Levels of Biodiversity — Environmental Laws

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023	2023	This bill, passed by Parliament, introduces several changes to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Key provisions include decriminalizing certain offenses under the Act, promoting the cultivation of medicinal plants, and facilitating research and commercial utilization of biological resources, particularly for AYUSH practitioners. It also seeks to simplify the access and benefit-sharing (ABS) process for certain categories, aiming to reduce compliance burden and encourage investment in biodiversity-related research and commercial activities. The amendment also clarifies the role of local communities in ABS.	The amendment aims to balance biodiversity conservation with the promotion of traditional medicine and research, potentially easing access to genetic resources for Indian companies and AYUSH practitioners. However, critics raise concerns about potential dilution of ABS mechanisms and the impact on local communities' rights and the conservation of genetic diversity, particularly regarding the commercialization of traditional knowledge and resources. From a UPSC perspective, it highlights the ongoing policy evolution in India to reconcile conservation goals with economic development and traditional practices.

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