Source– This post is based on the article “Biological Diversity Act, 2002‘ published in “PIB” on 4th December 2023.
Why in the News?
Recently the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated the conservation efforts and measures taken for Biodiversity Heritage Sites and plant genetic resources.
What are Biodiversity Heritage sites?
1) Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are areas that are unique, ecologically fragile
ecosystems that have rich biodiversity.
2) BHS must comprise of any one or more of the following components– species richness, high endemism, presence of rare, endemic and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species etc.
3) They are recognised under the Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
4) They are notified by the State Government in consultation with the local bodies.
5) Currently, there are 44 Biodiversity Heritage Sites in 16 States.
| For more information on Biodiversity Heritages sites Click Here to read |
What are the efforts taken by government for conservation of plant genetic resources?
1) Government is creating awareness on conservation of plant genetic resources including seeds of farmers’ varieties and landraces through the schemes like Tribal Sub-Plan, North-Eastern Hill Region and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.
2) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources – ICAR, New Delhi conserves a total of 233 most potential varieties of different crops identified by farmers through various practices.
3) Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFR) Act, 2001 – Under section 39(1) (iv), the PPVFR Authority annually confers awards, rewards, and recognitions to farmers (s)/farming communities who are involved in the conservation of Plant Genetic Resources.
| For more information on PPVFR Authority Click here to read |
What is Biological Diversity Act, 2002?
The act aims at the conservation of biological resources, managing its sustainable use and enabling fair and equitable sharing benefits arising out of the use and knowledge of biological resources with the local communities.
| For more information on Biological diversity Act 2002 recent amendments Click Here to read |
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