NBA Disburses ₹5.68 Crore for Biodiversity Projects
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has allocated ₹5.68 crore under its Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework, aimed at promoting the sustainable use of biological resources in India. This funding will be distributed among various State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) as well as a national research institution. The financial aid focuses on enhancing the preservation and utilization of several agricultural resources, notably in crops such as Okra, Cucumber, and Watermelon.
Significant Contributions from Major Crops
A substantial portion of the funds, amounting to ₹3.51 crore, specifically targets Okra, covering an impressive 139 varieties and 28 hybrids. This support will be distributed to 32 different state entities, facilitated by an ABS payment from Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., who gained access to Okra. Additionally, other key crops like Watermelon, comprising 662 varieties and 15 hybrids, and Cucumber, which includes 1,009 varieties and 14 hybrids, also received financial backing from various market sources linked to the same company and others like East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd. and Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
Distribution of Funds Among States and UTs
The disbursement list reveals the significant financial boost to various states, with Gujarat receiving the highest share of ₹88,79,304. Other notable beneficiaries include West Bengal with ₹78,08,691 and Madhya Pradesh with ₹64,90,418. The fund distribution reflects the widespread need for support across India’s biodiversity efforts, where biological resources have often been accessed from traders rather than individual farmers, challenging direct tracking to particular communities.
Leveraging Funds for Sustainable Practices
The funds allocated to the SBBs and UTBCs will be utilized as per the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. Activities funded include maintaining People’s Biodiversity Registers, promoting the conservation of resources, restoring degraded ecosystems, and backing community livelihoods. Furthermore, a portion of the funds has been earmarked for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Chemical Laboratory to enhance microbiological research.
A Commitment to Biodiversity
This recent disbursement raises the total amount distributed through ABS to over ₹191 crore, marking a significant commitment from the NBA towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacities while enhancing the livelihoods of communities involved in biodiversity preservation.
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