Why in news
- The National Biodiversity Authority received ₹9.68 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing framework during April–September 2026.
Key terms
International agreement under the CBD governing fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
Statutory autonomous body established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, headquartered in Chennai.
Mechanism requiring commercial users of bio-resources to pay royalties or fees that fund local conservation.
Local-level statutory bodies created under the Biological Diversity Act to document and conserve local biodiversity.
What is the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework?
- Mandated under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023) in alignment with the Nagoya Protocol.
- Ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the commercial utilisation of biological resources and traditional knowledge with local conservers.
Key Revenue & Sectoral Highlights
- Agri-seed sector accounted for the major share of payments (₹7.16 crore), followed by Food & Beverages and Animal Husbandry.
- Contributions were received from both domestic commercial entities and international companies from countries like Sri Lanka, Germany, France, South Korea, and Bhutan.
- Covers biological resource utilization in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotech, AYUSH, and forestry sectors like Red Sanders.
Why It Matters
- Demonstrates functional implementation of Nagoya Protocol commitments in India.
- Provides financial returns to Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and local communities preserving genetic heritage.
Prelims facts
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body headquartered in Chennai.
- ABS framework stems from the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism in rewarding indigenous communities for biodiversity conservation.
Source: PIB English
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2023 · Q79 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2. The Biodiversity Management committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2018 · Q17 · GS III · 15 marks
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks). -
2019 · Q57 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board. 3. Plant varieties are not eligible in the patented in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2017 · Q59 · General Studies · 2 marks
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for -
2024 · Q50 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements: 1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. 2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?