National Biodiversity Authority Mobilises ₹21.26 Crore Through Benefit-Sharing Mechanism

The achievement reflects increasing industry participation in the sustainable use of biological resources and highlights the growing recognition of biodiversity as a valuable national asset.

India's efforts to align economic growth with biodiversity conservation have received a significant boost as the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) generated ₹21.26 crore through the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism during the financial year 2025–26. The achievement reflects increasing industry participation in the sustainable use of biological resources and highlights the growing recognition of biodiversity as a valuable national asset.

The revenue was generated through approvals granted for research activities, commercial utilization, intellectual property rights, bio-survey, and bio-utilization of biological resources. The collections underscore the expanding role of businesses and industries in supporting biodiversity conservation while benefiting from the country's rich biological wealth.

Officials noted that the growing contribution from various industrial sectors demonstrates how economic development and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand, creating a model for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Seed Sector Leads Contributions

Among all industries participating in the Access and Benefit Sharing framework, the seed sector emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for ₹11.75 crore, more than half of the total amount realized during the financial year.

The strong participation of seed companies reflects the sector's extensive reliance on plant genetic resources and agricultural biodiversity for crop development, research, and innovation.

Major contributors from the seed industry included Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd., Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Nongwoo Seed India Pvt. Ltd., and BASF India Pvt. Ltd.

Experts note that access to diverse genetic resources is essential for developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and nutritionally improved crop varieties that can support food security and agricultural sustainability.

The substantial contribution from the seed sector demonstrates growing awareness among agribusinesses regarding their responsibility to support biodiversity conservation and equitable benefit-sharing.

AYUSH Sector Strengthens Traditional Knowledge-Based Economy

The AYUSH sector emerged as the second-largest contributor, generating ₹5.56 crore under the ABS mechanism.

India's traditional medicine industry relies heavily on medicinal plants, herbs, and indigenous biological resources that have been used for centuries by local communities and traditional healers.

Major contributors from the AYUSH sector included Himalaya Wellness Company, Organic India Pvt. Ltd., and Natural Remedies, among others.

The sector's participation reflects the importance of ensuring that communities and knowledge holders who have preserved and utilized these biological resources over generations receive fair and equitable benefits from their commercial use.

The contribution also highlights the increasing integration of traditional knowledge systems into modern healthcare, wellness, and nutraceutical industries.

Diverse Industries Join Biodiversity Governance Framework

Beyond the seed and AYUSH sectors, several other industries contributed to the ABS mechanism during 2025–26.

The nutraceutical sector contributed ₹1.40 crore, while the pharmaceutical sector contributed ₹1.18 crore.

Additional contributions came from industries including:

• Biotechnology

• Cosmetics

• Chemicals

• Biofuels

• Food and Beverage

The broad participation of these sectors demonstrates the extensive role that biological resources play across the modern economy.

From medicines and nutritional supplements to personal care products and sustainable fuels, biological resources form the foundation of numerous industries that depend on access to nature's diversity for innovation and growth.

Hundreds of Biological Resources Utilised

During the reporting period, industries utilized approximately 300 biological resources for various commercial and research purposes.

Among the most widely used resources were agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, and forest products, including:

• Maize

• Rice

• Turmeric

• Amla

• Mustard

• Bitter gourd

• Kalmegh

• Cardamom (Elaichi)

• Tulsi

• Guggal gum

• Neem leaves

• Garcinia

• Ashwagandha

• Black pepper

• Lavanga (Clove)

Many of these resources are deeply embedded in India's agricultural systems, traditional medicine practices, food culture, and local economies.

Their utilization highlights the immense value of biodiversity as a source of innovation, economic activity, and sustainable development.

Growing Success of the Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanism

The Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism is a cornerstone of India's biodiversity governance framework.

Established under the Biological Diversity Act, the mechanism ensures that benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge are shared fairly with those who conserve and maintain them.

The framework is designed to balance commercial utilization with social justice and environmental sustainability.

As of now, the National Biodiversity Authority has collected a cumulative ₹266 crore in ABS funds from users of biological resources and associated knowledge across the country.

This achievement represents a major milestone in implementing biodiversity-related obligations and strengthening community participation in conservation efforts.

Significant Benefits Reaching Local Communities

One of the most important aspects of the ABS mechanism is the distribution of benefits to local stakeholders.

Out of the ₹266 crore collected so far, approximately ₹145 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries across India.

These beneficiaries include:

• Local communities

• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

• Farmers

• Indigenous communities

• Traditional knowledge holders

• Resource custodians

The disbursed funds help support conservation activities, community development initiatives, livelihood generation, and sustainable resource management at the grassroots level.

By ensuring that economic benefits flow back to those who protect and maintain biological resources, the ABS mechanism creates incentives for long-term conservation and sustainable use.

Supporting Conservation and Sustainable Development

Officials emphasized that the funds generated through ABS contribute directly to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

The financial resources are used to support activities such as:

• Habitat restoration

• Conservation of rare and threatened species

• Community-led biodiversity management

• Sustainable harvesting practices

• Capacity building and awareness programmes

• Livelihood enhancement initiatives

These efforts help strengthen the link between conservation and development, ensuring that biodiversity protection also delivers tangible economic and social benefits.

Experts note that conservation initiatives are often more successful when local communities see direct benefits from preserving natural resources.

Advancing India's International Commitments

The achievement also reinforces India's commitment to several important international biodiversity frameworks.

The ABS mechanism supports the objectives of the:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030)

In particular, the progress contributes to achieving Target 13 of India's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which focuses on ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

India has consistently advocated for stronger global mechanisms that recognize the rights of biodiversity-rich countries and local communities while promoting responsible and sustainable use of biological resources.

Biodiversity as an Economic Asset

The increasing participation of industries in the ABS framework signals a broader shift in how biodiversity is perceived.

Traditionally viewed primarily as an environmental concern, biodiversity is increasingly being recognized as a critical economic asset that supports agriculture, healthcare, food systems, biotechnology, and industrial innovation.

Experts argue that protecting biodiversity is not only an ecological necessity but also an economic imperative.

Healthy ecosystems provide essential services such as pollination, soil fertility, water purification, climate regulation, and genetic resources that underpin economic productivity.

By linking conservation with economic incentives, the ABS framework demonstrates how biodiversity can generate value while remaining protected for future generations.

A Model for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

The growing success of the National Biodiversity Authority's Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism illustrates how environmental protection and economic development can reinforce each other.

As more industries adopt responsible biodiversity practices and participate in benefit-sharing arrangements, India is building a model that promotes innovation, supports local communities, and conserves natural resources simultaneously.

The realization of ₹21.26 crore during 2025–26 is more than a financial achievement—it represents progress toward a development pathway where businesses, communities, and ecosystems all benefit.

With increasing awareness, stronger regulatory frameworks, and greater industry engagement, India's biodiversity economy is poised to play an increasingly important role in advancing sustainable development and securing the country's ecological future.