2 Key Biodiversity Repositories Notified under Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Why in News?

In a significant step to strengthen biodiversity conservation and research, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has notified two institutions as designated repositories under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. These repositories will ensure safe storage and proper documentation of biological resources in India

What are Designated Repositories?

• Declared under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Serve as official centers for storing biological materials
• Include:
  • Voucher specimens (reference samples)
  • Microbial cultures
  • Marine organisms
• Support:
  • Scientific research
  • Commercial use of biological resources
  • Identification of new species

The two notified institutes are:

1. Referral Centre Bhavasagara at the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi: Specializing in deep-sea biodiversity, maintaining marine voucher specimens.
2. Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune: Specifically for its MACS Collection of Microorganisms and National Fungal Culture Collection

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