Jagran Lakecity University organized a two-day #Advance Level Workshop on “Biodiversity Law and ABS” on 12th & 13th April 2019 as a follow up to the one done in January 2019 under the UNDP-GEF (Global ABS Project). This was done in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
Prof. (Dr.) M.K Ramesh, Professor, NLSIU, Bengaluru was the Chief Guest while Prof.(Dr.) Sairam Bhat, Professor & Coordinator, CEERA, NLSIU, Bengaluru was the Guest of Honour in the inaugural session. Ms. Madhubanti Sadhya, Research Associate, NLSIU and Mr. Rohit Kamath, Research Scholar, NLSIU delivered the keynote addresses. The valedictory session was graced by Justice (Retd.) Shri N.K Jain, Former Judge, M.P High Court.
Renowned field experts, practitioners, policymakers, researchers and academicians from across India attended the workshop and deliberated their experiences. The resource person for this Advance level workshop was Prof. (Dr.) Sairam Bhat, Professor & Coordinator, CEERA, NLSIU, Bengaluru, His session began with stressing emphasis upon the need for Biological Diversity Act which was an appreciable move from defensive protection to establishing legal entitlement of rights for Traditional Knowledge.
Session I: Significance, History, Background and Introduction to The Concepts And Principles Of Conservation Of Biological Diversity In India
The resource person for this session was Prof. (Dr.) Sairam Bhat, Professor & Coordinator, CEERA, NLSIU, Bengaluru, His session began with stressing emphasis upon the need for Biological Diversity Act which was an appreciable move from defensive protection to establishing legal entitlement of rights for Traditional Knowledge. He further discussed the increase in the number of cases filed under the Biodiversity Act in India from 2004 to 2016. Moving ahead Prof. Bhat also brought in light the historical development of Access Benefit Sharing system in India by narrating the story of Kani Tribe. Lastly, this session was concluded by discussing the importance of Access Benefit Sharing System (ABS) even in the present era. According to him one of the most important reasons for developing the ABS system is to acknowledge the efforts put in by the indigenous community in preserving the biodiversity and sharing the beneficial uses of plants and animals.
Session II: Biological Diversity Act, 2002: An Overview
The resource person for this session was Prof. (Dr.) Sairam Bhat, Professor & Coordinator, CEERA, NLSIU, Bengaluru. This session of Prof. Bhat was solely for the purpose of presenting an overview of the legislation that deals with the protection of biodiversity in India i.e. the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. He began the session by addressing the various authorities constituted under the Act which includes the National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Authority and Biodiversity Management Committee. He also discussed the relevant provisions as to what matters can be referred to these boards. Moving ahead he discussed the procedure of getting approval from National Biodiversity Authority in case an application is referred to them for getting approval. Lastly, his session was concluded by shedding light upon the activities that are covered under the Biological Diversity Act and the exemptions provided therein.
