National Biodiversity Authority Realises Rs. 21.26 Crore Through Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanism in FY 2025–26

📌 Summary:

• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) realised Rs. 21.26 crore in FY 2025–26 under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism for research, commercial utilisation, IPR, bio-survey and bio-utilisation of biological resources

• Sector-wise contribution: Seeds Rs. 11.75 cr (largest), AYUSH Rs. 5.56 cr, Nutraceuticals Rs. 1.40 cr, Pharmaceuticals Rs. 1.18 cr; also Biotech, Cosmetics, Chemical, Biofuel and Food sectors

• Around 300 biological resources used — maize, rice, turmeric, amla, mustard, bitter gourd, kalmegh, tulsi, ashwagandha, pepper, lavanga, neem, garcinia

• Cumulative ABS funds realised since inception: Rs. 266 crore; of which Rs. 145 crore already disbursed to local communities, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), farmers and traditional knowledge holders

• ABS mechanism is established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and operationalises India''s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing

• Achievement also aligns with Target 13 of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–2030

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Environment & Biodiversity — biodiversity governance, conservation finance, equitable benefit sharing; ties Mains-Prelims overlap with international biodiversity treaties.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• NBA = statutory body set up in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002; HQ at Chennai
• ABS mechanism implements obligations under Article 15 of CBD and the Nagoya Protocol (adopted 2010, in force 2014)
• BMCs are the local-level biodiversity bodies under the Act
• India is a megadiverse country and Party to the Nagoya Protocol since 2014

🔑 Key Term: Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) — the fair and equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, mandated by the CBD and operationalised through the Nagoya Protocol.