NBA Allocates Rs 8.23 Crore to States, UTs Under Biodiversity Benefit-Sharing Framework

New Delhi, Sep 7 (KNN) The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has crossed Rs 200 crore in cumulative disbursements under India’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework, with Rs 8.23 crore sanctioned for 27 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and five Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs).

The latest disbursement relates to the utilisation of biological resources associated with bitter gourd, okra, chilli and onion. The ABS proceeds were realised from seed companies Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd. and Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt. Ltd. for research and commercial utilisation of these resources.

As the biological resources were sourced through open markets or traders and could not be linked to specific farmers, communities or geographic locations, the proceeds are being distributed among SBBs and UTBCs based on the area under cultivation of the respective crops.

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are the largest cumulative recipients among the States and UTs. Madhya Pradesh received Rs 1.17 crore, while Maharashtra received Rs 1.01 crore. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat received Rs 75.55 lakh, Rs 65.23 lakh and Rs 64.06 lakh, respectively.

The funds are to be used for activities including documentation and updating of People’s Biodiversity Registers, conservation of biological resources, restoration of degraded ecosystems, strengthening of Biodiversity Heritage Sites, capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees and community livelihood enhancement.

The latest disbursement is part of the NBA’s implementation of the ABS framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aimed at ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of biological resources.

(KNN Bureau)