National Biodiversity Authority Allocates ₹18.3 Lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim
In a significant move towards strengthening local biodiversity conservation efforts, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹18.3 lakh to two Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) situated in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim. The funds were efficiently transferred through the respective State Biodiversity Boards, ensuring transparency and direct access to the beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
According to the official announcement, the amount has been credited to the Narrau Village Biodiversity Management Committee in Akrabad Kaul Taluk, Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, and the Biodiversity Management Committee of the Lampokhari Lake Area in Aritar, Sikkim. This financial support aims to promote local biodiversity conservation, documentation, and sustainable use of biological resources in these regions.
The Biodiversity Management Committees play a vital role in implementing the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, at the local level. These committees are responsible for preparing People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)—a crucial document that records details of biological resources, their traditional uses, and associated knowledge within the community.
The National Biodiversity Authority, headquartered in Chennai, has been actively supporting BMCs across India to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and traditional knowledge. By releasing funds directly through state boards, the NBA aims to empower local communities to take ownership of conservation initiatives and to promote sustainable development aligned with ecological balance.
The BMC at Lampokhari Lake, known for its rich ecosystem and ecological diversity, is expected to utilize the funds for lake conservation activities, awareness programs, and documentation of local flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the Narrau village BMC in Aligarh will focus on strengthening biodiversity documentation and community-driven conservation practices.
This initiative reflects the NBA’s commitment to decentralizing biodiversity governance and ensuring that local communities remain at the heart of conservation strategies. The financial assistance will help enhance biodiversity awareness, protect local ecosystems, and support India’s broader goal of achieving sustainability through community-led environmental stewardship.
In the coming months, the NBA is expected to extend similar financial assistance to other states, encouraging active participation of local bodies in preserving India’s rich biological heritage.
