Revised Guidelines on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Fund Utilization: Key Changes and Significance
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has approved new measures to streamline the utilisation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds and revised guidelines for designated repositories. These reforms aim to strengthen transparency, fairness, and effectiveness in biodiversity governance while ensuring that local communities receive a greater share of benefits arising from biological resources.
The revised ABS framework is an important development in India's biodiversity conservation efforts and is highly relevant for UGC NET, APSET, UPSC, APPSC, and environmental studies.
What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a mechanism that ensures benefits arising from the utilization of biological resources are shared fairly and equitably among stakeholders, particularly local communities associated with these resources.
ABS plays a crucial role in:
Biodiversity conservation
Sustainable use of biological resources
Community welfare
Equitable distribution of benefits
What Has Changed in ABS Fund Utilization?
Rationalized Fund Sharing
The revised guidelines introduce defined percentages for the distribution of funds when the origin of biological resources is identifiable.
Distribution Pattern
25–40% of funds will be allocated to institutions or repositories.
60–75% of funds will be allocated to local communities through State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs).
This framework ensures that local communities receive a larger share of benefits.
Default Formula When Data is Unclear
When sufficient information regarding the origin of biological resources is unavailable, the following default formula will be applied:
30% of funds will be allocated to institutions.
70% of funds will be transferred through the National Biodiversity Authority to State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
This mechanism ensures that benefit-sharing continues even when complete traceability is not available.
Fund Utilisation When Origin is Untraceable
If the origin of biological resources cannot be identified, ABS funds may be utilised for:
Biodiversity conservation
Socio-economic development activities
This approach allows resources to continue supporting environmental and community development objectives.
Fund Utilization When Origin is Traceable
When biological resources can be linked to specific states, funds will be transferred directly to the respective:
State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs)
This promotes better accountability and targeted utilization of funds.
Significance of the Revised ABS Framework
The revised guidelines strengthen biodiversity governance through:
Improved Transparency
Clearly defined fund-sharing percentages improve accountability.
Better Traceability
Enhanced mechanisms help identify the source of biological resources and ensure fair distribution.
Community Participation
Local communities receive a greater share of benefits derived from biodiversity resources.
Conservation Support
Funds can be directed toward biodiversity conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
Equitable Benefit Sharing
The revised framework ensures a fair balance between institutions and local stakeholders.
Impact on Biodiversity Governance
The new ABS guidelines create a stronger connection between:
Conservation efforts
Community benefits
Sustainable use of biological resources
By ensuring better utilisation of ABS funds, the framework contributes to long-term environmental sustainability and inclusive development.
Conclusion
The revised Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Fund Utilisation Guidelines represent an important step toward strengthening biodiversity governance in India. Through rationalised fund-sharing mechanisms, improved traceability, and enhanced support for local communities, the new framework promotes transparency, fairness, and sustainable utilisation of biological resources.
The reforms reinforce the principle that biodiversity conservation and community welfare must go hand in hand for achieving sustainable development goals.
Quick Facts
Approved by: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Focus: Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Fund Utilisation
Institutions Share: 25–40%
Local Communities Share: 60–75%
Default Formula: 30% Institutions, 70% NBA to SBBs/UTBCs
Untraceable Origin: Conservation and socio-economic development
Traceable Origin: Transfer to respective SBBs/UTBCs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABS?
ABS stands for Access and Benefit Sharing, a mechanism for equitable distribution of benefits arising from biological resources.
Which authority approved the revised ABS guidelines?
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) approved the revised ABS Fund Utilisation Guidelines.
What is the benefit-sharing percentage for local communities?
Local communities receive between 60% and 75% of ABS funds through SBBs and UTBCs when the origin is identifiable.
What happens when the origin of biological resources is unknown?
Funds may be utilised for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development activities.
MCQs
1. ABS stands for:A) Access and Biodiversity Scheme
B) Access and Benefit Sharing
C) Agriculture Benefit System
D) Applied Biodiversity Sharing
Answer: B
2. Access and Benefit Sharing is associated with:A) Ramsar Convention
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Convention on Biological Diversity
D) Montreal Protocol
Answer: C
3. The Nagoya Protocol is related to:A) Climate Change
B) Ozone Layer Protection
C) Access and Benefit Sharing
D) Desertification
Answer: C
4. India's Biological Diversity Act was enacted in:A) 1992
B) 1998
C) 2002
D) 2010
Answer: C
5. Which authority regulates ABS in India?A) NGT
B) CPCB
C) NBA
D) NTCA
Answer: C
