NBA Released Rs.6.7 Million to Dapur Biodiversity Management Committee in Maharashtra

In a significant step toward empowering local communities and facilitating equitable benefit sharing, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹6.7 million (₹67 lakhs) to the Dapur Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), located in Sinnar Taluk, Nashik District, Maharashtra, through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.

BMC is a local-level committee in India, established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, responsible for conserving biodiversity and promoting its sustainable use.

In addition to the preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Register, BMC ensures the conservation and sustainable utilisation of biological resources, the eco-restoration of local biodiversity, and the development of education and awareness programs, etc. They also provide management of heritage sites, including heritage trees, sacred groves, sacred water bodies, and animals, microorganisms.

In this instance, a company accessed microorganisms from the soil in Dapur Grampanchayat and subsequently developed probiotic supplementary products. The Access and Benefit Sharing amount released by NBA reflects the benefits accrued from this commercial use.

It is designated for activities outlined under Section 44 of the Biological Diversity Act and the Maharashtra Biological Diversity Rules. The NBA, established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of regulating access to India’s vast biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

The Authority also ensures that benefits arising from the commercial utilisation of these resources are shared fairly and equitably with the beneficiaries, including local communities, in line with the principles of equity, sustainability and conservation.

This initiative exemplifies the NBA’s commitment to ensuring that the custodians of India’s biological wealth, its local communities, receive rightful recognition and benefits. By doing so, the Authority continues to reinforce India’s vision of a sustainable and inclusive biodiversity management framework, where conservation and community prosperity go hand in hand.