New Delhi: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released a total of ₹1.36 crore to empower local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable use and equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits. The funding, routed through respective State Biodiversity Boards, will directly benefit three key Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
Beneficiary Communities
The funding is allocated as follows:
- Sakharwadi village, Phaltan Taluk, Satara District, Maharashtra
- Kunjirwadi village, Haveli Taluk, Pune, Maharashtra
- Kasganj area, Etah District, Uttar Pradesh
Each BMC receives ₹45.50 lakh, supporting activities aligned with Section 44 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and relevant State Biodiversity Rules.
Background of Funding
These funds are derived from an Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payment, following commercial utilization of microorganisms from soil and industrial effluent samples for producing Fructo-oligosaccharides products.
This initiative highlights how commercial benefits are redirected to local custodians of biodiversity, strengthening community-led conservation.
Strategic Significance
The NBA’s financial support aligns with National Biodiversity Target 13 under India’s updated NBSAP 2024-2030, which is linked to the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at CoP-15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). By rewarding local communities, the NBA fosters inclusive governance where conservation and community prosperity go hand-in-hand.
About National Biodiversity Authority
The NBA, functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is led by a team of experts dedicated to biodiversity management.
Read also: National Biodiversity Authority Sanctions ₹82 Lakh for Red Sanders Conservation in Andhra Pradesh
The current Secretary of NBA has been instrumental in strengthening ABS frameworks and promoting community-led biodiversity initiatives across India.
Importance of National Biodiversity Authority Funding
India’s biodiversity is rich and diverse, but conservation success depends on community engagement and equitable benefit sharing. This financial injection is a clear example of proactive governance, demonstrating how local empowerment and biodiversity conservation can co-exist for long-term sustainability.
