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NBA Releases ₹5.34 Crore to Maharashtra BMCs

NBA Releases ₹5.34 Crore to Maharashtra Under Access and Benefit Sharing Framework

Two officials seated at a press conference table with microphones, one wearing a blue shirt and the other a black jacket with scarf, against a backdrop featuring YouTube and Government of India logos, during an event related to biodiversity benefit sharing in Maharashtra.
Officials from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board during the announcement of ₹5.34 crore disbursement to 85 Biodiversity Management Committees in Palghar and Mumbai.

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹5.34 crore to approximately 85 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Maharashtra. These committees operate under various Nagar and Gram Panchayats in Wada Tehsil, Palghar District, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The funds will be distributed through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.

The disbursement follows a case where a company accessed soil microorganisms, specifically bacteria of the Bacillus genus, to develop probiotic products. Around 15% of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) applications relate to microorganisms, highlighting that even microscopic organisms can generate significant benefits for farmers, local communities, BMCs, and other stakeholders.

This step aligns with NBA’s objective of ensuring that local communities, as custodians of biodiversity, receive recognition and fair benefits. The initiative supports India’s approach to sustainable and inclusive biodiversity management, linking conservation efforts with community welfare.

Previously, the NBA had released more than ₹2.56 crore to 108 BMCs and 7 institutions in Maharashtra. The current disbursement of ₹5.34 crore adds to this progress, bringing India’s total ABS disbursements to over ₹116 crore. India has emerged as a global leader in implementing the ABS mechanism effectively.

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