What are Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)?

Biodiversity Management Committees are local level institutions established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 at the level of panchayats, municipalities, and other local bodies. Their main purpose is to promote conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological resources within their jurisdiction. BMCs are responsible for preparing and maintaining People’s Biodiversity Registers, which record local biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. They also play a key role in implementing conservation activities, creating awareness among communities, and ensuring that benefits arising from the use of biological resources are shared fairly with local stakeholders. These committees enable decentralized governance and active community participation in biodiversity management.