NEW DELHI | FEB 09, 2026 :-In a significant move to bolster local conservation efforts, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed ₹45.05 lakh to various stakeholders across India. This payout, executed through State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, is part of the “Access and Benefit-Sharing” (ABS) mechanism. The funds are designated for over 90 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) spanning 10 states—including Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam—and two Union Territories, Delhi and Ladakh. Additionally, 15 Red Sanders farmers from Andhra Pradesh received a portion of the funds, recognizing their role in cultivating and preserving this high-value biological resource.
The disbursed funds were generated from the commercial use of diverse biological resources, such as soil and water microorganisms, specific insects, and Red Sanders. Under the ABS framework, a percentage of the profits made by companies using these resources is returned to the local communities. This system ensures that scientific innovation and the growing bio-economy directly contribute to the livelihoods of those living in ecologically sensitive areas, from rural villages and mangrove forests to urban centers. By linking financial incentives to conservation, the NBA encourages grassroots participation in protecting India’s natural heritage.
To further support these goals, the NBA has streamlined its regulations to promote transparency and ease of doing business without compromising community interests. These efforts have led to cumulative ABS payments exceeding ₹145 crore (approximately USD 16 million) to date. Beyond financial distribution, the NBA continues to facilitate the documentation of People’s Biodiversity Registers, ensuring traditional knowledge is preserved. These initiatives align India with international mandates like the Nagoya Protocol and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and the equitable sharing of natural wealth.
