use and equitable benefit distribution, as well as empowering Biodiversity Management Committees to enhance livelihood security. Through the ABS framework, India is making strides towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing its leadership in global biodiversity conservation and the Nagoya Protocol, while advocating for integrated and inclusive development.
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