Question : BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT, 2002

(a) whether the Government is aware that the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 has attracted sharp criticism from many quarters especially on the issues of collaborative research projects, the particular clause in the Act which may encourage bio piracy and alienate indigenous farmers from their resource;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to promote the Documentation of traditional knowledge sources; and

(d) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) and (b) The provisions of the Act especially relating to fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of Biological Resources and associated traditional knowledge aim at restricting free access to our genetic resources and ensure benefit sharing arrangement on mutually agreed terms. No provision of the Act discourages collaborative research and encourages bio piracy and alienates indigenous farmers from their resources.

(c) and (d) The Government have taken steps to promote documentation of traditional knowledge through relevant institutions such as National Institute of Science, Communication and Information Resources (an Institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and Indian Institute of Science.