In a strong move to promote equitable sharing of benefits and sustainable use of biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 1.36 crore to local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The funds will be disbursed through the State Biodiversity Boards to three Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs):
Sakharwadi village, Phaltan Taluk, Satara District, Maharashtra
Kunjirwadi village, Haveli Taluk, Pune, Maharashtra
Kasganj area, Etah District, Uttar Pradesh
Each BMC will receive Rs 45.50 lakh. This allocation is part of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, following commercial use of microorganisms from soil and industrial effluent samples for producing Fructo-oligosaccharides products. The funds are intended to support activities outlined under Section 44 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and relevant state biodiversity rules.
“The NBA’s proactive distribution of benefits recognises local communities as custodians of India’s rich biological heritage,” the Ministry noted. By directing commercial gains to the grassroots level, the initiative strengthens India’s inclusive governance model, where conservation efforts go hand-in-hand with community prosperity.
The move also advances National Biodiversity Target 13 under India’s updated NBSAP 2024-2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the CoP-15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
