Puducherry Accelerates Village Biodiversity Governance Through 104 New Committees
The Puducherry Biodiversity Council is launching a major expansion to establish 104 village-level committees across the Union Territory. These bodies will document local genetic resources and formalize traditional knowledge sharing under national legal frameworks.
Expanding Localized Environmental Oversight
The Puducherry Biodiversity Council (PYBC) has initiated a plan to establish 104 new Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the village panchayat level. This expansion aims to fulfill statutory requirements across the four regions of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. While the law mandates 123 such committees, only 19 have been operationalized to date at the municipality, block, and village levels.
Legislative Framework and Conservation Mandates
Operating under the Directorate of Forests and Wildlife, the PYBC enforces the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. Section 41(1) of this legislation requires every local government body to form a BMC. These committees serve three primary functions:
- Promoting the conservation of biological diversity within their specific jurisdictions.
- Ensuring the sustainable use of natural components.
- Facilitating the equitable sharing of benefits derived from commercializing biological resources and local traditional knowledge.
Under the Biological Diversity Rules of 2004, these committees provide the legal structure for regulated access to bio-resources. They recognize the role of local communities in maintaining genetic diversity and grant them a degree of control over their heritage and botanical assets.
Operational Strategy and Data Documentation
A central task for these new committees involves creating and validating People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs). These documents serve as comprehensive records of local flora, fauna, and the community wisdom associated with them. To address the current deficit in committee formation, the PYBC intends to partner with external entities, including research institutions, educational organizations, registered societies, or public trusts.
These partner organizations will coordinate with urban local bodies and village panchayats. Their role includes providing technical assistance, conducting capacity-building sessions for officials, and overseeing the rigorous validation process required for the PBRs. This move aims to bridge the logistical gap between state mandates and grassroots environmental governance.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
