Prelims: (Environment & Ecology + Institutions + CA)
Mains: (GS 3 – Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation; GS 2 – Governance) |
Why in News ?
The National Biodiversity Authority has launched a short-term internship programme (up to 3 months) for undergraduate and postgraduate students, aimed at promoting research and awareness in biodiversity conservation.
Background and Context
India is one of the mega-biodiverse countries, hosting :
- Rich ecosystems
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Significant traditional knowledge systems
However, biodiversity faces threats from :
- Climate change
- Habitat loss
- Overexploitation of resources
Need for Institutional Mechanisms
To ensure :
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable utilisation
- Fair sharing of benefits
India enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- Established under :
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Set up in :
- Headquarters :
Objectives of NBA
- Conservation of biological diversity
- Sustainable use of biological resources
- Ensuring Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
Key Functions of NBA
1. Regulatory Functions
- Regulates access to :
- Biological resources
- Associated traditional knowledge
- Particularly for :
- Foreign individuals/entities
2. Advisory Role
- Advises Central Government on :
- Biodiversity conservation policies
- International agreements
3. Facilitative Functions
- Supports :
- Research
- Capacity building
- Awareness programmes
Composition of NBA
1. Chairperson
- Expert in :
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable use
2. Ex-Officio Members (10)
- Representatives from :
- Various government ministries
3. Non-Official Members (5)
- Experts from :
- Scientific and environmental fields
Administrative Structure
1. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
- Operate at :
- Functions :
- Regulate access to biological resources
2. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
- Established at :
- Local bodies (village/panchayat level)
- Functions :
- Documentation of biodiversity
- Conservation at grassroots
Internship Programme: Key Features
- Duration :
- Target group :
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Focus areas :
- Biodiversity research
- Policy exposure
- Conservation practices
Significance of the Initiative
1. Capacity Building
- Develops :
- Skilled human resources in biodiversity
2. Promoting Research
- Encourages :
- Scientific study and innovation
3. Public Awareness
- Enhances :
- Environmental consciousness among youth
4. Strengthening Institutions
- Supports long-term:
- Policy and governance frameworks
5. Grassroots Linkages
- Connects :
- Students with local conservation efforts
Challenges
- Limited awareness about biodiversity laws
- Weak implementation at local levels
- Capacity constraints in BMCs
- Need for better coordination among institutions
Way Forward
- Strengthen :
- State Biodiversity Boards and BMCs
- Increase funding for :
- Research and conservation
- Promote community participation
- Integrate biodiversity education in curricula
- Expand internship and training programmes
FAQs
1. What is the National Biodiversity Authority ?
It is a statutory body responsible for biodiversity conservation and regulation in India.
2. Under which law was it established ?
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
3. What is the role of BMCs?
They manage biodiversity at the local level and document resources.
4. What is the purpose of the internship programme ?
To promote research, awareness, and capacity building in biodiversity conservation.
5. Why is biodiversity conservation important ?
It ensures ecological balance, supports livelihoods, and sustains natural resources.
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