Environment · GS3
Biodiversity access and benefit-sharing receipts
One line
The National Biodiversity Authority reported ₹21.26 crore realised through access and benefit sharing in 2025-26.
Summary
Benefit sharing seeks to return part of the value derived from biological resources and associated knowledge to conservation and legitimate stakeholders. Collection is only one stage; transparent distribution and local participation determine fairness.
PYQ pattern
UPSC can link access and benefit sharing with community rights, biopiracy, traditional knowledge, and conservation finance.
Core notes
- Access and benefit sharing is linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity and Nagoya Protocol.
- Benefits may be monetary or non-monetary, including technology, research, and capacity building.
- Biodiversity management institutions operate at national, state, and local levels.
- Traceability and clear beneficiary identification are recurring implementation challenges.
Prelims lens
- The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body.
- People's Biodiversity Registers document local biological resources and knowledge.
- Benefit sharing is distinct from a pollution fine.
MCQ 1
Access and benefit sharing is most closely related to:
- A. Biological resources and associated knowledge
- B. Customs valuation only
- C. Monetary-policy transmission
- D. Spectrum auctions
Reveal answerHide answer
A
ABS governs access to biological resources and fair sharing of resulting benefits.
MCQ 2
Benefits under ABS may be:
- A. Monetary only
- B. Non-monetary only
- C. Monetary or non-monetary
- D. Neither monetary nor non-monetary
Reveal answerHide answer
C
Benefit-sharing arrangements can include payments, technology transfer, research collaboration, or capacity support.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: What makes biodiversity benefit sharing both a conservation tool and a question of justice?
Approach:
- Explain access, use, and value creation.
- Link benefits with communities and conservation.
- Discuss traceability, consent, and distribution.
- Suggest transparent funds and stronger local institutions.