Lok Sabha Passes Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill amid Protests

• 26 Jul 2023

On 25th July, 2023, the Lok Sabha passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by a voice vote.

Key Points:

• Key Amendments in the Bill: The Bill amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, focusing on decriminalizing biodiversity offenses and promoting ease of doing business.
• Users need written approval from the National Biodiversity Authority for transferring any research results on biological resources or associated traditional knowledge.
• Foreign companies align with the definition given in the Companies Act, 2013, for regulatory framework and patent acquisition.
• New sections emphasize monitoring of biological resources obtained from foreign countries and enable state governments to develop conservation and sustainable use strategies.
• Exemptions: The concept of "codified traditional knowledge" exempts users, including practitioners of Indian systems of medicine, from approvals and benefit sharing.
• Domestic companies can use biodiversity without requiring permission from biodiversity boards, while foreign-controlled companies will need permission.
• Punishment: Violations of the Act will be punishable only with penalties, removing imprisonment as a penalty option.
• Critics' Concerns: Activists and legal experts express dissatisfaction, stating the amendments fail to address biodiversity conservation issues in India.
• Concerns have been raised about decriminalizing offenses and imposing penalties instead of imprisonment.