India Submits First National Report on Nagoya Protocol Implementation

India Strengthens Biodiversity Governance with ABS National Report 2026

India has submitted its First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat on 27 February 2026 . The report was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority . It reviews progress made between November 2017 and December 2025 and outlines India’s efforts in strengthening biodiversity governance and benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Legal Framework for Access and Benefit Sharing

India’s Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) system is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 . It is supported by updated rules and regulations, including the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 and ABS Regulations, 2025 .

The implementation follows a three-tier institutional structure:

• National Biodiversity Authority at the national level

• State Biodiversity Boards/UT Councils at the state level

• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level

Over 2.76 lakh BMCs have been established, ensuring strong grassroots participation.

Approvals and Implementation Progress

Between 2017 and 2025, India issued 12,830 ABS approvals . Of these, 5,913 approvals were granted by the National Biodiversity Authority for activities such as research, bio-surveys, commercial use and intellectual property-related permissions.

Additionally, 6,917 approvals were issued by State Biodiversity Boards and UT Councils for commercial utilisation by domestic entities. This reflects an expanding regulatory framework ensuring sustainable use of biological resources.

Financial Gains and Community Benefits

The ABS mechanism has generated significant economic returns. A total of ₹216.31 crore was mobilised through national-level approvals, with ₹139.69 crore distributed to local communities, farmers and traditional knowledge holders.

At the state level, an additional ₹51.96 crore was generated. These benefits highlight the role of ABS in promoting equitable sharing of gains derived from biodiversity resources.

Capacity Building and Global Contribution

India has undertaken extensive training and awareness programmes, with over 2.56 lakh individuals trained through thousands of workshops. The country has also issued 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance , accounting for more than 60% of the global total under the ABS Clearing-House mechanism.

These efforts demonstrate India’s leadership in implementing the Nagoya Protocol and promoting sustainable biodiversity management.

Exam-Focused Points

• The Nagoya Protocol deals with access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS) .

• India implements ABS through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 .

• Over 2.76 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees are operational in India.