The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (BDA) is a landmark legislation in India that aims to conserve biological diversity, regulate access to biological resources, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.
The BDA comprises 12 chapters and 65 sections. The outline of the Act is as follows:
| Chapters | Sections | Classification of Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Sections 1 to 2 | Preliminary |
| Chapter 2 | Sections 3 to 7 | Regulation of Access to Biological Diversity |
| Chapter 3 | Sections 8 to 17 | National Biodiversity Authority |
| Chapter 4 | Section 18 | Functions and Powers of the National Biodiversity Authority |
| Chapter 5 | Sections 19 to 21 | Approval by the National Biodiversity Authority |
| Chapter 6 | Sections 22 to 25 | State Biodiversity Board |
| Chapter 7 | Sections 26 to 30 | Finance, Acconts and audit of National Biodiversity Authority |
| Chapter 8 | Sections 31 to 35 | FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT OF STATE BIODIVERSITY BOARD |
| Chapter 9 | Sections 36 to 40 | Duties of Central and State Governments |
| Chapter 10 | Section 41 | Biodiversity Management Committees |
| Chapter 11 | Sections 42 to 47 | Local Biodiversity Fund |
| Chapter 12 | Sections 48 to 65 | Miscellaneous |
The BDA aims to conserve biodiversity, regulate access to biological resources, and ensure equitable benefit sharing. Key provisions include:
The BDA, 2002 is a legislation enacted to conserve biological diversity, regulate access to biological resources, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use in India.
The BDA was enacted on February 5, 2003, and came into force on October 1, 2003, for certain provisions, with full implementation by July 1, 2004.
The main objectives include conserving biodiversity, regulating access to biological resources, ensuring equitable benefit sharing, and protecting traditional knowledge.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) enforce the BDA at national, state, and local levels.
Section 3 requires non-Indian entities or Indian entities with foreign participation to obtain NBA approval for accessing biological resources for research or commercial use.
Under Section 55, violators can face imprisonment up to 5 years, a fine up to ₹10 lakh, or both for unauthorized access or violation of the Act.
The NBA regulates access to biological resources, approves research and commercial activities, and ensures equitable benefit sharing.
Benefit sharing (Section 21) involves equitably distributing benefits from the use of biological resources or traditional knowledge with local communities or knowledge holders.
Yes, under Section 41, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local levels involve communities in conserving biodiversity and documenting traditional knowledge.
The full text is available on websites like indialawacts.in or the official website of the National Biodiversity Authority.
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The following chapters and sections are sourced from the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This information is for educational purposes only; verify with official sources (e.g., India Code) for legal use. We are not liable for errors or consequences from use.