Environment · GS3.5 · 2026-10-18 · 3 min read · 2026-10-18-am
NBA Disburses Rs 1.19 Crore to State Biodiversity Boards via ABS Mechanism
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) distributed Rs 1.19 crore to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Biodiversity Council under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism to support biodiversity conservation and community welfare. This highlights the practical implementation of biodiversity governance and benefit sharing under India's Biological Diversity Act.
The NBA's ABS fund distribution supports biodiversity conservation and local community welfare through regulated sharing of benefits from agricultural biological resources.
Why is this in the news?
On 17 October 2026, the NBA disbursed Rs 1.19 crore under the ABS mechanism to State Biodiversity Boards and a UT Biodiversity Council, reflecting ongoing efforts in biodiversity governance.
What is the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism?
- Definition and purpose. The ABS mechanism facilitates sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources, ensuring conservation, sustainable use, and community welfare.
- Role of NBA. The National Biodiversity Authority regulates ABS contributions from companies using agricultural biological resources for research and commercial purposes.
How was the Rs 1.19 crore distributed among States?
- Distribution basis. Allocations were made proportionally based on estimated cultivation areas of biological resources, using official agricultural statistics.
- Top recipients. Maharashtra received Rs 19,46,149, Rajasthan Rs 13,97,525, and Madhya Pradesh Rs 13,32,250 among others.
- Resources covered. The funds relate to maize, rice, pearl millet, and cotton varieties used by companies for research and commercial utilization.
Why does this matter for biodiversity conservation and governance?
- Supporting conservation. Funds support activities like biodiversity documentation, conservation, sustainable use, and strengthening local biodiversity governance.
- Community welfare. Benefit sharing promotes enhancement of community livelihoods and capacity building under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Agriculture sector role. The agriculture sector is emerging as a key contributor to ABS, demonstrating how agricultural biodiversity can generate conservation benefits.
What is the broader significance of this disbursement?
- Cumulative impact. NBA has disbursed over Rs 203 crore so far, with Rs 86 crore from the agriculture sector, supporting biodiversity and local communities.
- International context. This effort aligns with India's commitment ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17) in October 2026.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rs 1.19 crore | Amount disbursed by NBA to State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Council under ABS mechanism | |
| Rs 203 crore | Total amount disbursed by NBA so far to support biodiversity conservation and community livelihoods | |
| Rs 86 crore | Amount disbursed from the agriculture sector under ABS mechanism till date | |
| 19,46,149 | Amount received by Maharashtra, the highest among States, under the latest ABS disbursement |
Back to basics: Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Mechanism
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a system under the Biological Diversity Act that ensures benefits arising from the use of biological resources are shared fairly with local communities and stakeholders. It promotes conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by regulating commercial and research use of biological resources and distributing benefits to support local biodiversity governance and livelihoods.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority's (NBA) recent disbursement under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism: 1. The NBA disbursed Rs 1.19 crore to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one Union Territory Biodiversity Council based on estimated cultivation areas of biological resources. 2. The funds are to be used exclusively for activities under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, including biodiversity documentation and community livelihood enhancement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (c). Statement 1 is correct about the distribution basis and recipients, and statement 2 correctly states the usage of funds as per the Biological Diversity Act; both are true.
Mains question (10 marks)
Explain the role of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism in biodiversity conservation and community welfare in India.
Explain: Explain how the ABS mechanism functions and its impact on biodiversity governance and local communities.
Intro: Introduce the ABS mechanism as a tool under the Biological Diversity Act for equitable sharing of benefits from biological resources.
- Describe the NBA's role in regulating ABS contributions from companies using biological resources.
- Explain the distribution of ABS funds to State Biodiversity Boards based on cultivation data and its intended uses.
- Discuss how ABS supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and community welfare activities.
- Highlight the significance of the agriculture sector's contributions and India's international commitments.
Conclusion: Conclude that the ABS mechanism is vital for linking biodiversity conservation with community benefits and sustainable development.
Quick revision
- What is the total amount disbursed by NBA under the ABS mechanism in the latest distribution?
- Rs 1.19 crore was disbursed to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Biodiversity Council.
- On what basis are ABS funds allocated to States?
- Allocations are based on estimated cultivation areas of agricultural biological resources using official agricultural statistics.
- For what activities can the ABS funds be used by State Biodiversity Boards?
- Funds are used for biodiversity documentation, conservation, sustainable use, local governance strengthening, research, capacity building, and community livelihood enhancement.