Environment & Ecology·Environmental Laws
Biodiversity Conventions — Environmental Laws
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Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Passed as Act in 2023) | 2023 | This amendment aimed to streamline the compliance burden for traditional Indian medicine practitioners and researchers, decriminalize certain offenses, and encourage foreign investment in biodiversity research. It also sought to facilitate access to biological resources and traditional knowledge for commercial utilization, while ensuring benefit-sharing. The amendment was passed by Parliament in 2023 after significant debate. | The amendment seeks to balance the objectives of conservation and sustainable use with the promotion of research, innovation, and trade in biological resources. It aims to simplify the ABS process for certain categories of users, potentially impacting the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in India. Critics raised concerns about potential dilution of benefit-sharing mechanisms and impacts on local communities, while proponents argued it would boost the AYUSH sector and research. |
| Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 | 2022 | This amendment brought significant changes to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, primarily to align it with India's obligations under CITES. It introduced new schedules for species protection, rationalized existing schedules, and enhanced penalties for wildlife crimes. A key aspect was the provision for the designation of a 'Management Authority' and 'Scientific Authority' for CITES, along with regulating the import and export of CITES-listed species. | The amendment strengthens India's legal framework for combating illegal wildlife trade and ensures better compliance with CITES. It provides clearer definitions and powers for enforcement agencies, potentially leading to more effective protection of endangered species. However, concerns were raised regarding the reduced number of schedules and the potential impact on species not explicitly listed but requiring protection. |