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NBA Disburses Rs 17 Lakh to Mumbai BMC for Microbe-Based Product Benefits

The National Biodiversity Authority has disbursed Rs 17 lakh to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Biodiversity Management Committee under the Access and Benefit Sharing framework. This payment arises from the commercial use of soil micro-organisms from the Bacillus genus in developing probiotic products. Maharashtra remains the second-largest beneficiary state in ABS releases, with total support nearing Rs 8 crore for over 200 BMCs. Nationally, cumulative ABS disbursements have surpassed Rs 144 crore, advancing India's commitments under global and national biodiversity targets.

Key Points: NBA Funds Mumbai BMC Rs 17 Lakh Under Biodiversity Benefit Sharing

  • Rs 17 lakh to Mumbai BMC
  • Benefit from commercialised soil microbes
  • Maharashtra is second top ABS beneficiary
  • National ABS disbursements cross Rs 144 crore
2 min read

National Biodiversity Authority disburses Rs 17 lakh to BMC under ABS mechanism

National Biodiversity Authority disburses ABS funds for commercial use of soil microbes, supporting Maharashtra BMCs and advancing India's biodiversity goals.

"The benefit-sharing arrangement ensures that a portion of the commercial gains... is channelled back to local communities. - National Biodiversity Authority"

New Delhi, January 29

The National Biodiversity Authority continues to advance India's commitment to the sustainable use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation.

In furtherance of its mandate under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, the NBA has disbursed Rs 17 lakh to the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra, through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.

The disbursement stems from the successful commercial utilisation of soil micro-organisms belonging to the Bacillus genus. These micro-organisms have been utilised for the development of value-added probiotic products, reflecting an effective linkage between biodiversity conservation and modern biotechnology.

The benefit-sharing arrangement ensures that a portion of the commercial gains derived from biological resources is channelled back to local communities, thereby supporting community-level development initiatives.

The NBA has noted a growing trend in the biotechnology sector, in which microorganisms are emerging as a critical foundation for industrial innovation. The biotechnology sector has contributed approximately Rs 10 crore to the accrued ABS fund, underscoring the significant role of microbial resources in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial applications.

Maharashtra continues to be the second major beneficiary State in ABS releases, next only to Andhra Pradesh. The State has received the highest share of ABS disbursements, excluding benefit-sharing amounts released from the access to Red Sanders wood. With the present release, the total ABS support extended to Maharashtra has reached nearly Rs 8 crore, benefiting over 200 Biodiversity Management Committees and seven institutions across the State.

Cumulative ABS disbursements at the national level have crossed the significant milestone of Rs 144.37 crore (approximately USD 16 million). This achievement reflects the effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and advances India's commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Targets 13 and 19.

The outcomes also align with India's National Biodiversity Targets 13 and 19, which emphasise the sustainable use of biological resources and equitable benefit sharing with local communities, empowerment of Biodiversity Management Committees, and enhancement of livelihood security.

The ABS framework further contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great news for Maharashtra! ₹8 crore for over 200 BMCs is a good start. But I have a question - how transparent is the process of disbursing these funds to the actual communities? We often hear about funds getting stuck at bureaucratic levels. The intent is good, but execution is key.
A
Arjun K
Soil microbes leading to probiotic products and funding local development? This is exactly the kind of sustainable, science-led progress India needs. Kudos to the NBA and the biotech companies involved. Shows the untapped potential in our own backyard.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable development, this is very encouraging. The ABS framework linking biodiversity conservation to community benefit is a global best practice. India crossing $16 million in disbursements is a strong signal to the world. Well done!
V
Vikram M
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh leading the way! Other states need to catch up. Our biological diversity is a national treasure, and this mechanism ensures it's not exploited without giving back. Hope the funds are used for tangible projects like water conservation or afforestation.
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Kavya N
₹17 lakh for Mumbai's BMC is a good amount for local projects. But the article says the biotech sector has contributed ₹10 crore to the ABS fund. Where is the rest of the money? Would be good to have more detailed breakdowns published for public awareness.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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