What is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002?

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 is a law enacted by the Government of India to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. The Act was introduced to fulfill India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. It regulates access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge, especially by foreign individuals or organizations, to prevent exploitation and biopiracy. The Act also provides a legal framework for establishing institutions at national, state, and local levels to manage and protect biodiversity. It plays a key role in safeguarding India’s biological resources and supporting conservation efforts.