With reference to the Biological Diversity (Amend¬ment) Act 2023, consider the following statements: 1. It seeks to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation of medicinal plants. 2. The Act mandates AYUSH practitioners to pay Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) fees. 3. The term ‘Ayush practitioner’ is not clearly defined in the Act. Which of the statements given above are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. With reference to the Biological Diversity (Amend¬ment) Act 2023, consider the following statements:
1.It seeks to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation of medicinal plants.
2.The Act mandates AYUSH practitioners to pay Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) fees.
3.The term ‘Ayush practitioner’ is not clearly defined in the Act.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation –

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 seeks to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation of medicinal plants. This aims to reduce dependence on wild harvesting and protect biodiversity. The Act does not provide a specific definition for “Ayush practitioner,” which has led to ambiguity and potential loopholes in its implementation.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Act exempts AYUSH practitioners from paying ABS fees for using codified traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants. This has been a controversial aspect, with concerns that it might deprive local communities of rightful benefits. ABS is a compensatory amount typically paid to tribal and other communities with a tradition of gathering, safeguarding, and utilising herbs and medicinal plants crucial for the Ayush industry.

Source: Forum IAS

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS