Model Answer

The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity that aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. It operationalizes the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework through Prior Informed Consent (PIC), Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT), and benefit-sharing mechanisms. India’s First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol highlights the country’s significant progress in institutionalizing biodiversity governance.

India has emerged as a global leader in ABS implementation. Between 2017 and 2025, more than 12,800 ABS approvals were granted by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils. Further, India issued 3,556 Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs), accounting for nearly 60% of global certificates, reflecting strong compliance and biodiversity traceability mechanisms.

A major achievement has been the creation of a decentralized institutional framework. India has established over 2.76 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level, ensuring community participation in biodiversity conservation. Capacity-building efforts through thousands of workshops have strengthened awareness among local functionaries and conservers.

The ABS framework has also generated substantial economic benefits. Around ₹216 crore was realized through ABS implementation, of which nearly ₹140 crore was disbursed to local communities and benefit claimers. For instance, benefit-sharing from the medicinal plant Cocculus hirsutus in Madhya Pradesh supported forest conservation and local welfare. Similarly, bioethanol research projects in Uttar Pradesh ensured direct financial support to state biodiversity institutions.

However, significant challenges persist. Tracing the origin of biological resources remains difficult because supply chains often involve multiple intermediaries and traders. Administrative delays arise due to complex documentation requirements and differences between domestic and international compliance formats. In addition, low awareness and language barriers limit effective participation of rural and indigenous communities. The absence of a centralized digital repository for ABS agreements also reduces transparency and monitoring efficiency.

Overall, India’s implementation of the Nagoya Protocol demonstrates a strong commitment to balancing biodiversity conservation with community welfare. Strengthening digital governance, improving awareness in regional languages, and simplifying compliance procedures can further enhance the effectiveness of the ABS framework and promote sustainable utilization of biological resources.