Environment ยท GS3
Benefit sharing from microbial biodiversity
One line
The National Biodiversity Authority released Rs 68 lakh in access and benefit-sharing funds linked to commercial use of Bacillus microorganisms from Maharashtra.
Summary
Access and benefit sharing seeks to return part of the value derived from biological resources to their custodians and conservation institutions. Microbial resources matter because they can support agriculture, health, and biotechnology products.
PYQ pattern
UPSC tests the Convention on Biological Diversity, access and benefit sharing, local institutions, and biological-resource use. See the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- Funds went to Biodiversity Management Committees in Wada and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
- The commercial use involved soil bacteria used in probiotic products.
- The Biodiversity Act creates institutions at national, state, and local levels for conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing.
Prelims lens
- The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body.
- Biodiversity Management Committees are constituted at the local-body level.
- Microorganisms can fall within biological-resource governance.
MCQ 1
Biodiversity Management Committees are associated mainly with:
- A. Local bodies
- B. The Supreme Court registry
- C. Stock exchanges
- D. Defence commands
Reveal answerHide answer
A
The biodiversity framework provides for local Biodiversity Management Committees.
MCQ 2
Access and benefit sharing seeks to:
- A. Share benefits from use of biological resources fairly
- B. Ban all biological research
- C. Replace conservation law with patents
- D. Remove local institutions
Reveal answerHide answer
A
The mechanism links access to biological resources with fair and equitable sharing of resulting benefits.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Explain how access and benefit sharing can connect biotechnology with biodiversity justice.
Approach:
- Define access, commercial use, and benefit sharing.
- Explain local custodianship and conservation incentives.
- Discuss valuation, traceability, traditional knowledge, and enforcement.
- Suggest clear contracts, digital records, community participation, and timely disbursal.