Protecting India’s Biodiversity: The Role of the Biological Diversity Act 2002: A Review

India’s rich biodiversity holds a great significance in country’s agricultural, economical and social growth. However, biodiversity is severely threatened by various factors such as population growth, urbanization, deforestation and climate change. In India, the Biological Diversity Act of 2002 has been framed for addressing these threats through a structured framework for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. The Act establishes a three-tier structure composed of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). The NBA and SBB oversee and regulate biodiversity management, while also empowering local BMCs to actively participate in bio-resources conservation efforts at the grass root level. It is crucial to sustain India’s rich biodiversity for future generations through effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and related policies. Sustainable and equitable use of biological resources is the only way to protect the rights of indigenous communities and it requires a balance between the IPR and the CBD principles which is aptly attained through BD Act, 2002.