India Introduces Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 for Conservation

Why in the news?

The new rules enhance biodiversity management, reinforce the National Biodiversity Authority’s role, and mandate pre-IPR approvals, aiming to strengthen conservation and regulate bio-resource use in India.

India Introduces Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 for Conservation

About  Biological Diversity Rules, 2024:

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently introduced the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.
  • These rules replace the earlier 2004 rules, aiming to improve implementation of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, which seeks to streamline research and promote traditional Indian medicine systems.

Key Features and Role of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA):

  • A central aspect of the rules is the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), which operates under a chairperson appointed by the Central Government for a three-year term.
  • The NBA manages the National Biodiversity Fund (NBF), supports state bodies with technical guidance, and administers biodiversity-related agreements and databases.
  • For intellectual property rights (IPR) on biological resources, NBA approval is now a prerequisite before granting IPRs, ensuring ethical and regulated use of resources.
  • Penalties for non-compliance range from INR 1 lakh to 50 lakh, with fines supporting state biodiversity funds.

Background and Regulatory Framework:

  • The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 was enacted as part of India’s commitment to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), establishing a robust framework for biodiversity conservation.
  • The Act introduced a three-tiered regulatory system: the NBA at the national level, State Biodiversity Boards at the state level, and Biodiversity Management Committees at the local level.
  • The new 2024 rules further strengthen this structure by reinforcing roles and penalties, aligning conservation efforts with global standards for biodiversity management.

About Biological Diversity Act 2002:

  • Enactment: Created to fulfill India’s obligations under the 1992 UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
  • Purpose: Aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use, and ensure fair sharing of benefits from biological resources.
  • Structure:
    • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): National level
    • State Biodiversity Boards (SBB): State level
    • Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC): Local level

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/what-is-the-biodiversity-act-what-changes-has-the-lok-sabha-cleared-in-the-law/