National Biodiversity Authority disburses Rs 17 lakh to BMC under ABS mechanism

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed Rs 17 lakh to the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra, under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, furthering India’s efforts towards the sustainable use of biological resources and equitable benefit sharing.

The amount was released through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board following the commercial utilisation of soil micro-organisms belonging to the Bacillus genus. These micro-organisms have been used to develop value-added probiotic products, demonstrating the link between biodiversity conservation and modern biotechnology. Under the ABS mechanism, a portion of the commercial gains from biological resources is shared with local communities to support development initiatives.

According to the NBA, micro-organisms are increasingly emerging as a key driver of innovation within the biotechnology sector. The sector has contributed around Rs 10 crore to the accumulated ABS fund, reflecting the growing role of microbial resources across healthcare, agriculture and industrial applications.

Maharashtra remains the second-largest beneficiary of ABS disbursements after Andhra Pradesh. Excluding releases linked to Red Sanders wood, the state has received the highest share of ABS funds. With the latest release, total ABS support extended to Maharashtra has reached nearly Rs 8 crore, benefiting over 200 Biodiversity Management Committees and seven institutions across the state.

At the national level, cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed Rs 144.37 crore (approximately USD 16 million). The NBA said this milestone reflects the effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and aligns with India’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the country’s National Biodiversity Targets, particularly those focused on equitable benefit sharing, community empowerment and livelihood security.

The ABS framework also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing India’s leadership in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.