The diversity of life on Earth, known as biodiversity, is crucial for sustaining ecosystems and supporting human well-being.
Biological resources refer to the genetic material and living organisms that form the basis of ecosystems, agriculture, and industry.
On the other hand, traditional knowledge (TK) relates to the collective wisdom, innovations, and practices of indigenous communities that have evolved over centuries in managing and utilizing these biological resources.
Although they are interconnected, biological resources and traditional knowledge represent two distinct aspects of biodiversity that have different regulatory frameworks at the national, regional, and international levels.
Also Read: Functions of Biodiversity Management Committee
What Are Biological Resources?
Biological resources encompass all living organisms, plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with their genetic materials.
These resources are essential for human survival, providing food, medicines, energy, and raw materials. They are also fundamental to ecological balance and the health of ecosystems.
Biological resources can be classified into three categories:
- Species Diversity: Refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, that exist in a particular region.
- Genetic Diversity: Describes the genetic variation within populations of species, which is essential for adaptability and resilience to environmental changes.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Refers to the variety of habitats and biological communities in which species interact, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems.
Examples of Biological Resources:
- Medicinal Plants: Neem, turmeric, and aloe vera have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
- Agricultural Resources: Crops such as rice, wheat, and millet are fundamental for food security.
- Animal Resources: Livestock, fish, and poultry are important for meat, dairy, and other products.
- Microbial Resources: Bacteria and fungi are used in pharmaceuticals and industrial processes.
Also Read: Salient Features of the Biological Diversity Act 2002
What Is Traditional Knowledge?
Traditional knowledge refers to the collective wisdom, practices, and innovations developed by indigenous and local communities over generations.
This knowledge is often passed down orally and is closely tied to the local culture, environment, and biodiversity.
TK encompasses a wide range of practices, including agriculture, medicine, conservation, and natural resource management.
Characteristics of Traditional Knowledge:
- Oral Transmission: Most traditional knowledge is transmitted orally through generations.
- Community Ownership: TK is collectively held by a community rather than by individuals.
- Context-Specific: It is closely tied to the environment and cultural practices of a particular community.
- Sustainable Use: TK often emphasizes sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring their availability for future generations.
Examples of Traditional Knowledge:
- Agricultural Practices: The use of crop rotation and mixed farming techniques to maintain soil fertility.
- Medicinal Knowledge: The use of local plants to treat illnesses, such as using tulsi (holy basil) for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Conservation Practices: Sacred groves and forests are protected by local communities as part of their religious or cultural beliefs.
Also Read: Why Do We Need Legislation on Biodiversity?
Difference Between Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge
Biological resources and traditional knowledge, while interlinked, differ in several fundamental ways.
| Aspect | Biological Resources | Traditional Knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Living organisms and genetic material used by humans | Collective wisdom and practices developed by communities |
| Nature | Tangible and physical (plants, animals, microorganisms) | Intangible and cultural (knowledge, practices, innovations) |
| Ownership | Generally state-owned or common heritage | Community-owned, passed down through generations |
| Examples | Crops, livestock, medicinal plants, fish | Indigenous farming methods, medicinal plant use |
| Protection Mechanism | Conservation laws, international treaties (e.g., CBD) | Intellectual property rights, community-based protection |
| Regulatory Framework | Covered under environmental laws (Biological Diversity Act) | Covered under intellectual property laws (IPR, TKDL) |
| Usage | Utilized for food, medicine, industry, conservation | Used for sustainable resource management, health, culture |
| Sustainability | Requires regulation for sustainable use | Traditionally promotes sustainability |
| Innovation | Can lead to new products through scientific research | Provides leads for innovation, especially in medicine |
| Threats | Over-exploitation, habitat destruction | Biopiracy, loss due to globalization |
| Examples of Legal Protection | Convention on Biological Diversity, National Biodiversity Act | Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, sui generis systems |
| Economic Importance | High value in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology | High value in developing new products, sustainable practices |
Regulatory Framework at National, Regional, and International Levels
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National Level
In India, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provides a legal framework to regulate access to biological resources and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.
The act also safeguards the traditional knowledge associated with these resources.
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Governs access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge by foreign individuals or institutions.
- State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs): Regulate access by Indian individuals and institutions for commercial purposes, ensuring benefit-sharing with local communities.
- Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs): At the local level, BMCs document biodiversity and traditional knowledge through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
Additionally, the Patents (Second Amendment) Act, 2002 mandates the disclosure of the source of biological material used in any patent application, helping protect traditional knowledge from biopiracy.
Regional Level
At the regional level, efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect traditional knowledge are increasingly being coordinated across national boundaries.
In South Asia, for example, organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) promote cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
Regional agreements can help combat biopiracy and ensure equitable benefit-sharing.
International Level
Globally, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted in 1992, is the primary international treaty that aims to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use of biological resources, and ensure equitable benefit-sharing.
The CBD recognizes the rights of indigenous communities over their traditional knowledge and promotes its protection.
The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is an additional agreement under the CBD that focuses on access to genetic resources and fair sharing of benefits.
It requires countries to establish legal frameworks to protect traditional knowledge and ensure that benefits from the use of biological resources are shared with indigenous communities.
Other international agreements that address the protection of traditional knowledge include:
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Works on developing guidelines for protecting traditional knowledge under intellectual property rights.
- World Trade Organization (WTO): The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) includes provisions for the protection of traditional knowledge and genetic resources.
Verdict
While biological resources and traditional knowledge are closely intertwined, they represent distinct components of biodiversity.
Biological resources refer to the tangible living organisms and genetic materials that sustain ecosystems and human life, while traditional knowledge is the intangible wisdom passed down through generations that guides the sustainable use of these resources.
Both are essential for the conservation of biodiversity and require robust legal protection at national, regional, and international levels.
In India, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and other legal frameworks like the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) play a crucial role in safeguarding both biological resources and traditional knowledge.
At the international level, treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol promote equitable sharing of benefits and prevent the exploitation of indigenous knowledge.