NBA Revised Guidelines on Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002

Source: PIB

Summary

• The Update: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has streamlined the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism and updated rules for Designated Repositories.
• Core Principle: Ensures that when India’s biological resources (plants, seeds, microbes) are used commercially, the financial benefits reach the local communities who protected them.
• New Fund Formula: A transparent split of ABS funds—typically 60–75% for local communities and 25–40% for the institutions/repositories when the source is identifiable.
• Digitization Push: New emphasis on digital repositories for voucher specimens to allow remote research without risking the physical degradation of samples.
• Section 27 Implementation: Funds are strictly channeled back into conservation and local development in areas where the bio-resources originated.

Background Concept

To understand the revised guidelines, one must grasp the “Nagoya Protocol” philosophy that underpins India’s Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002.

1. What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?

Biological resources are often found in areas inhabited by indigenous or local communities. Historically, companies would take these resources, develop products (like medicine or cosmetics), and keep all the profit.

• The ABS Mechanism: Under the BDA, any commercial user must pay a fee or share a percentage of the revenue with the NBA. This money is then redistributed to the “benefit claimers” (the local people).

2. Designated Repositories

Under Section 39 of the Act, the government designates specific institutions (like Botanical or Zoological Surveys of India) to keep “voucher specimens.”

• The Change: The new guidelines give these repositories a clear financial stake (25–40% of funds) to maintain, document, and digitize these collections, ensuring their long-term survival.

3. Provenance and Voucher Specimens

• Provenance: The “birth certificate” of a biological resource. Knowing exactly where a plant was picked is essential to ensure the right village gets the royalty money.
• Voucher Specimens: A preserved sample of the biological material used in research. It serves as a permanent record to verify exactly what species was accessed.

The New Fund Sharing Formula (At a Glance)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Under the revised NBA guidelines, what is the maximum percentage of ABS funds allocated to local communities when the source of a bio-resource is clearly identifiable?

A) 25%

B) 40%

C) 75%

D) 90%

Q2. Which section of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, mandates that funds be channeled back into biodiversity conservation and local area development?

A) Section 3

B) Section 12

C) Section 27

D) Section 45

Q3. What is the primary purpose of “Digitization of Voucher Specimens” as proposed in the new guidelines?

A) To sell the images as NFTs.

B) To allow remote identification and verification without moving physical samples.

C) To replace all physical museums with websites.

D) To reduce the number of scientists needed for research.

Q4. In the context of the BDA 2002, what does “Provenance” refer to?

A) The nutritional value of a plant.

B) The history of ownership and geographical origin of a biological resource.

) The speed at which a biological resource grows.

D) The chemical formula of a new drug.

Q5. When a bio-resource is widely distributed across India and its specific origin cannot be traced, where are the ABS funds directed?

A) They are returned to the commercial company.

B) They are used for general biodiversity management under the National Biodiversity Fund.

C) They are kept entirely by the Central Government for general budget use.

D) They are distributed equally to all citizens of India.

Answers:

Q1: C | Q2: C | Q3: B | Q4: B | Q5: B