Two New Designated Repositories Notified
Context:
Recently, the Government of India has notified two major institutions as Designated Repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This step will enhance the scientific documentation, conservation, and sustainable use of India’s rich biological heritage. With these new designations, the number of repositories in the national network has increased to 18, further strengthening the study and protection of biological resources.
What are Designated Repositories?
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- Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Designated Repositories are institutions recognized by the government to preserve biological resources and associated information.
- These institutions (such as central or state laboratories, universities) securely store deposited samples for research, academic, or commercial use and function as part of a central network.
- Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Designated Repositories are institutions recognized by the government to preserve biological resources and associated information.
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About the Newly Designated Repositories:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has notified the following two institutions:
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- Referral Centre ‘Bhavasagara’ (CMLRE, Kochi): Located at the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences in Kochi, this centre has been recognized as the national repository for deep-sea fauna. It preserves more than 3,500 taxonomically identified specimens, including rare invertebrates and deep-sea fishes. It will play a leading role in research and inventorying biological resources in the deep Indian Ocean.
- MACS Collection of Microorganisms (ARI, Pune): Located at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, this centre focuses on specialized microbial cultures. It is particularly known for difficult-to-grow and anaerobic/extremophilic species, which are crucial for industrial and health research.
- Referral Centre ‘Bhavasagara’ (CMLRE, Kochi): Located at the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences in Kochi, this centre has been recognized as the national repository for deep-sea fauna. It preserves more than 3,500 taxonomically identified specimens, including rare invertebrates and deep-sea fishes. It will play a leading role in research and inventorying biological resources in the deep Indian Ocean.
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Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
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- This Act was enacted to fulfill the obligations of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with the objectives of:
- Conservation of biological diversity.
- Sustainable use of its components.
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources (Access and Benefit Sharing – ABS).
- Conservation of biological diversity.
- This Act was enacted to fulfill the obligations of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with the objectives of:
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Three-Tier Structure:
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- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Regulates approvals for foreign entities and transfer of research results.
- State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs): State-level regulation.
- Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs): Local-level conservation and documentation through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Regulates approvals for foreign entities and transfer of research results.
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Recent Amendment (2023):
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 focuses on decriminalizing minor offences, promoting AYUSH practitioners, and facilitating research and commercial utilization. It aims to balance Ease of Doing Business with conservation goals.
Conclusion:
The inclusion of new repositories in Kochi and Pune is crucial for India’s bio-economy and conservation strategies. It will not only safeguard the country’s unique marine and microbial diversity but also provide a strong foundation for future scientific discoveries, contributing to sustainable development.
