Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2021

Recently, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced by the government.

The amendments seeks to facilitate access to biological resources and traditional knowledge by the Indian traditional medicine sector.

Key Amendments

Exempting AYUSH Practitioners: It exempts Ayush practitioners from intimating biodiversity boards for accessing biological resources or knowledge (Vaids and Hakims).
Research Promotion: Facilitates fast-tracking of research, simplify the patent application process.
Decriminalization: It seeks to decriminalise certain provisions in the chain of biological resources.
Foreign Investments: Seeks to bring more foreign investments in biological resources, research, patent and commercial utilisation, without compromising the national interest

Impact

It will help promoting the cultivation of medicinal plants and ancient Indian medicine by exempting Indians cultivating medicinal plants and manufacturing products using codified traditional knowledge from payment of Access and benefit sharing.