How does the Biodiversity Act protect traditional knowledge?

The Biodiversity Act, 2002 protects traditional knowledge by regulating access to biological resources and ensuring that any use of associated indigenous knowledge is done with prior approval and proper consent of local communities. It mandates that benefits arising from the use of such knowledge must be shared fairly with the knowledge holders through the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism. The Act also promotes documentation of traditional knowledge through People’s Biodiversity Registers, which serve as legal evidence to prevent unauthorized use and biopiracy. By recognizing community rights and linking them to legal and economic benefits, the Act helps safeguard and preserve traditional knowledge for future generations.