National Biodiversity Policy –
1. Introduction
Biodiversity: Variety of life on Earth – includes genes, species, and ecosystems.
Importance: Provides food, medicine, fuel, clean air, water, and ecosystem stability.
Threats: Habitat loss, deforestation, pollution, overexploitation, climate change, invasive species.
Need for Policy: To ensure conservation, sustainable use, and fair benefit sharing of biological resources.
Definition (CBD, 1992): “National policy framework to conserve biological diversity, sustainably use its components, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity utilization.”
2. Objectives of National Biodiversity Policy
1. Conservation of Biodiversity
Protect threatened species and ecosystems.
Establish protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves).
Preserve genetic diversity of crops and livestock.
2. Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
Encourage eco-friendly agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and industries.
Promote renewable bio-resources.
Prevent overexploitation of species.
3. Equitable Benefit Sharing
Ensure rights of indigenous and local communities.
Share economic benefits from bio-prospecting, pharmaceuticals, and traditional knowledge.
Support access and benefit-sharing mechanisms under CBD.
4. Integration with Development
Include biodiversity in sectoral planning: agriculture, forestry, urban development, tourism, energy.
Promote environment-friendly technologies.
5. Research, Education, and Awareness
Encourage scientific research and innovation.
Raise public awareness about biodiversity conservation.
Document traditional knowledge.
3. Institutional Mechanisms
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Regulates access to biological resources.
Implements biodiversity policies.
Ensures benefit sharing.
State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
Coordinate policy implementation at the state level.
Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
Local level committees in villages, towns, and cities.
Maintain People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
4. Key Features of the Policy
Focus on Ecosystem-Based Approach:
Forests, wetlands, coastal areas, mountains, deserts.
Participatory Approach:
Local communities and indigenous people involved in planning and decision-making.
Legal and Regulatory Framework:
Enforcement of Biodiversity Act, 2002 (India).
Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods:
Eco-tourism, medicinal plants, organic farming, handicrafts from biodiversity products.
5. Strategies for Implementation
1. Conservation
Protect biodiversity hotspots.
Encourage in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
2. Sustainable Use
Promote organic and traditional agriculture.
Regulate hunting, fishing, and logging.
3. Research and Technology
Biotech research.
Traditional knowledge documentation.
4. Capacity Building
Training programs for local communities.
Strengthen institutional capacity.
5. Policy Integration
Biodiversity included in climate change, water, agriculture, and forest policies.
6. Examples and Case Studies
India: National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP, 2008)
Focused on forests, wetlands, coastal areas, agricultural biodiversity.
Promoted community participation and documentation of traditional knowledge.
Brazil: Amazon rainforest conservation and sustainable use.
South Africa: Focus on ecosystems and indigenous knowledge.
7. Importance of the Policy
Maintains ecosystem services (pollination, soil fertility, water purification).
Supports food, energy, and medicinal security.
Mitigates climate change impacts.
Protects cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
Promotes sustainable economic development.
8. Conclusion
The National Biodiversity Policy is critical for sustainable development.
Balances conservation, economic use, and social equity.
Ensures long-term survival of ecosystems and species for future generations.
MCQs on National Biodiversity Policy
1. The main objectives of a National Biodiversity Policy include:
A) Conservation of biodiversity
B) Sustainable use of biodiversity
C) Equitable sharing of benefits
D) All of the above
✅ Answer: D) All of the above
2. Which of the following is responsible for regulating access to biological resources in India?
A) State Biodiversity Board (SBB)
B) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
C) Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC)
D) Ministry of Environment only
✅ Answer: B) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
3. The People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) is maintained by:
A) National Biodiversity Authority
B) State Biodiversity Board
C) Biodiversity Management Committee
D) Forest Department
✅ Answer: C) Biodiversity Management Committee
4. Which of the following is NOT a component of biodiversity?
A) Ecosystem diversity
B) Species diversity
C) Cultural diversity
D) Genetic diversity
✅ Answer: C) Cultural diversity
5. In-situ conservation refers to:
A) Conservation of species in natural habitats
B) Conservation in zoos or botanical gardens
C) Genetic modification of species
D) Exporting species to other countries
✅ Answer: A) Conservation of species in natural habitats
6. Ex-situ conservation includes:
A) National parks and wildlife sanctuaries
B) Zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens
C) Forest conservation programs
D) Wetland management
✅ Answer: B) Zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens
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7. One of the key objectives of the National Biodiversity Policy is:
A) Promoting industrial expansion without regulation
B) Encouraging overexploitation of natural resources
C) Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits
D) Limiting public awareness programs
✅ Answer: C) Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits
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8. Which act provides the legal framework for biodiversity management in India?
A) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
B) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
C) Biodiversity Act, 2002
D) Environment Protection Act, 1986
✅ Answer: C) Biodiversity Act, 2002
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9. Which of the following is a biodiversity hotspot in India?
A) Himalayas
B) Western Ghats
C) Sundalands
D) Both A & B
✅ Answer: D) Both A & B
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10. Which approach is promoted by the National Biodiversity Policy for sustainable development?
A) Ecosystem-based approach
B) Technology-only approach
C) Commercial exploitation approach
D) Urbanization without planning
✅ Answer: A) Ecosystem-based approach
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