National Biodiversity Authority Disburses ₹3.79 Crore Under Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanism

Key Facts

• Disbursement date: 9 August 2026
• Amount disbursed: ₹3.79 crore
• Beneficiaries: 33 State Biodiversity Boards, Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Hisar Bovine Sperm Station and Research Centre
• Source of funds: Access and Benefit Sharing payments from corporations including Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt Ltd, HM Clause India Pvt Ltd, Advanta Enterprises Limited, and from Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health
• Specific resource contributions: Tomato genetic resources generated ₹86.56 lakh benefiting 31 boards; chilli genetic resources generated ₹83.76 lakh benefiting 32 boards
• State-wise notable allocations: Madhya Pradesh (₹46.93 lakh), West Bengal (₹44.76 lakh), Odisha (₹44.08 lakh)
• Total cumulative ABS disbursements by NBA have surpassed ₹166 crore

Background & Context

The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism is established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which provides a legal framework for regulating access to India’s biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, serves as the apex regulator and advisory body on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

The ABS mechanism works to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the commercialisation or utilisation of genetic resources and knowledge, promoting conservation and livelihood support at local levels. Funds collected are routed through biodiversity institutions at national, state, and local levels and used for updating People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), supporting local conservation efforts, and strengthening Biodiversity Heritage Sites, which protect ecologically and culturally unique sites.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The ABS mechanism is a significant example of India’s proactive approach to conserving biodiversity while ensuring equitable benefit-sharing with local communities and knowledge holders, aligned with international treaties like the Nagoya Protocol. Understanding the roles of the Biological Diversity Act, NBA, State Biodiversity Boards, and associated bodies is crucial for environment and biodiversity governance questions in exams. The mechanism also exemplifies the link between biodiversity conservation policies and sustainable development goals.

Points to Remember

• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, provides the legal basis for Access and Benefit Sharing in India.
• National Biodiversity Authority is the apex statutory body regulating access and benefit sharing of biological resources.
• State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils function at the state level to manage biodiversity-related issues.
• ABS funds are collected from users of biological resources, including Indian companies and foreign entities.
• Funds are disbursed to biodiversity institutions to update People's Biodiversity Registers, conserve biodiversity, and protect Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
• The NBA’s cumulative ABS disbursements currently exceed ₹166 crore, demonstrating sustained engagement and compliance.
• Major contributors to ABS funds include sectors utilising vegetable, oilseed genetic resources, and livestock genetic material.
• Major beneficiary states in the latest disbursement include Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha.