Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol. 2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (c)
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 requires every local body to set up a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) to document local biodiversity in People's Biodiversity Registers and to conserve it.
• Statement 1 is correct: the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing (ABS) depends on local communities being involved in decisions on their bioresources and knowledge, which the BMCs are meant to ensure.
• Statement 2 is correct: under Section 41 the BMC is consulted by the National and State Biodiversity Boards on ABS decisions and may levy collection fees on persons accessing biological resources for commercial purposes within its area.
• Hence both 1 and 2, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: BMCs can levy collection fees.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 1 is also correct: BMCs are central to Nagoya Protocol implementation.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Both statements are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.