India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol
Why in News?
India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
Core Exam-Oriented Analysis
The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
- Its primary objective is to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
Key Features of the Nagoya Protocol
- Adopted in 2010 at Nagoya, Japan.
- Came into force in 2014.
- Functions under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Focuses on:
- Access to genetic resources
- Benefit-sharing mechanisms
- Protection of indigenous and local community knowledge
What are IRCCs?
Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) are official digital permits issued under the Nagoya Protocol.
These certificates confirm that:
- Genetic resources were accessed legally.
- Prior Informed Consent (PIC) was obtained.
- Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) were established.
IRCCs help prevent biopiracy and ensure that local communities receive benefits from the commercial use of biological resources and traditional knowledge.
Indiaβs Institutional Framework under Biological Diversity Act, 2002
India implemented the CBD and Nagoya Protocol through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The institutional mechanism setup under this act is
1. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- Statutory authority headquartered in Chennai.
- Grants approvals for access to biological resources by:
- Foreign individuals
- Foreign companies
- NRIs
2. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
- Operate at the state level.
- Regulate commercial utilization of biological resources within states.
3. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
- Established by local bodies such as panchayats and municipalities.
- Prepare Peopleβs Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
- Protect traditional knowledge and ensure benefit-sharing for local communities.
Prelims Booster:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted during the Rio Earth Summit, 1992.
It has three major objectives:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable use of biological resources
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources
India is a party to the CBD.
Important Concepts for Exams
Biopiracy
Unauthorized commercial exploitation of biological resources or traditional knowledge without compensation to indigenous communities.
Peopleβs Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)
These are detailed records documenting:
- Local flora and fauna
- Traditional medicinal knowledge
- Indigenous conservation practices
PBRs are maintained by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
The Exam Trap
- The Trap: The examiner may state that the Nagoya Protocol was adopted during the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
- The Fact: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted in 1992, while the Nagoya Protocol was adopted later in 2010 in Japan.
- The Trap: Questions may confuse the roles of NBA and State Biodiversity Boards.
- The Fact: The NBA handles access requests from foreign entities, while SBBs regulate commercial utilization within states.
Question 1: Current Affairs Focus
Which of the following statements regarding the Nagoya Protocol is correct?
- A) It was adopted during the Stockholm Conference of 1972
- B) It focuses on fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources
- C) It deals exclusively with climate finance
- D) It is administered by the World Trade Organization
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Explanation:
The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It specifically addresses the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. It was adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. Therefore, Option B is correct.
- Option A is incorrect because the Stockholm Conference dealt mainly with environmental protection.
- Option C is incorrect because climate finance is linked more with UNFCCC mechanisms.
- Option D is incorrect because the protocol functions under CBD, not WTO.
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