The Biodiversity Act was formed in India in which year?

The correct answer is 2002.

Key Points

• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was enacted by the Parliament of India to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and knowledge.
• The Act was assented to by the President of India on 5th February 2003 and came into force on 1st October 2003 and 1st July 2004, with different sections becoming operational on these dates.
• It was introduced to fulfill India's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which India is a signatory.
• The Act established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) to regulate access to biological resources and associated knowledge, and to ensure benefit-sharing with local communities.

Additional Information

• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was enacted to conserve India's rich biodiversity, which includes a vast array of plant, animal, and microbial species.
• The Act provides a framework for the sustainable use of biological resources, ensuring that their exploitation does not lead to their depletion.
• It emphasizes the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and traditional knowledge, particularly with local communities and indigenous peoples.
• The Act mandates the establishment of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local levels to facilitate decentralized management and conservation efforts.
• It also addresses issues related to the protection of traditional knowledge and the prevention of bio-piracy, ensuring that India retains control over its biological resources and associated knowledge.
• Over the years, the Act has undergone amendments to address emerging challenges and to streamline processes related to access and benefit-sharing.