The People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) is a comprehensive document that records the biodiversity (including plants, animals, and microorganisms) present in a particular locality, alongside knowledge about their traditional uses, conservation practices, and community involvement. The initiative was developed under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, a[1] s part of India’s efforts to preserve its biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
The PBR is managed by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level, which function under the supervision of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs).
A. Preservation of Traditional Knowledge:
PBRs document indigenous knowledge of rural communities regarding local biodiversity, medicinal plants, and agricultural practices. This ensures that traditional knowledge is recognized and preserved, preventing biopiracy.
B. Community Ownership and Decision-Making:
PBRs empower communities by giving them a platform to manage and conserve their local biodiversity. This promotes sustainable use of resources, where rural people can benefit economically through Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreements when external entities use their biodiversity for commercial purposes.
C. Legal Rights and Protection:
Rural communities are better informed about their legal rights concerning biodiversity through the PBR process, which includes provisions under the Biological Diversity Act to protect them from exploitation or unauthorized use of their natural resources.
D. Local Livelihood Support:
By formalizing the knowledge of local biodiversity, PBRs can facilitate the development of eco-tourism, agroforestry, and medicinal plant industries, thus providing income opportunities to rural populations.
A. Formation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs):
The process starts with the constitution of BMCs at the village, panchayat, or district levels. These committees comprise local community members who play a critical role in the documentation and decision-making processes.
B. Data Collection:
Trained volunteers, students, or local experts work with the community to collect data on local species, their uses, and related knowledge. This often involves conducting surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with the local population to gather information on biodiversity.
C. Verification and Documentation:
The collected data is verified by scientific experts and local authorities to ensure its accuracy. This includes confirming the identity of species and cross-checking traditional knowledge with botanists, zoologists, or other experts.
D. Compilation and Finalization:
Once verified, the data is compiled into a PBR document that outlines the local [1] biodiversity, traditional uses, and practices. The document is then published and made accessible to the community, while copies are sent to the State Biodiversity Board and the National Biodiversity Authority for further record-keeping and policy implementation.
E. Monitoring and Updating:
The PBR is not a one-time document; it requires regular updates as biodiversity and community practices evolve over time. BMCs are responsible for keeping the PBR current, ensuring ongoing relevance.
The People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) serves as an essential tool for empowering rural communities by documenting their biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. Through community participation, legal protection, and potential for economic benefits, the PBR fosters sustainable development while preserving India’s rich biological and cultural heritage.
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