NEWS – Thazhakara has become the first grama panchayat in Alappuzha and one of the first in Kerala to update and publish a comprehensive People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) with the involvement of local communities

PEOPLE’S BIODIVERSITY REGISTER

• Serves as a detailed record of various aspects of biodiversity.
• Includes conservation of habitats, preservation of land races, domesticated animal breeds, microorganisms, and accumulated biological knowledge.
• Mandated by the Biological Diversity Act (2002).
• Developed to document and safeguard bioresources and associated knowledge at the local level.

ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES (BMCS)

• Created as per the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
• Promote conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity.
• Constituted by local bodies in States and Union Territories.
• Responsible for preparing PBRs in consultation with local communities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PBR:

• Plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable resource utilization.
• Protects traditional knowledge related to biodiversity.
• Assists local bodies in preparing projects in agriculture, drinking water, and waste management.
• Focuses on biodiversity conservation and equitable sharing of benefits.