National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) held its 77th meeting in Chennai, approving key measures to strengthen implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, including streamlined procedures for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds and revised guidelines for designated repositories.
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework
As per Section 27 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ABS amounts realised by NBA must be channelled to identified beneficiaries. Where beneficiaries cannot be identified, funds are to be used for socio-economic development of areas where biological resources originate.
Approved ABS Fund Sharing Framework:
| Identifiable Source (Institutions/Repositories) | Where biological resources are accessed from institutions or repositories and the source of origin is identifiable, sharing is as follows 25–40% to institutions/repositories (for conservation, documentation, value addition) 60–75% to local communities/beneficiaries via State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) |
| Inadequate Information Case | Where adequate information is not available, a standard formula applies:- 30% to institutions and 70% to NBA, which further shares with SBBs/UTBCs for conservation activities under Section 32 of the Act |
| Biological resources are accessed via Traders/Intermediaries (Origin Unclear) | Funds utilised as per Section 27 for biodiversity conservation and management |
| Biological resources are accessed via Traders (Origin Identifiable) | Funds distributed to concerned State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) or UT Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) |
Revised Guidelines for Designated Repositories
- The NBA reviewed and approved revised guidelines for designated repositories under the Biological Diversity Act.
- Key features include strengthening the framework for safe custody and management of voucher specimens, robust documentation practices, maintenance of provenance records, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- The revised guidelines also promote digitisation of voucher specimens to enhance accessibility for identification and verification, while maintaining restrictions on physical transfer of biological materials in accordance with statutory provisions — improving traceability, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance.