Context –
- Rajya Sabha passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2021 after Lok Sabha approval. It aims to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
About Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Enacted in 2002, the act conserves biological resources, promotes sustainable use, and ensures fair benefit sharing with local communities.
The salient features of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 are as follows:
- Regulation of the biological resources in the country.
- Notify the threatened species and control or restrict their restoration, collection, and conservation.
- The Biodiversity Act 2002 also protects the knowledge of local communities regarding biodiversity.
- Sustainability and conservation of biological diversity.
- Offenses mentioned by the statute are defined as non-bailable and cognizable.
- To carry out the study involving the biological resources of the nation.
Need for Amendments –
- Amendments needed due to stakeholder complaints
- a heavy compliance burden hampered research and investments.
What are the Amendments -
- Simplify patent application processes for biological resources.
- Widen scope for access and benefit sharing with local communities, promoting resource conservation.
- Decriminalize offences, substitute with penalties (₹1 lakh to ₹50 lakh) and up to ₹1 crore for continuing violations.