Biodiversity/Biological Diversity plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, providing various ecological services essential for the survival of all species, including humans.
The Indian government, recognizing the importance of protecting biodiversity, enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002.
This legislation was established to ensure the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of biological resources and traditional knowledge.
One key mechanism for implementing these objectives is the establishment of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
Also Read: Difference Between Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge
What is Biological Diversity?
Biological diversity, commonly referred to as biodiversity, includes the variety of all life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems in which they live.
It can be categorized into three types:
- Genetic diversity: Variability within species, as seen in different breeds or varieties of plants and animals.
- Species diversity: The variety of species within a region or ecosystem.
- Ecosystem diversity: The diversity of habitats and ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and oceans.
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, water purification, and climate regulation.
However, due to human activities like deforestation, industrialization, and over-exploitation of resources, biodiversity is under threat.
This is where the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the establishment of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) play a crucial role.
Also Read: Salient Features of the Biological Diversity Act 2002
What are Biodiversity Management Committees?
The Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) is a body formed under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, of 2002.
The main objective of a BMC is to promote the conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity at the local level.
These committees are established in rural and urban areas, with representation from local communities to ensure their involvement in preserving their natural resources and traditional knowledge.
The formation and operation of BMCs are guided by Chapter X of the Biological Diversity Act, of 2002.
The role of these committees extends beyond conservation; they also contribute to sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits derived from biodiversity are equitably shared among local communities.
Also Read: Why Do We Need Legislation on Biodiversity?
Constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees
According to Section 41 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, every local body, whether in rural areas (Gram Panchayats) or urban areas (Municipalities or Municipal Corporations), is required to form a Biodiversity Management Committee.
Level of Establishment:
- In rural areas, BMCs are set up at the Gram Panchayat level.
- In urban areas, they are constituted at the Nagar Panchayat or Municipal Committee level.
Additionally, state governments can establish BMCs at intermediate or district Panchayat levels to further the objectives of the Act.
Composition:
- The State Government prescribes the composition of the BMCs.
- These committees should have at least seven and not more than eleven members.
Members are typically drawn from local communities, ensuring that the people most familiar with local biodiversity are actively involved in its conservation.
Consultation Role:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) must consult the BMCs when making decisions regarding the use of biological resources or traditional knowledge within their jurisdiction.
This ensures that local communities have a say in the management and sustainable use of resources in their area.
Diverse Representation:
BMCs must represent different stakeholders in the community, including farmers, traditional healers, and individuals knowledgeable about local biodiversity.
Also Read: Origin and Development of Copyrights
Functions of Biodiversity Management Committees
The primary functions of the Biodiversity Management Committees revolve around the conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biodiversity.
#1 Conservation of Biological Resources
One of the core responsibilities of BMCs is to conserve local biodiversity. This includes preserving natural habitats, landraces, folk varieties, cultivars, and domesticated breeds of animals.
The committees work to ensure that ecosystems and species within their jurisdiction are maintained and protected from over-exploitation, degradation, and destruction.
#2 Sustainable Use of Biological Resources
BMCs promote the sustainable use of biological resources to ensure that future generations can benefit from them. They work to balance the needs of development with the imperative to conserve resources.
For instance, local communities might rely on forests for fuelwood or medicinal plants. BMCs ensure that these resources are used in a way that does not deplete them.
#3 Documentation of Biological Diversity
A critical function of BMCs is to document local biological resources. This involves creating People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) that chronicle various species, ecosystems, and traditional knowledge within their jurisdiction.
PBRs help in identifying and cataloging biodiversity, which is essential for conservation efforts and for protecting traditional knowledge from misuse.
#4 Chronicling Traditional Knowledge
BMCs play an essential role in preserving the traditional knowledge of local communities, particularly regarding the use of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
This knowledge is often passed down through generations and is crucial for the sustainable use of biodiversity. BMCs ensure that this knowledge is documented and protected from exploitation.
#5 Levies and Collection Fees
BMCs have the authority to levy collection fees from individuals or organizations seeking to access biological resources for commercial purposes.
This provides a means for communities to benefit financially from the sustainable use of their resources.
#6 Collaborating with NBA and SBBs
The committees work closely with the National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards. BMCs provide local insights and recommendations on the management and use of biological resources.
They are consulted on decisions related to the use of local biological resources or traditional knowledge associated with them.
#7 Creating Awareness
BMCs also focus on raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation among local communities.
They conduct outreach programs and workshops to educate people on how to sustainably use and conserve natural resources.
#8 Involvement in Developmental Projects
In areas where developmental projects might affect local biodiversity, BMCs play a crucial role in ensuring that biodiversity concerns are addressed.
They provide inputs and recommendations on how to minimize the negative impacts of such projects.
#9 Equitable Sharing of Benefits
One of the primary objectives of the Biological Diversity Act is the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.
BMCs help ensure that local communities receive a fair share of the benefits derived from the commercial use of their biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
#10 Monitoring and Enforcement
BMCs are responsible for monitoring the conservation efforts within their jurisdiction and ensuring compliance with the regulations outlined in the Biological Diversity Act.
They may also report violations of the Act to the relevant authorities and participate in enforcement actions to protect biodiversity.
Verdict
The Biodiversity Management Committees established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, are vital components of India’s biodiversity conservation strategy.
These committees play a key role in promoting the sustainable use of biological resources, documenting biodiversity, and preserving traditional knowledge.
They empower local communities to take part in the management and protection of their natural resources, ensuring that the benefits derived from biodiversity are equitably shared.