Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the vast variety of life forms found on Earth. It encompasses diversity at three levels: Genetic Diversity (within species), Species Diversity (between species) and Ecosystem Diversity (between ecosystems). This diversity of living creatures forms a support system that has been used by each civilization for its growth and development. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2002), biodiversity is defined as "the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems."

It is vital for human survival and economic well-being. It provides the essential goods and services that allow society to function and thrive, forming the foundation for sustainable economic and social development. Biological resources support life processes by supplying food, medicine, and a wide range of both commercial and non-commercial products. Additionally, they also provide environmental services that maintain health of the planet.

In response to the actions required under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the Government of India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002. Subsequently, the   Biological Diversity Rules were notified in 2004 to outline procedures and mechanisms for the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 throughout the nation. India is a forerunner in bringing out such umbrella legislation with the objective of protecting the country’s rich biodiversity & associated traditional knowledge.

The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 was enacted to conserve biological diversity, encourage the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. In 2023, the Act underwent significant amendments that introduced several key changes to strengthen its implementation which are as follows:

1.  Expanded Scope of Genetic Resources: The 2023 amendments broaden the definition of genetic resources to include those found within India and utilized within India, even if they originate from outside the country. This ensures a more comprehensive approach to regulating genetic resources.

2. Strengthened Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Mechanism: The amendments emphasize the need for clearer and more robust mechanisms for access and benefit-sharing agreements. This includes ensuring that the benefits derived from genetic resources are shared fairly with local communities and stakeholders involved in conservation and sustainable use.

3. Enhanced Compliance and Monitoring: The amendments introduce more stringent compliance requirements for entities accessing biological resources. Additionally, there are enhanced provisions for monitoring and enforcement to ensure adherence to the regulations.

4.   Increased Penalties for Violations: The penalties for non-compliance with the provisions of the Act have been increased. This aims to deter illegal activities related to the access and use of biological resources and associated knowledge.

5.  Improved Documentation and Reporting: The amendments call for better documentation and reporting of transactions related to biological resources. This includes detailed record-keeping to track the use and movement of genetic resources.

6.    Strengthening of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): The role and powers of the NBA have been reinforced to enable it to carry out its functions more effectively.

7.    Facilitating Research and Innovation: The amendments aim to strike a balance between conservation and facilitating scientific research and innovation. This includes creating pathways for researchers to access genetic resources while ensuring compliance with the Act.

To support the implementation of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, the Government of India introduced the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024. These amendments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of conserving biological diversity and ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. They also highlight the need for a more robust legal framework to effectively address contemporary challenges in biodiversity conservation.

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 is implemented through a three-tier institutional mechanism:

• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai at National Level
• State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), at State Level
• Biodiversity Management Committees (District, Block, Village & Urban Local Bodies)  at local Level

Biodiversity Profile of Punjab

Punjab is predominantly an agrarian state having:

• A dominant cropland ecosystem, with 84% of its area under agriculture.
• Total geographic area under forest cover is 3.67% and the tree cover increased from 1,297.93 square kilometers in 2021 to 1,465.15 square kilometers in 2023, i.e. an increase of 177.22 square kilometers. (ISFR- 2023)
• Six wetlands of International importance (Ramsar sites): Harike Lake, Ropar Lake, Kanjli Lake, Keshopur Miani Community Reserve, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary and Beas Conservation Reserve.
• A large number of flora and fauna recorded from forests, agricultural areas and wetlands
• Rich crop and domesticated animal diversity
• The Shivalik area, comprising of sub-mountainous zone and undulating land below the hills, located in the districts of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, S.B.S. Nagar and Ropar, which includes protected areas:

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2023