What’s the Impact of Rs 18.3 Lakh Given to Sikkim and UP Biodiversity Panels?
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Synopsis
In a landmark initiative, the National Biodiversity Authority allocates Rs 18.3 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees in UP and Sikkim, rewarding local communities for their role in conserving biological heritage. This funding, part of a broader effort, aims to empower communities and promote sustainable biodiversity management.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 18.3 lakh allocated to Biodiversity Management Committees in UP and Sikkim.
- Supports local communities acting as custodians of biological heritage.
- Part of Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Empowers local custodians for effective resource management.
- Promotes fair and equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity.
New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) In a significant move to acknowledge and reward local communities serving as guardians of biological heritage, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has allocated Rs 18.3 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim, as confirmed by an official on Saturday.
This funding is part of the access and benefit-sharing mechanism established under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, according to a statement from the Environment Ministry official.
The allocated funds will be directed towards activities specified in Section 44 of the Act and the associated State Biodiversity Rules, the statement highlighted.
By allocating these funds, the NBA is empowering local custodians to take charge of biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of their resources. Furthermore, the fund transfer aims to foster fair and equitable benefit-sharing, the statement noted.
The funds were efficiently transferred through the respective State Biodiversity Boards directly to two BMCs: the Narrau village Biodiversity Management Committee, located in Akrabad Kaul Taluk, Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, and the Biodiversity Management Committee in the Lampokhari Lake Area, Aritar, Sikkim.
One company accessed crop materials from Narrau village to produce fermentable compounds from lignocellulosic biomass. Another company accessed microorganisms from water and soil samples gathered in the Lampokhari Lake area for research purposes, the statement elaborated.
Previously, the NBA had allocated Rs 1.36 crore to share the benefits of the commercial use of biodiversity with local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
This financial assistance was routed through the State Biodiversity Boards of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh to three Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)—Sakharwadi village, Phaltan Taluk, Satara District (Maharashtra); Kunjirwadi village, Haveli Taluk, Pune (Maharashtra); and the Kasganj area, Etah District (Uttar Pradesh)—as stated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Each BMC is set to receive Rs 45.50 lakh. This initiative highlights the government's steadfast commitment to the principles of equity, sustainability, and conservation.
The released funds signify a tangible Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payment following the commercial use of microorganisms sourced from soil and industrial effluent samples for producing fructo-oligosaccharide products.
Point of View
I believe this funding initiative by the NBA is a commendable step towards recognizing the efforts of local communities in biodiversity conservation. It highlights the importance of sustainable practices and equitable sharing of benefits, fostering a sense of ownership among those who are directly involved in preserving our natural resources.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Rs 18.3 lakh funding?
The funding aims to reward local communities for their role as custodians of biological heritage and to support biodiversity conservation efforts.
Which areas are receiving the funding?
The funding is allocated to Biodiversity Management Committees in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim.
How does this funding support local communities?
It empowers local custodians to manage biodiversity sustainably and promotes fair benefit-sharing from the use of biological resources.
