India has submitted its First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026.
The report was prepared by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority.
It covers the period from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025 and outlines India’s progress in implementing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms and strengthening biodiversity governance.
What is the Nagoya Protocol?
The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing was adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, during the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It formally entered into force on October 12, 2014.
Objective
It aims to ensure:
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources
- Protection of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity
- Sustainable use and conservation of biological resources
The protocol plays a crucial role in preventing exploitation of biodiversity without compensating local communities.
Legal Framework for ABS in India
India has developed a strong legal framework to implement Access and Benefit Sharing provisions.
Key Laws and Rules
- Biological Diversity Act 2002
- Biological Diversity Rules, 2024
- Access and Benefit Sharing Regulations, 2025
Three-Tier Institutional Structure
The ABS framework operates through a decentralised governance model:
National Level
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
State Level
- State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
- Union Territory Biodiversity Councils
Local Level
- Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
India has established over 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees, ensuring strong grassroots participation.
Approvals and Compliance (2017–2025)
India has made significant progress in granting approvals under the ABS framework.
Total Approvals
- 12,830 ABS approvals issued during the reporting period
By National Biodiversity Authority
- 5,913 approvals under Section 3(2)
- Covered activities such as:
- Research and bio-survey
- Commercial utilisation
- Transfer of research results
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
By State Biodiversity Boards
- 6,917 approvals under Section 7
- Focused on commercial use by Indian entities
Financial Benefits and Community Sharing
The ABS framework has generated substantial financial benefits.
Revenue Generated
- ₹216.31 crore through NBA approvals
- ₹51.96 crore through State Biodiversity Boards
Benefit Distribution
- ₹139.69 crore distributed to:
- Local communities
- Farmers
- Traditional knowledge holders
- Biodiversity Management Committees
This ensures that communities conserving biodiversity receive fair economic returns.
Capacity Building and Awareness
India has undertaken large-scale capacity-building initiatives to strengthen ABS implementation.
Key Achievements
- 2,56,393 individuals trained
- 3,724 workshops conducted
- More than 600 nationwide programmes
These initiatives have improved awareness and compliance with biodiversity regulations.
Global Leadership in ABS Implementation
India has emerged as a global leader in implementing the Nagoya Protocol.
Key Achievement
- Issued 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs)
- Represents over 60% of the global total
This highlights India’s strong regulatory framework and effective implementation.
Contribution to National Biodiversity Goals
The report contributes to Target 13 of India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
It supports:
- Sustainable use of biological resources
- Protection of traditional knowledge
- Strengthening biodiversity governance
Significance of the Report
The submission of the National Report is important for several reasons:
Strengthens Biodiversity Governance
It demonstrates India’s commitment to international environmental agreements.
Promotes Community Participation
Empowers local communities through benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Enhances Global Credibility
Positions India as a leader in biodiversity conservation and governance.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- India submitted NR1 on Nagoya Protocol on 27 February 2026.
- Covers period: 2017–2025.
- Implemented under Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Total ABS approvals: 12,830.
- Over 2.76 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees established.
- ₹216.31 crore generated through NBA approvals.
- ₹139.69 crore distributed to beneficiaries.
- India issued 3,556 IRCCs (over 60% global share).
Nagoya Protocol FAQs
It is an international agreement ensuring fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing was adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, during the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It formally entered into force on October 12, 2014.
It is a mechanism to ensure that communities receive benefits from the use of biological resources.
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Local-level institutions that manage biodiversity and ensure community participation.
It showcases India’s progress in biodiversity conservation and strengthens its global leadership.
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