National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) – Role, Functions, Powers & Objectives

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is India’s apex statutory body responsible for regulating the use of biological resources and ensuring biodiversity conservation. Established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the NBA plays a crucial role in balancing ecological protection with sustainable development and economic use of biological resources.

With rising concerns over biopiracy, climate change, and biodiversity loss, the NBA has become central to India’s environmental governance framework.

About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

The NBA is a statutory autonomous body functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Key Facts

• Established: 2003

• Legal Basis: Biological Diversity Act, 2002

• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

• Parent Ministry: MoEFCC

The main objective of NBA is to ensure:

• Conservation of biodiversity

• Sustainable use of biological resources

• Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resource use

Decentralized Biodiversity Governance Structure

The NBA operates through a three-tier decentralized system, ensuring grassroots-level biodiversity management.

1. National Level

• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

• Handles international access approvals and policy-level decisions

2. State Level

• State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)

• Grant approvals for Indian citizens and companies

• Monitor biodiversity use within states

3. Local Level

• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

• Prepare People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) documenting local biodiversity and traditional knowledge

This decentralized approach ensures community participation and local conservation ownership.

Functions of National Biodiversity Authority

1. Regulatory Role

The NBA regulates access to India’s biological resources.

Key aspects:

• Foreign individuals, companies, or organizations need prior NBA approval

• Ensures resources are not exploited commercially without benefit sharing

• Protects indigenous biodiversity and traditional knowledge

This is especially important in preventing unauthorized commercialization of medicinal plants and genetic resources.

2. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

The NBA ensures local communities receive benefits when biological resources are commercially used.

Benefits may include:

• Monetary compensation

• Technology transfer

• Community development support

ABS strengthens environmental justice and livelihood security.

3. Advisory Role

The NBA advises the Central Government on:

• Biodiversity conservation policies

• Sustainable resource use strategies

• International biodiversity negotiations

It helps India meet commitments under global biodiversity frameworks.

4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Oversight

The NBA regulates patents linked to biological resources.

Key Rule:

• No patent application based on Indian biological resources can be filed without NBA approval.

This prevents:

• Unauthorized patents on Indian biodiversity

• Exploitation of traditional medicinal knowledge

5. Litigation and Anti-Biopiracy Measures

The NBA can legally oppose:

• Foreign patents based on Indian biological resources

• Misuse of traditional knowledge

This helps India fight biopiracy cases internationally.

Importance of NBA for India

1. Biodiversity Conservation

India is a megadiverse country. NBA ensures protection of fragile ecosystems and species.

2. Protection of Traditional Knowledge

Safeguards indigenous knowledge systems from commercial exploitation.

3. Sustainable Development

Promotes responsible use of biological resources for economic growth.

4. Global Environmental Commitments

Supports India’s obligations under international biodiversity agreements.

Challenges Faced by NBA

• Limited awareness at grassroots level

• Weak enforcement in some regions

• Documentation gaps in traditional knowledge

• Balancing conservation with industrial demand

Way Forward

• Strengthening BMCs and local participation

• Digitizing biodiversity registers

• Improving ABS implementation transparency

• Enhancing international legal capacity against biopiracy

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