Biodiversity Amendment Bill 2021 introduced in Lok Sabha
Recently the Biodiversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 has been introduced in Lok Sabha.
This bill has been introduced for the purpose of amending the Biodiversity Act, 2002, enacted for the protection of biodiversity. At the same time, it will also ensure fair and balanced distribution of benefits arising from the use of bio-resources with indigenous and local communities.
The Act also seeks to meet India’s obligations under the Biodiversity Convention and the Nagoya Protocol.
Major proposed amendments:
- Reducing the pressure on these plants by encouraging the cultivation of wild medicinal plants and facilitating the rapidity of research, patent application process and transfer of research results.
- Exemption of registered AYUSH medical professionals and persons having codified traditional knowledge from prior intimation to State Biodiversity Boards to ensure their access to biological resources for certain purposes.
- Simplifying the patent application process. Expanding the scope of reach and profit sharing with local communities.
- Removal of certain provisions from the category of offense and replacement of imprisonment with fine. A Joint Secretary level officer will be appointed to determine the penalty.
Source – The Hindu
