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THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT, 2002
AND
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY RULES, 2004
National Biodiversity Authority

INDIA
Copyright @ National Biodiversity Authority, 2004
First Publication, 2004............... 5000 copies
Second Publication, 2007............... 3000 copies
Third Publication, 2009............... 500 copies
Fourth Publication, 2009............... 1000 copies
Fifth Publication, 2010............... 1000 copies
Sixth Publication, 2010............... 1000 copies
Seventh Publication, 2011............... 1000 copies
Eighth Publication, 2012............... 1000 copies
This publication contains the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and

the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 that was promulgated by the
Government of India. This document may therefore be reproduced for
educational and non-profit purposes without special permission from the
National Biodiversity Authority. The Authority would specially appreciate
receiving a copy of any publication that uses this book as a source.
For bibliographic and reference purpose this publication should

be referred to as, The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity
Rules, 2004, National Biodiversity Authority (2004), 74 PP.
For further information, please contact:

The Secretary
National Biodiversity Authority
5th Floor, TICEL Biopark,
Taramani Road, Taramani,
Chennai - 600 113.
Tel: 044 22542777
Fax: 044 22541200
email : [email protected]
Website : www.nbaindia.org
Printed by :
CONTENTS
S.No. SUBJECT PAGE No.
1. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Chapter I - Preliminary.......................................................... 2
Chapter II - Regulation of Access to
Biological Diversity............................................. 4
Chapter III - National Biodiversity Authority....................... 7
Chapter IV - Functions and Powers of the
National Biodiversity Authority..................... 13
Chapter V - Approval by the
Chapter VI - State Biodiversity Board................................... 17
Chapter VII - Finance, Accounts and Audit of
Chapter VIII - Finance, Accounts and Audit of
State Biodiversity Board................................... 22
Chapter IX - Duties of the Central and the
State Governments............................................ 24
Chapter X - Biodiversity Management Committees......... 27
Chapter XI - Local Biodiversity Fund................................... 28
Chapter XII - Miscellaneous.................................................... 30
2. The Biological Diversity Rules - 2004........................................... 40
3. Form - I (Rule 14)................................................................... 59
4. Form - II (Rule 17)................................................................... 62
5. Form - III (Rule 18)................................................................... 64
6. Form - IV (Rule 19)................................................................... 66
7. Form - V (Rule 23(1)).............................................................. 68
8. Form - VI (Rule 23(6))............................................................... 71
9. Form - VII (Rule 24(1))............................................................... 73

EXTRAORDINARY
PART II - SECTION 1
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2003 / MAGHA 16, 1924
Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.
MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(Legislative Department)
New Delhi, the 5th February, 2003 / Magha 16, 1924 (Saka)
The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the
5th February, 2003, and is hereby published for general information :-
THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT, 2002
No. 18 of 2003
[5th February, 2003]
An Act to provide for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its
components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of
biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith or incidental
thereto.
WHEREAS India is rich in biological diversity and associated traditional and
contemporary knowledge system relating thereto;
AND WHEREAS India is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological
Diversity signed at Rio de Janeiro on the 5th day of June, 1992;
AND WHEREAS the said Convention came into force on the 29th December, 1993;
AND WHEREAS the said Convention reaffirms the sovereign rights of the States
over their biological resources;
AND WHEREAS the said Convention has the main objective of conservation of
biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of
the benefits arising out of utilization of genetic resources;
AND WHEREAS it is considered necessary to provide for conservation, sustainable
utilization and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utilization of genetic
resources and also to give effect to the said Convention.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-third Year of the Republic of India as
follows:-
The Biological Diversity Act & Rules 2
CHAPTER-I
PRELIMINARY
Short title, 1. (1) This Act may be called the Biological

extent and Diversity Act, 2002.
commencement
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into force on such date as the
Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint:
Provided that different dates may be appointed

for different provisions of this Act and any reference
in any such provision to the commencement of this
Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming
into force of that provision.
Definitions 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) “benefit claimers” means the conservers of

biological resources, their byproducts, creators and
holders of knowledge and information relating to the
use of such biological resources, innovations and
practices associated with such use and application;
(b) “biological diversity” means the variability

among living organisms from all sources and the
ecological complexes of which they are part and
includes diversity within species or between species
and of eco-systems;
(c) “biological resources” means plants, animals

and micro-organisms or parts thereof, their genetic
material and by-products (excluding value added
products) with actual or potential use or value, but
does not include human genetic material;
3
(d) “bio-survey and bio-utilization” means survey

or collection of species, subspecies, genes, components
and extracts of biological resource for any purpose and
includes characterisation, inventorisation and
bioassay;
(e) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the

National Biodiversity Authority or, as the case may
be, of the State Biodiversity Board;
(f) “commercial utilization” means end uses of

biological resources for commercial utilization such
as drugs, industrial enzymes, food flavours, fragrance,
cosmetics, emulsifiers, oleoresins, colours, extracts and
genes used for improving crops and livestock through
genetic intervention, but does not include conventional
breeding or traditional practices in use in any
agriculture, horticulture, poultry, dairy farming,
animal husbandry or bee keeping;
(g) “fair and equitable benefit sharing” means

sharing of benefits as determined by the National
Biodiversity Authority under section 21;
( h ) “local bodies” means Panchayats and

Municipalities, by whatever name called, within the
meaning of clause (1) of article 243B and clause (1) of
article 243Q of the Constitution and in the absence of
any Panchayats or Municipalities, institutions of self-
government constituted under any other provision of
the Constitution or any Central Act or State Act;
(i) “member” means a member of the National

Biodiversity Authority or a State Biodiversity Board
and includes the Chairperson;
(j) “National Biodiversity Authority” means the
National Biodiversity Authority established under
section 8;
(k) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made

under this Act;
(l) “regulations” means regulations made under
this Act;
( m ) “research” means study or systematic
investigation of any biological resource or
technological application, that uses biological systems,
living organisms or derivatives thereof to make or
modify products or processes for any use;
(n) “State Biodiversity Board” means the State
Biodiversity Board established under section 22;
(o) “sustainable use” means the use of components
of biological diversity in such manner and at such rate
that does not lead to the long-term decline of the
biological diversity thereby maintaining its potential
to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future
generations;
(p) “value added products” means products which
may contain portions or extracts of plants and animals
in unrecognizable and physically inseparable form.
CHAPTER -II
REGULATION OF ACCESS TO BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Certain 3. (1 ) No person referred to in sub-section (2 ) shall,

persons not without previous approval of the National
to undertake
Biodiversity Authority, obtain any biological resource
Biodiversity
related
occurring in India or knowledge associated thereto for
activities research or for commercial utilization or for bio-survey
without and bio-utilization.
approval of
National (2 ) The persons who shall be required to take the
Biodiversity approval of the National Biodiversity Authority under
Authority sub-section (1) are the following, namely:-
(a) a person who is not a citizen of India;

5
(b) a citizen of India, who is a non-resident as 43 of 1961

defined in clause (30) of section 2 of the Income-tax
Act, 1961 ;
(c) a body corporate, association or organization-

(i) not incorporated or registered in India; or
(ii) incorporated or registered in India under
any law for the time being in force which
has any non-lndian participation in its share
capital or management.
4. No person shall, without the previous approval of Results of

research not
the National Biodiversity Authority, transfer the
to be
results of any research relating to any biological transferred
to certain
resources occurring in, or obtained from, India for
persons
monetary consideration or otherwise to any person without
approval of
who is not a citizen of India or citizen of India who is
National
non-resident as defined in clause (30) of section 2 of Biodiversity
Authority.
the Income-tax Act, 1961 or a body corporate or
organisation which is not registered or incorporated
in India or which has any non-lndian participation in 43 of 1961
its share capital or management.
Explanation - For the purposes of this section,

“transfer” does not include publication of research
papers or dissemination of knowledge in any seminar
or workshop, if such publication is as per the
guidelines issued by the Central Government.
5. (1) The provisions of sections 3 and 4 shall not Sections 3

apply to collaborative research projects involving and 4 not to
apply to
transfer or exchange of biological resources or
certain
information relating thereto between institutions, collaborative
including Government sponsored institutions of India, research
projects
and such institutions in other countries, if such
collaborative research projects satisfy the conditions
specified in sub-section (3 ).
(2) All collaborative research projects, other than

those referred to in sub-section (1) which are based
on agreements concluded before the commencement
of this Act and in force shall, to the extent the
provisions of agreement are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act or any guidelines issued under
clause (a) of sub-section (3), be void.
( 3 ) For the purposes of sub-section ( 1 ),

collaborative research projects shall-
(a) conform to the policy guidelines issued by

the Central Government in this behalf;
(b) be approved by the Central Government.
Application 6. (1) No person shall apply for any intellectual

for
property right, by whatever name called, in or
intellectual
property outside India for any invention based on any research
rights not or information on a biological resource obtained from
to be made
India without obtaining the previous approval of the
without
approval of National Biodiversity Authority before making such
National application.
Biodiversity
Authority Provided that if a person applies for a
patent, permission of the National Biodiversity
Authority may be obtained after the acceptance of
the patent but before the sealing of the patent by the
patent authority concerned:
Provided further that the National

Biodiversity Authority shall dispose of the
application for permission made to it within a period
of ninety days from the date of receipt thereof.
(2) The National Biodiversity Authority

may, while granting the approval under this section,
impose benefit sharing fee or royalty or both or
impose conditions including the sharing of financial
7
benefits arising out of the commercial utilisation of

such rights.
(3) The provisions of this section shall not

apply to any person making an application for any
right under any law relating to protection of plant
varieties enacted by Parliament.
(4) Where any right is granted under law

referred to in sub-section (3), the concerned authority
granting such right shall endorse a copy of such
document granting the right to the National
Biodiversity Authority.
7. No person, who is a citizen of India or a body Prior

corporate, association or organisation which is intimation
to State
registered in India, shall obtain any biological resource
Biodiversity
for commercial utilisation, or bio-survey and Board for
bio-utilisation for commercial utilisation except after obtaining
biological
giving prior intimation to the State Biodiversity Board
resource for
concerned: certain
purposes
Provided that the provisions of this
section shall not apply to the local people and
communities of the area, including growers and
cultivators of biodiversity, and vaids and hakims, who
have been practising indigenous medicine.
CHAPTER -III
NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY AUTHORITY
8. (1 ) With effect from such date as the Central Establishment

Government may, by notification in the Official of National
Biodiversity
Gazette, appoint, there shall be established by the
Authority
Central Government for the purposes of this Act, a
body to be called the National Biodiversity Authority.
(2) The National Biodiversity Authority shall be

a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having
perpetual succession and a common seal, with power
to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable
and immovable, and to contract, and shall by the said
name sue and be sued.
(3) The head office of the National Biodiversity

Authority shall be at Chennai and the National
Biodiversity Authority may, with the previous
approval of the Central Government, establish offices
at other places in India.
(4) The National Biodiversity Authority shall

consist of the following members, namely:-
(a) a Chairperson, who shall be an eminent

person having adequate knowledge and experience
in the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity and in matters relating to equitable sharing
of benefits, to be appointed by the Central
Government;
(b) three ex officio members to be appointed by

the Central Government, one representing the
Ministry dealing with Tribal Affairs and two
representing the Ministry dealing with Environment
and Forests of whom one shall be the Additional
Director General of Forests or the Director General of
Forests;
(c) seven ex officio members to be appointed by

the Central Government to represent respectively the
Ministries of the Central Government dealing with -
9
(i ) Agricultural Research and Education;

(ii) Biotechnology;
(iii) Ocean Development;
(iv) Agriculture and Cooperation;
(v ) Indian Systems of Medicine and
Homeopathy;
(vi) Science and Technology;
(vii) Scientific and Industrial Research;
(d) five non-official members to be appointed from

amongst specialists and scientists having special
knowledge of, or experience in, matters relating to
conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use
of biological resources and equitable sharing of
benefits arising out of the use of biological resources,
representatives of industry, conservers, creators and
knowledge-holders of biological resources.
9. The term of office and conditions of service of the Conditions

Chairperson and the other members other than ex of service of
Chairperson
officio members of the National Biodiversity Authority and
shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central members.
Government.
10. The Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive of Chairperson

to be Chief
the National Biodiversity Authority and shall exercise executive
such powers and perform such duties, as may be of National
Biodiversity
prescribed. Authority.
11. The Central Government may remove from the Removal of

National Biodiversity Authority any member who, in members
its opinion, has _

(a ) been adjudged as an insolvent; or
(b ) been convicted of an offence which involves
moral turpitude; or
(c ) become physically or mentally incapable of

acting as a member; or
(d ) so abused his position as to render his
continuance in office detrimental to the public
interest; or
( e) acquired such financial or other interest as is
likely to affect prejudicially his functions as a
member.
Meetings of 12. (1) The National Biodiversity Authority shall

National meet at such time and place and shall observe such
Biodiversity
rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of
Authority
business at its meetings (including the quorum at its
meetings) as may be prescribed.
(2) The Chairperson of the National Biodiversity

Authority shall preside at the meetings of the National
Biodiversity Authority.
(3) If for any reason the Chairperson is unable to

attend any meeting of the National Biodiversity
Authority , any member of the National Biodiversity
Authority chosen by the members present at the
meeting shall preside at the meeting.
(4) All questions which come before any meeting

of the National Biodiversity Authority shall be decided
by a majority of votes of the members present and
voting and in the event of equality of votes, the
Chairperson or, in his absence, the person presiding,
shall have and exercise a second or casting vote.
(5) Every member who is in any way, whether

directly, indirectly or personally, concerned or
interested in a matter to be decided at the meeting shall
disclose the nature of his concern or interest and after
such disclosure, the member concerned or interested
shall not attend that meeting.
11
(6) No act or proceeding of the National Biodiversity

Authority shall be invalidated merely by reason of :-
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the

constitution of, the National Biodiversity
Authority; or
(b ) any defect in the appointment of a person

acting as a member; or
(c ) any irregularity in the procedure of the

National Biodiversity Authority not
affecting the merits of the case.
13. ( 1) The National Biodiversity Authority may Committees

constitute a committee to deal with agro-biodiversity. of
National
Explanation _ For the purposes of this sub- Biodiversity
section, “agro-biodiversity” means biological diversity Authority
of agriculture related species and their wild relatives.
( 2 ) Without prejudice to the provisions of

sub-section ( 1 ), the National Biodiversity Authority
may constitute such number of committees as it deems
fit for the efficient discharge of its duties and
performance of its functions under this Act.
(3) A committee constituted under this section

shall co-opt such number of persons, who are not the
members of the National Biodiversity Authority, as it
may think fit and the persons so co-opted shall have
the right to attend the meetings of the committee and
take part in its proceedings but shall not have the right
to vote.
(4) The persons appointed as members of the

committee under sub-section (2) shall be entitled to
receive such allowances or fees for attending the
meetings of the committee as may be fixed by the
Central Government.
Officers and 14. (1 ) The National Biodiversity Authority may

employees appoint such officers and other employees as it
of National
considers necessary for the efficient discharge of its
Biodiversity
functions under this Act.
Authority
(2) The terms and conditions of service of such

officers and other employees of the National
Biodiversity Authority shall be such as may be
specified by regulations.
Authentication 15. All orders and decisions of the National

of orders Biodiversity Authority shall be authenticated by the
and
signature of the Chairperson or any other member
decisions of
National
authorized by the National Biodiversity Authority in
Biodiversity this behalf and all other instruments executed by the
Authority National Biodiversity Authority shall be authenticated
by the signature of an officer of the National
Biodiversity Authority authorized by it in this behalf.
Delegation 16. The National Biodiversity Authority may, by

of powers general or special order in writing, delegate to any
member, officer of the National Biodiversity Authority
or any other person subject to such conditions, if any,
as may be specified in the order, such of the powers
and functions under this Act (except the power to
prefer an appeal under section 50 and the power to
make regulations under section 64) as it may deem
necessary.
Expenses of 17. The salaries and allowances payable to the

National
members and the administrative expenses of the
Biodiversity
Authority to National Biodiversity Authority including salaries,
be defrayed allowances and pension payable to, or in respect of,
out of the
the officers and other employees of the National
Consolidated
Fund of Biodiversity Authority shall be defrayed out of the
India Consolidated Fund of India.
13
CHAPTER –IV
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE

18. (1) It shall be the duty of the National Biodiversity Functions

Authority to regulate activities referred to in sections and powers
of National
3, 4 and 6 and by regulations issue guidelines for access
Biodiversity
to biological resources and for fair and equitable Authority
benefit sharing.
(2) The National Biodiversity Authority may grant

approval for undertaking any activity referred to in
sections 3, 4 and 6.
(3) The National Biodiversity Authority may-
(a) advise the Central Government on matters

relating to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable
use of its components and equitable sharing of benefits
arising out of the utilization of biological resources;
(b) advise the State Governments in the

selection of areas of biodiversity importance to be
notified under sub-section (1) of section 37 as heritage
sites and measures for the management of such
heritage sites;
(c) perform such other functions as may be

necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
(4) The National Biodiversity Authority may, on

behalf of the Central Government, take any measures
necessary to oppose the grant of intellectual property
rights in any country outside India on any biological
resource obtained from India or knowledge associated
with such biological resource which is derived from
India.
CHAPTER -V
APPROVAL BY THE
Approval by 19. (1) Any person referred. to in sub-section (2) of
National section 3 who intends to obtain any biological resource
Biodiversity occurring in India or knowledge associated thereto
Authority
for research or for commercial utilization or for bio-
for
survey and bio-utilization or transfer the results of any
undertaking
certain
research relating to biological resources occurring in,
activities or obtained from, India, shall make application in such
form and payment of such fees as may be prescribed,
to the National Biodiversity Authority.
(2) Any person who intends to apply for a patent

or any other form of intellectual property protection
whether in India or outside India referred to in sub-
section (1) of section 6, may make an application in
such form and in such manner as may be prescribed
(3) On receipt of an application under sub-

section (1) or sub-section (2), the National Biodiversity
Authority may, after making such enquiries as it may
deem fit and if necessary after consulting an expert
committee constituted for this purpose, by order, grant
approval subject to any regulations made in this behalf
and subject to such terms and conditions as it may
deem fit, including the imposition of charges by way
of royalty or for reasons to be recorded in writing,
reject the application:
Provided that no such order for rejection shall

be made without giving an opportunity of being heard
to the person affected.

give public notice of every approval granted by it
under this section.
15
20. (1) No person who has been granted approval Transfer of

under section 19 shall transfer any biological resource biological
resource or
or knowledge associated thereto which is the subject knowledge
matter of the said approval except with the permission
of the National Biodiversity Authority.
(2) Any person who intends to transfer any

biological resource or knowledge associated thereto
referred to in sub-section (1 ) shall make an application
in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed
(3) On receipt of an application under sub-

section (2), the National Biodiversity Authority may,
after making such enquiries as it may deem fit and if
necessary after consulting an expert committee
constituted for this purpose, by order, grant approval
subject to such terms and conditions as it may deem
fit, including the imposition of charges by way of
royalty or for reasons to be recorded in writing, reject
the application:
Provided that no such order for rejection shall

be made without giving an opportunity of being heard
to the person affected.

give public notice of every approval granted by it
under this section.
21. (1) The National Biodiversity Authority shall while Determination
granting approvals under section 19 or section 20 of equitable

benefit
ensure that the terms and conditions subject to which
sharing by
approval is granted secures equitable sharing of
National
benefits arising out of the use of accessed biological Biodiversity
resources, their by-products, innovations and practices Authority
associated with their use and applications and
knowledge relating thereto in accordance with mutually
agreed terms and conditions between the person

applying for such approval, local bodies concerned
and the benefit claimers.
(2) The National Biodiversity Authority shall,

subject to any regulations made in this behalf,
determine the benefit sharing which shall be given
effect in all or any of the following manner, namely:
( a) grant of joint ownership of intellectual

property rights to the National Biodiversity Authority,
or where benefit claimers are identified, to such benefit
claimers;
(b) transfer of technology;
( c ) location of production, research and

development units in such areas which will facilitate
better living standards to the benefit claimers;
( d) association of Indian scientists, benefit

claimers and the local people with research and
development in biological resources and bio-survey
and bio-utilization;
(e) setting up of venture capital fund for aiding

the cause of benefit claimers;
(f ) payment of monetary compensation and

other non-monetary benefits to the benefit claimers
as the National Biodiversity Authority may deem fit.
(3 ) Where any amount of money is ordered by way

of benefit sharing, the National Biodiversity Authority
may direct the amount to be deposited in the National
Biodiversity Fund:
17
Provided that where biological resource or knowledge

was a result of access from specific individual or group
of individuals or organisations, the National
Biodiversity Authority may direct that the amount
shall be paid directly to such individual or group of
individuals or organisations in accordance with the
terms of any agreement and in such manner as it deems
fit.
(4) For the purposes of this section, the National

Biodiversity Authority shall, in consultation with the
Central Government, by regulations, frame guidelines.
CHAPTER -VI
STATE BIODIVERSITY BOARD
22. ( 1 ) With effect from such date as the State Establishment

Government may, by notification in the Official of State
Biodiversity
Gazette, appoint in this behalf, there shall be Board
established by that Government for the purposes of
this Act, a Board for the State to be known as the
____________ (name of the State) Biodiversity Board.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this

section, no State Biodiversity Board shall be constituted
for a Union territory and in relation to a Union
territory, the National Biodiversity Authority shall
exercise the powers and perform the functions of a
State Biodiversity Board for that Union territory:
Provided that in relation to any Union territory,

the National Biodiversity Authority may delegate all
or any of its powers or functions under this sub-section
to such person or group of persons as the Central
Government may specify.
(3) The Board shall be a body corporate by the

name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a
common seal, with power to acquire, hold and dispose
of property, both movable and immovable, and to
contract, and shall by the said name sue and be sued.
(4 ) The Board shall consist of the following

members, namely:-
(a) a Chairperson who shall be an eminent

person having adequate knowledge and experience
in the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity and in matters relating to equitable sharing
of benefits, to be appointed by the State Government;
(b) not more than five ex officio members to

be appointed by the State Government to represent
the concerned Departments of the State Government;
( c ) not more than five members to be

appointed from amongst experts in matters relating
to conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use
of biological resources and equitable sharing of
benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.
(5) The head office of the State Biodiversity Board

shall be at such place as the State Government may,
by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
Functions 23. The functions of the State Biodiversity Board shall

of State be to-
Biodiversity
Board (a) advise the State Government, subject to any
guidelines issued by the Central Government, on
matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity,
sustainable use of its components and equitable
sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of
biological resources;
19
( b ) regulate by granting of approvals or

otherwise requests for commercial utilization or
bio-survey and bio-utilization of any biological
resource by Indians;
(c) perform such other functions as may be

necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act or as
may be prescribed by the State Government.
24. (1 ) Any citizen of India or a body corporate, Power of

organization or association registered in India State
Biodiversity
intending to undertake any activity referred to in Board to
section 7 shall give prior intimation in such form as restrict
may be prescribed by the State Government to the certain
activities
State Biodiversity Board. violating
the
(2) On receipt of an intimation under sub-section
objectives
(1), the State Biodiversity Board may, in consultation of
with the local bodies concerned and after making such conservation
etc.
enquires as it may deem fit, by order, prohibit or
restrict any such activity if it is of opinion that such
activity is detrimental or contrary to the objectives of
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity or
equitable sharing of benefits arising out of such
activity:
Provided that no such order shall be made

without giving an opportunity of being heard to the
person affected.
(3) Any information given in the form referred to

in sub-section (1) for prior intimation shall be kept
confidential and shall not be disclosed, either
intentionally or unintentionally, to any person not
concerned thereto.
Provisions 25. The provisions of sections 9 to 17 shall apply to a

of sections State Biodiversity Board and shall have effect subject
9 to 17 to
apply with to the following modifications, namely:-
modifications
(a) references to the Central Government shall be
to State
Biodiversity construed as references to the State Government;
Board
( b ) references to the National Biodiversity
Authority shall be construed as references to the State
Biodiversity Board;
(c) reference to the Consolidated Fund of India shall

be construed as reference to the Consolidated Fund of
the State.
CHAPTER –VII
FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT OF
Grants or 26. The Central Government may, after due
loans by the appropriation made by Parliament by law in this
Central
behalf, pay to the National Biodiversity Authority by
Government
way of grants or loans such sums of money as the
Central Government may think fit for being utilized
for the purposes of this Act.
Constitution 27. (1) There shall be constituted a Fund to be called

of National the National Biodiversity Fund and there shall be
Biodiversity
credited thereto
Fund
(a) any grants and loans made to the National
Biodiversity Authority under section 26;
(b) all charges and royalties received by the
National Biodiversity Authority under this Act; and
(c) all sums received by the National Biodiversity
Authority from such other sources as may be decided
upon by the Central Government.
(2) The Fund shall be applied for _

(a) channeling benefits to the benefit claimers;
21
(b) conservation and promotion of biological

resources and development of areas from where such
biological resources or knowledge associated thereto
has been accessed;
( c ) socio-economic development of areas

referred to in clause (b) in consultation with the local
bodies concerned.
28. The National Biodiversity Authority shall prepare, Annual

in such form and at such time each financial year as report
of National
may be prescribed, its annual report, giving a full
Biodiversity
account of its activities during the previous financial Authority
year and furnish, to the Central Government, before
such date as may be prescribed, its audited copy of
accounts together with auditor’s report thereon.
29. (1) The National Biodiversity Authority shall Budget,

prepare a budget, maintain proper accounts and other accounts
and audit
relevant records (including the accounts and other
relevant records of the National Biodiversity Fund)
and prepare an annual statement of account in such
form as may be prescribed by the Central Government
in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India.
(2) The accounts of the National Biodiversity

Authority shall be audited by the Comptroller and
Auditor-General of India at such intervals as may be
specified by him and any expenditure incurred in
connection with such audit shall be payable by the
National Biodiversity Authority to the Comptroller
and Auditor-General of India.
(3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of

India and any other person appointed by him in
connection with the audit of the accounts of the
National Biodiversity Authority shall have the
same rights and privileges and authority in
connection with such audit as the Comptroller and

Auditor-General generally has in connection with the
audit of the Government accounts and, in particular,
shall have the right to demand the production of
books, accounts, connected vouchers and other
documents and papers and to inspect any of the offices
of the National Biodiversity Authority .
(4) The accounts of the National Biodiversity

Authority as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India or any other person appointed by
him in this behalf together with the audit report
thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Central
Government.
Annual 30. The Central Government shall cause the annual

report report and auditor’s report to be laid, as soon as may
to be laid
be after they are received, before each House of
before
Parliament Parliament.
CHAPTER -VIII
FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT OF

STATE BIODIVERSITY BOARD
Grants of 31. The State Government may, after due
money by appropriation made by the State Legislature by law
State
in this behalf, pay to the State Biodiversity Board by
Government
to State way of grants or loans such sums of money as the
Biodiversity State Government may think fit for being utilized for
Board. the purposes of this Act.
Constitution 32. (1) There shall be constituted a Fund to be called

of State the State Biodiversity Fund and there shall be credited
Biodiversity
thereto-
Fund.
(a) any grants and loans made to the State
Biodiversity Board under section 31 ;
(b) any grants or loans made by the National
Biodiversity Authority;
23
(c) all sums received by the State Biodiversity

Board from such other sources as may be decided
upon by the State Government.
(2) The State Biodiversity Fund shall be applied

for __
( a ) the management and conservation of

heritage sites;
(b) compensating or rehabilitating any section

of the people economically affected by notification
under sub-section (1) of section 37;
(c) conservation and promotion of biological

resources;
(d) socio-economic development of areas from

where such biological resources or knowledge
associated thereto has been accessed subject to any
order made under section 24, in consultation with
the local bodies concerned;
( e ) meeting the expenses incurred for the

purposes authorised by this Act.
33. The State Biodiversity Board shall prepare, in such Annual

Report of
form and at such time in each financial year as may
State
be prescribed, its annual report, giving a full account Biodiversity
of its activities during the previous financial year, and Board
submit a copy thereof to the State Government.
34. The accounts of the State Biodiversity Board shall Audit of

accounts
be maintained and audited in such manner as may, in
of a State
consultation with the Accountant-General of the State, Biodiversity
be prescribed and the State Biodiversity Board shall Board.
furnish, to the State Government, before such date as

may be prescribed, its audited copy of accounts
together with auditor’s report thereon .
Annual report 35. The State Government shall cause the annual report
of State
Biodiversity
and auditor’s report to be laid, as soon as may be after
Board to be they are received, before the House of State Legislature.
laid before
State
Legislature CHAPTER -IX
DUTIES OF THE CENTRAL AND THE STATE

GOVERNMENTS
Central 36. (1) The Central Government shall develop national

Government
strategies, plans, programmes for the conservation and
to develop
National promotion and sustainable use of biological diversity
strategies including measures for identification and monitoring
plans. etc.,
of areas rich in biological resources, promotion of in
for
conservation, situ, and ex situ, conservation of biological resources,
etc., of incentives for research, training and public education
biological
to increase awareness with respect to biodiversity .
diversity.
(2) Where the Central Government has reason to

believe that any area rich in biological diversity,
biological resources and their habitats is being
threatened by overuse, abuse or neglect, it shall issue
directives to the concerned State Government to take
immediate ameliorative measures, offering such State
Government any technical and other assistance that is
possible to be provided or needed.
( 3 ) The Central Government shall, as far as

practicable wherever it deems appropriate, integrate
the conservation, promotion and sustainable use of
biological diversity into relevant sectoral or cross-
sectoral plans, programmes and policies.
(4 ) The Central Government shall undertake

measures,__
25
(i) wherever necessary, for assessment of

environmental impact of that project which is likely
to have adverse effect on biological diversity, with a
view to avoid or minimize such effects and where
appropriate provide for public participation in such
assessment;
(ii) to regulate, manage or control the risks

associated with the use and release of living modified
organisms resulting from biotechnology likely to have
adverse impact on the conservation and sustainable
use of biological diversity and human health.
(5) The Central Government shall endeavour to

respect and protect the knowledge of local people
relating to biological diversity, as recommended by
the National Biodiversity Authority through such
measures, which may include registration of such
knowledge at the local, State or national levels, and
other measures for protection, including sui generis
system.
Explanation:-For the purposes of this section,-
(a) “ex situ conservation” means the conservation

of components of biological diversity outside their
natural habitats;
(b) “in situ conservation” means the conservation

of ecosystems and natural habitats and the
maintenance and recovery of viable populations of
species in their natural surroundings and, in the case
of domesticated or cultivated species, in the
surroundings where they have developed their
distinctive properties.
Biodiversity 37. (1) Without prejudice to any other law for the time
heritage being in force, the State Government may, from time
sites.
to time in consultation with the local bodies, notify in
the Official Gazette, areas of biodiversity importance
as biodiversity heritage sites under this Act.
(2) The State Government, in consultation with the

Central Government, may frame rules for the
management and conservation of all the heritage sites.
(3) The State Government shall frame schemes for

compensating or rehabilitating any person or section
of people economically affected by such notification.
Power of 38. Without prejudice to the provisions of any

Central other law for the time being in force, the Central
Government
Government, in consultation with the concerned State
to notify
threatened Government, may from time to time notify any species
species which is on the verge of extinction or likely to become
extinct in the near future as a threatened species and
prohibit or regulate collection thereof for any purpose
and take appropriate steps to rehabilitate and preserve
those species.
Power of 39. (1) The Central Government may, in consultation

Central with the National Biodiversity Authority, designate
Government
to designate
institutions as repositories under this Act for different
repositories. categories of biological resources.
(2) The repositories shall keep in safe custody the

biological material including voucher specimens
deposited with them.
(3) Any new taxon discovered by any person shall

be notified to the repositories or any institution
designated for this purpose and he shall deposit the
voucher specimens with such repository or institution.
27
40. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, Power of

Central
the Central Government may, in consultation with the
Government
National Biodiversity Authority, by notification in the to exempt
Official Gazette, declare that the provisions of this Act certain
biological
shall not apply to any items, including biological resources.
resources normally traded as commodities.
CHAPTER-X
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES
41. (1) Every local body shall constitute a Biodiversity Constitution

Management Committee within its area for the of
Biodiversity
purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use
Management
and documentation of biological diversity including Committees.
preservation of habitats, conservation of land races,
folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and
breeds of animals and microorganisms and
chronicling of knowledge relating to biological
diversity.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this sub-section,-
(a) “cultivar” means a variety of plant that has

originated and persisted under cultivation or was
specifically bred for the purpose of cultivation;
(b) “folk variety” means a cultivated variety of

plant that was developed, grown and exchanged
informally among farmers;
(c) “landrace” means primitive cultivar that was

grown by ancient farmers and their successors.
(2) The National Biodiversity Authority and the

State Biodiversity Boards shall consult the Biodiversity
Management Committees while taking any decision

relating to the use of biological resources and
knowledge associated with such resources occurring
within the territorial jurisdiction of the Biodiversity
Management Committee.
(3 ) The Biodiversity Management Committees
may levy charges by way of collection fees from any
person for accessing or collecting any biological
resource for commercial purposes from areas falling
within its territorial jurisdiction.
CHAPTER -XI
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY FUND
Grants to 42. The State Government may, after due
Local appropriation made by State Legislature by law in this
Biodiversity
behalf, pay to the Local Biodiversity Funds by way of
Fund.
grants or loans such sums of money as the State
Government may think fit for being utilized for the
purposes of this Act.
Constitution 43.(1) There shall be constituted a Fund to be called

of Local the Local Biodiversity Fund at every area notified by
Biodiversity
the State Government where any institution of self-
Fund.
government is functioning and there shall be credited
thereto-
(a) any grants and loans made under section 42;
(b) any grants or loans made by the National
Biodiversity Authority;
( c ) any grants or loans made by the State
Biodiversity Boards;
(d) fees referred to in sub-section (3) of section
41 received by the Biodiversity Management
Committees;
(e) all sums received by the Local Biodiversity
Fund from such other sources as may be decided upon
by the State Government.
29
44. (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the Application

management and the custody of the Local Biodiversity of Local
Biodiversity
Fund and the purposes for which such Fund shall be
Fund.
applied, be in the manner as may be prescribed by the
State Government.
(2) The Fund shall be used for conservation and

promotion of biodiversity in the areas falling within
the jurisdiction of the concerned local body and for
the benefit of the community in so far such use is
consistent with conservation of biodiversity.
45. The person holding the custody of the Local Annual

Biodiversity Fund shall prepare, in such form and Report of
Biodiversity
during each financial year at such time as may be
Management
prescribed, its annual report, giving a full account of Committees.
its activities during the previous financial year, and
submit a copy thereof to the concerned local body.
46. The accounts of the Local Biodiversity Fund shall Audit of

be maintained and audited in such manner as may, in accounts of
Biodiversity
consultation with the Accountant-General of the State,
Management
be prescribed and the person holding the custody of Committees.
the Local Biodiversity Fund shall furnish, to the
concerned local body, before such date as may be
prescribed, its audited copy of accounts together with
auditor’s report thereon.
47. Every local body constituting a Biodiversity Annual

Management Committee under sub-section (1 ) of report,
section 41, shall cause, the annual report and audited etc, of the
Biodiversity
copy of accounts together with auditor’s report
Management
thereon referred to in sections 45 and 46, respectively Committee to
and relating to such Committee to be submitted to the be submitted
District Magistrate having jurisdiction over the area to District
Magistrate.
of the local body.
CHAPTER -XII
MISCELLANEOUS
National 48. (1) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions
Biodiversity of this Act, the National Biodiversity Authority shall,
Authority to
in the discharge of its functions and duties under this
be bound by
the directions Act, be bound by such directions on questions of
given by policy as the Central Government may give in writing
Central to it from time to time:
Government.
Provided that the National Biodiversity
Authority shall, as far as practicable, be given
opportunity to express its views before any direction
is given under this sub-section.
( 2) The decision of the Central Government

whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final.
Power of 49. (1) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions

State of this Act, the State Biodiversity Board shall, in the
Government
discharge of its functions and duties under this Act,
to give
directions be bound by such directions on questions of policy as
the State Government may give in writing to it from
time to time:
Provided that the State Biodiversity

Board shall, as far as practicable, be given an
opportunity to express its views before any direction
is given under this sub-section.
(2) The decision of the State Government whether

a question is one of policy or not shall be final.
Settlement 50. ( 1 ) If a dispute arises between the National

of disputes Biodiversity Authority and a State Biodiversity Board,
between
the said Authority or the Board, as the case may be,
State
Biodiversity
may prefer an appeal to the Central Government
Boards. within such time as may be prescribed.
31
(2) Every appeal made under sub-section (1) shall

be in such form as may be prescribed by the Central
Government.
(3) The procedure for disposing of an appeal shall
be such as may be prescribed by the Central
Government:
Provided that before disposing of an appeal, the
parties shall be given a reasonable opportunity of,
being heard.
( 4 ) If a dispute arises between the State
Biodiversity Boards, the Central Government shall
refer the same to the National Biodiversity Authority.
(5) While adjudicating any dispute under sub-
section (4), the National Biodiversity Authority shall
be guided by the principles of natural justice and shall
follow such procedure as may be prescribed by the
Central Government.
(6) The National Biodiversity Authority shall have,
for the purposes of discharging its functions under
this section, the same powers as are vested in a civil
court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 in 5 of 1908
respect of the following matters, namely:_
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of
any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of
documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of
witnesses or documents;
(e) reviewing its decisions;
(f) dismissing an application for default or
deciding it ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any
application for default or any order passed by
it exparte;
(h) any other matter which may be prescribed.
( 7 ) Every proceeding before the National

Biodiversity Authority shall be deemed to be a judicial
proceeding within the meaning of sections 193 and
45 of 1860 228, and for the purpose of section 196, of the Indian
Penal Code and the National Biodiversity Authority
shall be deemed to be a civil court for all the purposes
of section 195 and Chapter XXV1 of the Code of
2 of 1974 Criminal Procedure, 1973.
45 of 1860 51. All members, officers and other employees of the Members,
officers, etc.,
National Biodiversity Authority or the State of National
Biodiversity Board shall be deemed, when acting or Biodiversity
Authority and
purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions State
Biodiversity
of this Act, to be public servants within the meaning Board deemed
of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. to be public
servants.
52. Any person, aggrieved by any determination of
Appeal. benefit sharing or order of the National Biodiversity
Authority or a State Biodiversity Board under this Act, may
file an appeal to the High Court within thirty days from
the date of communication to him, of the determination
or order of the National Biodiversity Authority or the
State Biodiversity Board, as the case may be:
Provided that the High Court may, if it is satisfied
that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause
from filing the appeal-within the said period, allow it to
be filed within a further period not exceeding sixty days.
1
[Provided further that nothing contained in this
section shall apply on and from the commencement
of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Provided also that any appeal pending before the
High Court, before the commencement of the National
Green Tribunal Act, 2010, shall continue to be heard
and disposed of by the High Court as if the National
Green Tribunal had not been established under section
3 of the National Green Tribunal Act,2010.
Appeal to 52 A. Any person aggrieved by any determination
National
Green
of benefit sharing or order of the National Biodiversity
Tribunal Authority or a State Biodiversity Board under this Act,
33
on or after the commencement of the National Green

Tribunal Act, 2010, may file an appeal to the National
Green Tribunal established under section 3 of the
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, in accordance with
the provisions of that Act]
53. Every determination of benefit sharing or order Execution of

made by the National Biodiversity Authority or a State determination
or order.
Biodiversity Board under this Act or the order made
by the High Court in any appeal against any
determination or order of the National Biodiversity
Authority or a State Biodiversity Board shall, on a
certificate issued by any officer of the National
Biodiversity Authority or a State Biodiversity Board
or the Registrar of the High Court, as the case may
be, be deemed to be decree of the civil court and shall
be executable in the same manner as a decree of that
court.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section and

section 52, the expression “State Biodiversity Board”
includes the person or group of persons to whom the
powers or functions under sub-section (2) of section
22 have been delegated under the proviso to that sub-
section and the certificate relating to such person or
group of persons under this section shall be issued
by such person or group of persons, as the case may be.
54. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings Protection

shall lie against the Central Government or the State of action
taken
Government or any officer of the Central Government
in good
or the State Government or any member, officer or faith.
employee of the National Biodiversity Authority or
the State Biodiversity Board for anything which is in
good faith done or intended to be done under this
Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder.
1
Inserted by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (19of 2010) dt. 2.6.2010
Penalties. 55. (1) Whoever contravenes or attempts to contravene

or abets the contravention of the provisions of section
3 or section 4 or section 6 shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to five
years, or with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees
and where the damage caused exceeds ten lakh rupees
such fine may commensurate with the damage caused,
or with both.
(2) Whoever contravenes or attempts to contravene

or abets the contravention of the provisions of section
7 or any order made under sub-section (2) of section
24 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three years, or with fine which
may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
Penalty for 56. If any person contravenes any direction given or

contravention order made by the Central Government, the State
of directions
or orders of Government, the National Biodiversity Authority or
Central the State Biodiversity Board for which no punishment
Government,
has been separately provided under this Act, he shall
State
Government, be punished with a fine which may extend to one lakh
National rupees and in case of a second or subsequent offence,
Biodiversity
with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees and in
Authority
and State the case of continuous contravention with additional
Biodiversity fine which may extend to two lakh rupees everyday
Boards.
during which the default continues.
Offences 57. (1) Where an offence or contravention under this

by Act has been committed by a company, every person
Companies
who at the time the offence or contravention was
committed was in charge of, and was responsible to,
the company for the conduct of the business of the
company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to
be guilty of the offence or contravention and shall be
liable to be proceeded against and punished
accordingly:
35
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section

shall render any such person liable to any punishment
provided in this Act, if he proves that the offence or
contravention was committed without his knowledge
or that he had exercised all due diligence to prevent
the commission of such offence or contravention.
( 2 ) Notwithstanding anything contained in

sub-section (1), where an offence or contravention
under this Act has been committed by a company and
it is proved that the offence or contravention has been
committed with the consent or connivance of, or is
attributable to, any neglect on the part of any director,
manager, secretary or other officer of the company,
such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall
also be deemed to be guilty of the offence or
contravention and shall be liable to be proceeded
against and punished accordingly.
Explanation. -For the purposes of this section,__
(a) “company” means any body corporate and
includes a firm or other association of individuals; and
(b) “director”, in relation to a firm, means a
partner in the firm.
58. The offences under this Act shall be cognizable and Offences to
be cognizable
non-bailable. and
non-bailable.
59. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, Act to have
and not in derogation of, the provisions in any other effect in
addition to
law, for the time being in force, relating to forests or other Acts.
wildlife.
60. The Central Government may give directions to Power of
Central
any State Government as to the carrying into execution Government to
in the State of any of the provisions of this Act or of give directions
to State
any rule or regulation or order made thereunder. Government.
61. No Court shall take cognizance of any offence Cognizance

under this Act except on a complaint made by _ of offences.
(a) the Central Government or any authority or

officer authorized in this behalf by that Government; or
(b) any benefit claimer who has given notice of

not less than thirty days in the prescribed manner, of
such offence and of his intention to make a complaint,
to the Central Government or the authority or officer
authorized as aforesaid.
Power of 62. (1) The Central Government may, by notification

Central in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the
Government
to make rules
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the

generality of the foregoing power, such rules may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:
( a ) terms and conditions of service of the
Chairperson and members under section 9;
(b) powers and duties of the Chairperson under
section 10;
(c) procedure under sub-section (1) of section 12
in regard to transaction of business at meetings;
(d) form of application and payment of fees for
undertaking certain activities under sub-section (1) of
section 19;
(e) the form and manner of making an application
under sub-section (2) of section 19;
(f ) form of application and the manner for transfer
of biological resource or knowledge under sub-section
(2) of section 20;
(g) form in which, and the time of each financial

year at which, the annual report of the National
Biodiversity Authority shall be prepared and the date
before which its audited copy of accounts together with
auditor’s report thereon shall be furnished under section 28;
37
(h) form in which the annual statement of account

shall be prepared under subsection (1) of section 29;
(i) the time within which and the form in which,

an appeal may be preferred, the procedure for
disposing of an appeal and the procedure for
adjudication, under section 50;
(j) the additional matter in which the National

Biodiversity Authority may exercise powers of the
civil court under clause (h) of sub-section (6) of section
50;
(k) the manner of giving notice under clause (b) of

section 61;
(l ) any other matter which is to be, or may be,

prescribed, or in respect of which provision is to be
made, by rules.
(3 ) Every rule made under this section and every

regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon
as may be after it is made, before each House of
Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of
thirty days which may be comprised in one session
or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before
the expiry of the session immediately following the
session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both
Houses agree in making any modification in the rule
or regulation or both Houses agree that the rule or
regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form
or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however,
that any such modification or annulment shall be
without prejudice to the validity of anything
previously done under that rule or regulation.
Power of 63. (1) The State Government may, by notification in

State the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the
Government
to make
rules
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the
generality of the foregoing power, such rules may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:
(a) the other functions to be performed by the State

Biodiversity Board under clause (c ) of section 23;
(b) the form in which the prior intimation shall be

given under sub-section (1 ) of section 24;
( c ) the form in which, and the time of each

financial year at which, the annual report shall be
prepared under section 33;
(d) the manner of maintaining and auditing the

accounts of the State Biodiversity Board and the date
before which its audited copy of the accounts together
with auditor’s report thereon shall be furnished under
section 34;
(e) management and conservation of national

heritage sites under section 37;
(f ) the manner of management and custody of the

Local Biodiversity Fund and the purposes for which
such Fund shall be applied under sub-section (1) of
section 44;
(g) the form of annual report and the time at which

such report shall be prepared during each financial
year under section 45;
39
(h) the manner of maintaining and auditing the

accounts of the Local Biodiversity Fund and the date
before which its audited copy of the accounts together
with auditor’s report thereon shall be furnished under
section 46;
(i) any other matter which is to be, or may be,

specified.
(3) Every rule made by the State Government under

this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is
made, before each House of the State Legislature
where it consists of two Houses, or where such
Legislature consists of one House, before that House.
64. The National Biodiversity Authority shall, with the Power to

previous approval of the Central Government, by make
regulations.
notification in the Official Gazette, make regulations
for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
65. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the Power to

provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, remove
difficulties.
by order, not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act, remove the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made after

the expiry of a period of two years from the
commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be

laid, as soon as may be, after it is made, before each
House of Parliament.
SUBHASH C. JAIN
Secretary to the Government of India
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY RULES - 2004

41
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 15th April, 2004
G.S.R. 261 (E). – In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 62 of the Biological
Diversity Act, 2002, and in supersession of the National Biodiversity Authority
(salary, Allowances and conditions of service of Chairperson and other Members)
Rules, 2003 except as respect to things done or omitted to be done before such
supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules namely: -
1. Short title and commencement
(1) These rules may be called the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004.
(2) Thus shall come into force on 15th April, 2004.
2. Definitions
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, -
(a) “Act” means the Biological Diversity Act 2002 (18 of 2003);
(b) “Authority” means the National Biodiversity Authority established

under sub- section (1) of Section 8,
(c) “Biodiversity Management Committee” means a Biodiversity

Management Committee established by a local body under sub-section
(1) of Section 41;
(d) “Chairperson” means the chairperson of the National Biodiversity

Authority or as the case may be, of the State Biodiversity Board.
(e) “fee” means any fee stipulated in the Schedule;
(f) “Form” means form annexed to these rules;
(g) “ Member” means a member of the National Biodiversity Authority

or a State Biodiversity Board and includes the chairperson as the case
may be;
(h) “section “ means a section of the Act;

(i) “Secretary” means the full time Secretary of the Authority.
(j) words and expressions used but not defined in these rules and defined
in the Act shall have the meaning respectively assigned to them in
the Act.
3. Manner of selection and appointment of the Chairperson
(1) The Chairperson of the Authority shall be appointed by the Central

Government.
(2) Every appointment of Chairperson under sub-section (1) shall be made

either on deputation basis or by selection from outside the Central
Government. In case the appointment is through deputation, the applicant
should not be below the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government
of India.
4. Term of Office of the Chairperson
(1) The Chairperson of the Authority shall hold the office for a term of three
years’ and shall be eligible for re-appointment,
(2) Provided that no Chairperson shall hold office as such after he attains the
age of sixty five years or his term of office expires which is earlier.
(3) The Chairperson may resign from his office by giving at least one month
notice in writing to the Central Government.
5. Pay and Allowances of Chairperson :__
(1) A Chairperson shall be entitled to a fixed pay of Rs. 26,000/- per month.
In case of retired person is appointed as Chairperson, his pay shall be
fixed in accordance with the orders of the Central Government as
applicable to such persons.
(2) A Chairperson shall be entitled to such allowances, leave, pension,

provident fund, house and other perquisites etc. to be decided by the
Central Government from time to time.
43
6. Term of Office and Allowances of non- official Members:
(1) Every non-official member of the Authority shall hold his office for a
term not exceeding three years at a time from the date of publication of
his appointment in the official Gazette.
(2) Every non- official member attending the meeting of the Authority shall
be entitled to sitting allowance, travelling expenses, daily allowance and
such other allowances as are applicable to non official member of
commissions and committees of the Central Government attending the
meeting (s) of such Commissions or Committees.
7. Filling up of vacancies of non- official members
(1) A non –official member of the Authority may resign his office at any
time by giving in writing under his hand addressed to the Central
Government and the seat of that member in the Authority shall become
vacant.
(2) A casual vacancy of a non – official member in the Authority shall be

filled up by a fresh nomination and the person nominated to fill the
vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the term of the member
in whose place he was nominated.
8. Removal of the members of the Authority.
No member of the Authority shall be removed from his office on any ground
specified in section 11, without a due and proper enquiry by an officer not below
the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India appointed by the Central
Government and without giving such member a reasonable opportunity of being
heard.
9. Secretary of the Authority
(1) The Authority shall appoint a Secretary to it.
(2) The terms and conditions of the appointment of the Secretary shall be
determined by the Authority by regulation.
(3) The Secretary shall be responsible for co-ordinating and convening the
meetings of the Authority, maintenance of the records of the proceedings
of the Authority and such other matters as may be assigned to him by the
Authority.
10. Meetings of the Authority
(1) The Authority shall meet at least four times in a year normally after a
period of three months at the Head quarters of the Authority or at such
place as may be decided by the Chairperson.
(2) The Chairperson shall, upon a written request from not less than five
Members of the Authority or upon a direction of the C e n t r a l
Government, call a special meeting of the Authority.
(3) The members shall be given at least fifteen days’ notice for holding an
ordinary meeting and at least three days’ notice for holding a special
meeting specifying the purpose, the time and the place at which such
meeting is to be held.
(4) Every meeting shall be presided over by the Chairperson and in his
absence, by a presiding officer to be elected by the members present from
amongst themselves.
(5) The decision of the Authority at a meeting shall, if necessary, be taken by

a simple majority of the Members present and voting and the Chairperson
or in his absence, the Member presiding shall have a second or casting
vote.
(6) Each member shall have one vote.
(7) The quorum at every meeting of the Authority shall be five.
(8) No Member shall be entitled to bring forward for the consideration of a

meeting any matter of which he has not given ten days’ notice unless the
Chairperson in his discretion permits him to do so.
(9) Notice of the meeting may be given to the Members by delivering the
same by messenger or sending it by registered post to his last known
place of residence or business or in such other manner as the Secretary of
the Authority may, in the circumstances of the case, think fit.
45
11. Appointment of Expert Committee by the Authority and their entitlements
(1) The Authority may constitute any number of Committees for such
purposes as it may deem fit consisting wholly of members or wholly of
other persons or partly of members or partly of other persons.
(2) The members of the Committee other than the members of the Authority
shall be paid such fees and allowances for attending the meetings as the
Authority may deem fit.
12. General functions of the Authority
The Authority may perform the following functions; namely:-
(i) lay down the procedure and guidelines to govern the activities provided
under sections 3, 4 and 6;
(ii) advise the Central Government on any matter concerning conservation

of bio diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable
sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resource and
knowledge;
(iii) coordinate the activities of the State Bio-diversity Boards;
(iv) provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Bio-diversity

Boards;
(v) commission studies and sponsor investigations and research;
(vi) engage consultants, for a specific period, not exceeding three years, for
providing technical assistance to the Authority in the effective discharge
of its functions :
Provided that if it is necessary and expedient to engage any consultant

beyond the period of three years, the Authority shall seek prior approval
of the Central Government for such an engagement.
(vii) collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data, manuals,
codes or guides relating to conservation of bio diversity, sustainable
use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising
out of the use of biological resource and knowledge;
(viii) organise through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding

conservation of bio-diversity, sustainable use of its components and
fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological
resource and knowledge.
(ix) plan and organise training of personnel engaged or likely to be

engaged in programmes for the conservation of bio-diversity and
sustainable use of its components;
(x) prepare the annual Budget of the Authority incorporating its own
receipts as also the devaluation from the Central Government provided
that the allocation by the Central Government shall be operated in
accordance with the budget provisions approved by the Central
Government ;
(xi) recommend creation of posts to the Central Government, for effective

discharge of the functions by the Authority and to create such posts,
provided that no such post whether permanent / temporary or of any
nature, would be created without prior approval of the Central
Government;
(xii) approve the method of recruitment to the officers and servants of the
Authority;
(xiii) take steps to build up data base and to create information and
documentation system for biological resources and associated
traditional knowledge through bio-diversity registers and electronics
data bases, to ensure effective management, promotion and sustainable
uses ;
(xiv) give directions to State Bio-diversity Boards and the Bio-diversity

Management Committees in writing for effective implementation of
the Act;
(xv) report to the Central Government about the functioning of the

Authority and implementation of the Act;
(xvi) recommend, modify, collection of benefit sharing fee under sub section
(1) of Section 6 or Changes of royalties under sub-section (2) of section
19 in respect of biological resources from time to time;
47
(xvii) sanction grants – in – aid and grants to the State Bio-diversity Board
and Bio-diversity Management Committees for specific purposes;
(xviii) undertake physical inspection of any area in connection with the

implementation of the Act;
(xix) take necessary measures including appointment of legal experts to

oppose grant of intellectual property right in any country outside India
on any biological resource and associated knowledge obtained from
India in an illegal manner;
(xx) do such other functions as may be assigned or directed by the Central

Government from time to time.
13. Powers and duties of Chairperson
(1) The Chairperson shall have the overall control of the day - to - day
activities of the Authority.
(2) Subject to the provisions of Section 10, the Chairperson shall have the
powers of general superintendence over the officers and staff of the
Authority and he may issue necessary directions for the conduct and
management of the affairs of the Authority.
(3) The Chairperson shall be in charge of all the confidential papers and
records of the Authority and shall be responsible for their safe custody.
(4) All orders and instructions to be issued by the Authority shall be under
the signature of the Chairperson or of any other officer authorised by
the Chairperson in this behalf.
(5) The Chairperson, either himself or through an officer of the authority

authorised for the purpose, may sanction and disburse all payments
against the approved budget.
(6) The Chairperson shall have full powers for granting administrative and
technical sanction to all estimates.
(7) The Chairperson shall convene and preside over all the meetings of the
Authority and shall ensure that all decisions taken by the Authority are
implemented in proper manner.
(8) The Chairperson shall exercise such other powers and perform such other
functions as may be delegated to him from time to time by the Authority
or the Central Government.
14. Procedure for access to biological resources and associated traditional

knowledge
(1) Any person seeking approval of the Authority for access to biological
resources and associated knowledge for research or for commercial
utilization shall make an application in Form I
(2) Every application under sub- rule (1) shall be accompanied by a fee of
ten thousand rupees in the form of a cheque or demand draft drawn in
favour of the Authority.
(3) The Authority shall after consultation with the concerned local bodies
and collecting such additional information from the applicant and other
sources, as it may deem necessary, dispose of the application, as far as
possible, within a period of six months from the date of its receipts .
(4) On being satisfied with the merit of the application, the Authority may
grant the approval for access to biological resources and associated
knowledge subject to such term and conditions as it may deem fit to
impose.
(5) The approval to access shall be in the form of a written agreement duly
signed by an authorized officer of the Authority and the applicant.
(6) The form of the agreement referred to in sub-rule (5) shall be laid down
by the Authority and shall include the following; namely:-
49
(i) general objectives and purpose of the application for seeking

approval ;
(ii) description of the biological resources and traditional knowledge

including accompanying information;
(iii) intended uses of the biological resources (research, breeding,

commercial utilization etc.)
(iv) conditions under which the applicant may seek intellectual

property rights;
(v) quantum of monetary and other incidental benefits. If need be, a

commitment to enter into a fresh agreement particularly in case
if the biological material is taken for research purposes and later
on sought to be used for commercial purposes, and also in case
of any other change in use thereof subsequently.
(vi) restriction to transfer the accessed biological resources and the

traditional knowledge to any third party without prior approval
of Authority ;
(vii) to adhere to a limit set by the Authority on the quantity and

specification of the quality of the biological resources for which
the applicant is seeking access;
(viii) guarantee to deposit a reference sample of the biological material

sought to be accessed with the repositories identified in Section 39;
(ix) submitting to the Authority a regular status report of research

and other developments;
(x) commitment to abide with the provisions of Act and rules and
other related legislations in force in the country;
(xi) commitment to facilitate measures for conservation and

sustainable use of biological resources accessed;
(xii) commitment to minimize environmental impacts of collecting

activities;
(xiii) legal provisions such as duration of the agreement, notice to

terminate the agreement, independent enforceability of individual
clauses, provision to the extent that obligations in benefit sharing
clauses survive the termination of the agreement, events limiting
liability (natural calamities), arbitration, any confidentiality clause.
(7) The conditions for access may specifically provide measures for
conservation and protection of biological resources to which the access is
being granted.
(8) The Authority may for reasons to be recorded in writing reject an

application if it considers that the request cannot be acceded to.
(9) No application shall be rejected unless the applicant is given a reasonable

opportunity of being heard.
(10) The Authority shall take steps to widely publicize the approvals granted,
through print or electronic media and shall periodically monitor
compliance of conditions on which the approval was accorded.
15. Revocation of access or approval:-
(1) The Authority may either on the basis of any complaint or suo moto
withdraw the approval granted for access under rule 15 and revoke the
written agreement under the following conditions ; namely:-
(i) on the basis of reasonable belief that the person to whom the approval
was granted has violated any of the provisions of the Act or the
condition on which the approval was granted ;
(ii) when the person who has been granted approval has failed to comply
with the terms of the agreement ;
(iii) on failure to comply with any of the conditions of access granted;
(iv) on account of overriding public interest or for protection of

environment and conservation of biological diversity;
51
(2) The Authority shall send a copy of every order of revocation issued by it
to the concerned State Biodiversity Board and the Biodiversity
Management Committees for prohibiting the access and also to assess
the damage, if any, caused and take steps to recover the damage.
16. Restriction on activities related to access to biological resources
(1) The Authority if it deems necessary and appropriate shall take the steps
to restrict or prohibit the request for access to biological resources for the
following reasons; namely:-
(i) the request for access is for any endangered taxa;
(ii) the request for access is for any endemic and rare species ;
(iii) the request for access may likely to result in adverse effect on the
livelihoods of the local people;
(iv) the request to access may result in adverse environmental impact

which may be difficult to control and mitigate.
(v) the request for access may cause genetic erosion or affecting the
ecosystem function;
(vi) use of resources for purposes contrary to national interest and other
related international agreements entered into by India.
17. Procedure for seeking approval for transferring results of research
(1) Any person desirous of transferring results of research relating to

biological resources obtained from India for monetary consideration to
foreign nationals, companies and Non Resident Indians (NRIs), shall make
an application to the Authority in the Form II.
(2) Every application under sub–rule (1) shall be accompanied by a fee of

five thousand rupees in the form of a Bank draft or Cheque drawn in
favour of the Authority.
(3) Every application under sub-rule (1) shall be decided upon by the
Authority, as far as possible within a period of three months from the
receipt of the same.
(4) On being satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled all the requirements,
the Authority may grant the approval for transferring the results of
research subject to such terms and conditions as it may deem fit to impose
in each case.
(5) The approval for transfer shall be granted in the form of a written
agreement duly signed by an authorized officer of the Authority and the
applicant. The form of the agreement shall be such as may be decided by
the Authority.
(6) The Authority may for reasons to be recorded in writing reject an

application if it considers that the application cannot be allowed; Provided
that the application shall be rejected unless the applicant has been given
a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
18. Procedure for seeking prior approval before applying for intellectual
property protection.
(1) Any person desirous of applying for a patent or any other intellectual
property based on research on biological material and knowledge
obtained from India shall make an application in Form III.
(2) Every application under sub- rule (1) shall be accompanied by paying a
fee of five hundred rupees.
(3) The Authority after due appraisal of the application and after collecting
any additional information, on the basis of merit shall decide on the
application, as far as possible within a period of three months of receipt
of the same.
(4) On being satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled all the necessary
requirements, the Authority may grant approval for applying for a patent
or any other IPR subject to such terms and conditions as it may deem fit
to impose in each case.
(5) The approval shall be granted in the form of a written agreement duly
signed by an authorized officer of the Authority and the applicant. The
form of the agreement may be decided by the Authority.
53
(6) The Authority may reject the application if it considers that the request
cannot be acceded to after recording the reasons. Before passing order of
rejection, the applicant shall be given an opportunity of hearing.
19. Procedure for third party transfer under sub- section (2) of Section 20.
(1) The persons who have been granted approval for access to biological
resources and associated knowledge, intend to transfer the accessed
biological resource or knowledge to any other person or organization
shall make an application to the Authority in Form IV
(2) Every application under sub- rule (1) shall be accompanied by a fee of
ten thousand rupees in the form of Bank draft or cheque drawn in favour
of the Authority.
(3) The Authority shall after collecting any additional information, decide
upon the application as far as possible within a period of six months of
receipt of the same.
(4) On being satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled all the necessary
requirements, the Authority may grant approval for third party transfer
subject to such terms and conditions it may deem fit to impose in each
case.
(5) The approval as may be granted under sub-rule (4) in the form of a written
agreement duly signed by an authorized officer of the Authority and the
applicant. The form of the agreement shall be such as may be decided by
the Authority.
(6) The Authority may for reasons to be recorded in writing reject the
application if it considers that the request cannot be acceded to provided
that no application shall be rejected unless the applicant has been given
an opportunity of being heard.
20. Criteria for equitable benefit sharing (Section 21)
(1) The Authority shall by notification in the Official Gazette formulate the
guidelines and describe the benefit sharing formula.
(2) The guidelines shall provide for monetary and other benefits such as
royalty; joint ventures; technology transfer; product development;
education and awareness raising activities; institutional capacity building
and venture capital fund.
(3) The formula for benefit sharing shall be determined on a case-by case basis.
(4) The Authority while granting approval to any person for access or for
transfer of results of research or applying for patent and IPR or for third
party transfer of the accessed biological resource and associated
knowledge may impose terms and conditions for ensuring equitable
sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of accessed biological material
and associated knowledge.
(5) The quantum of benefits shall be mutually agreed upon between the
persons applying for such approval and the Authority in consultation
with the local bodies and benefit claimers and may be decided in due
regard to the defined parameters of access, the extent of use, the
sustainability aspect, impact and expected outcome levels, including
measures ensuring conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity.
(6) Depending upon each case, the Authority shall stipulate the time frame
for assessing benefit sharing on short, medium and long term benefits.
(7) The Authority shall stipulate that benefits shall ensure conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity.
(8) Where biological resources or knowledge is accessed from a specific

individual or a group of individuals or organizations, the Authority may
take steps to ensure that the agreed amount is paid directly to them
through the district administration. Where such individuals or group of
individuals or organizations cannot be identified, the monetary benefits
shall be deposited in the National Biodiversity Fund.
55
(9) Five percent of the assessed benefits shall be earmarked for the Authority
or Board as the case may be, towards administrative and service charges.
(10) The Authority shall monitor the flow of benefits as determined under
sub rule (4) in a manner determined by it.
21. Application of National Biodiversity Fund. -
(1) The National Biodiversity Fund shall be operated by the Chairperson or

by such other officer of the Authority as may be authorized in this regard
(2) The National Biodiversity Fund shall have two separate heads of accounts,
one relating to the receipts from the Central Government and the other
concerning the fee, licence fee, royalty and other receipts of the Authority.
22. Constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees
(1) Every local body shall constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee

(BMCs) within its area of jurisdiction.
(2) The Biodiversity Management Committee as constituted under Sub– rule

(1) shall consist of a Chairperson and not more than six persons nominated
by the local body, of whom not less than one third should be women and
not less than 18% should belong to the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled
Tribes.
(3) The Chairperson of the Biodiversity Management Committee shall be

elected from amongst the members of the committee in a meeting to be
chaired by the Chairperson of the local body. The Chairperson of the
local body shall have the casting votes in case of a tie.
(4) The Chairperson of the Biodiversity Management Committee shall have

a tenure of three years.
(5) The local Member of Legislative Assembly/Member of Legislative

Council and Member of Parliament would be special invitees to the
meetings of the Committee.
(6) The main function of the BMC is to prepare People’s Biodiversity Register
in consultation with local people. The Register shall contain
comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local
biological resources, their medicinal or any other use or any other
traditional knowledge associated with them.
(7) The other functions of the BMC are to advise on any matter referred to it
by the State Biodiversity Board or Authority for granting approval, to
maintain data about the local vaids and practitioners using the biological
resources.
(8) The Authority shall take steps to specify the form of the People’s
Biodiversity Registers, and the particulars it shall contain and the format
for electronic database.
(9) The Authority and the State Biodiversity Boards shall provide guidance
and technical support to the Biodiversity Management Committees for
preparing People’s Biodiversity Registers.
(10) The People’s Biodiversity Registers shall be maintained and validated

by the Biodiversity Management Committees.
(11) The Committee shall also maintain a Register giving information about
the details of the access to biological resources and traditional knowledge
granted, details of the collection fee imposed and details of the benefits
derived and the mode of their sharing.
23. Appeal for settlement of disputes under Section 50. –
(1) If a dispute arises between the Authority or a State Biodiversity Board or

between one Board and other Board(s) on account of implementation of
any order or direction or on any issue of policy decision, either of the
aggrieved parties i.e., Authority or the Board, as the case may be, prefer
an appeal to the Central Government under section 50, in Form V to the
Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
57
(2) In case the dispute arises between a State Biodiversity Board and another
state Biodiversity Board or Boards, the aggrieved Board or Boards, shall
prefer the point or points of dispute to the Central Government which
shall refer the same to the Authority.
(3) The memorandum of appeal shall state the facts of the case, the grounds
relied upon by the appellant, for preferring the appeal and the relief
sought for.
(4) The memorandum of appeal shall be accompanied by an authenticated

copy of the order, direction or policy decision, as the case may be, by
which the appellant is aggrieved and shall be duly signed by the
authorized representative of the appellant.
(5) The memorandum of appeal shall be submitted in quadruplicate, either

in person or through a registered post with Acknowledgement due,
within 30 days from the date of the orders, direction or policy decision,
impugned provided that if the Central Government is satisfied that there
was good and sufficient reason for the delay in preferring the appeal, it
may, for reason to be recorded in writing, allow the appeal to be preferred
after the expiry of the aforesaid period of 30 days but before the expiry
of 45 days from the date of the orders impugned, direction or policy
decision, as the case may be.
(6) The notice for hearing of the appeal shall be given in Form VI by a
registered post with an acknowledgement due.
(7) The Central Government shall, after hearing the appellant and the other
parties, dispose of the appeal.
(8) In disposing of an appeal it may vary or modify or cancel impugned

order, direction or policy, as the case may be.
(9) In adjudicating a dispute, the Authority shall be guided by the principles

of natural justice and as far as practicable, follow the same procedure
which the Central Government is required to follow under this rule.
24. Manner of giving notice under Section 61
(1) The manner of giving notice, under clause (b) of section 61, shall be as
follows namely:
(i) The notice shall be in writing in Form VII
(ii) The person giving the notice may send it to,-
(a) If the alleged offence has taken place in a Union territory, to the
Chairperson of the National Bio-diversity Authority; and
(b) If the alleged offence has taken place in a State, to the

Chairperson of the State Bio-diversity Board
(2) The notice referred to in sub – rule (1) shall be sent by registered post
acknowledgement due; and
(3) The period of thirty days mentioned in clause (b) of section 61 shall be
reckoned from the date, the notice is received by the Authorities
mentioned in sub – rule (1).
59
FORM I
(see rule 14)
Application form for access to Biological resources and associated traditional
knowledge
Part A
(i) Full particulars of the applicant
(ii) Name:
(iii) Permanent address:
(iv) Address of the contact person /agent , if any, in India:
(v) Profile of the organization (personal profile in case the applicant is an

individual). Please attach relevant documents of authentication):
(vi) Nature of business:
(vii) Turnover of the organization in US $:
2. Details and specific information about nature of access sought and biological
material and associated knowledge to be accessed
a) Identification (scientific name) of biological resources and its traditional

use:
b) Geographical location of proposed collection:
c) Description /nature of traditional knowledge (oral/documented):
d) Any identified individual /community holding the traditional

knowledge:
e) Quantity of biological resources to be collected (give the schedule):
f) Time span in which the biological resources is proposed to be collected:
g) Name and number of person authorized by the company for making

the selection:
h) The purpose for which the access is requested including the type and
extent of research, commercial use being derived and expected to be
derived from it:
i) Whether any collection of the resource endangers any component of

biological diversity and the risks which may arise from the access:
3. Details of any national institution which will participate in the Research and
Development activities.
4. Primary destination of accessed resource and identity of the location where

the R&D will be carried out.
5. The economic and other benefits including those arriving out of any IPR,
patent obtained out of accessed biological resources and knowledge that are
intended, or may accrue to the applicant or to the country that he/she belongs
6. The biotechnological, scientific, social or any other benefits obtained out of

accessed biological resources and knowledge that are intended, or may accrue
to the applicant or to the country that he / she belongs
7. Estimation of benefits, that would flow to India / communities arising out of

the use of accessed bioresources and traditional knowledge
8. Proposed mechanism and arrangements for benefit sharing.
9. Any other information considered relevant.

61
Part B
Declaration
I / we declare that:
l Collection of proposed biological resources shall not adversely

affect the sustainability of the resources;
l Collection of proposed biological resources shall not entail any

environmental impact;
l Collection of proposed biological resources shall not pose any risk

to ecosystems;
l Collection of proposed biological resources shall not adversely

affect the local communities;
I/we further declare the Information provided in the application form is true and
correct and I /We shall be responsible for any incorrect / wrong information.
Signed
Name
Title
Place
Date
FORM II
(see rule 17)
Application for seeking prior approval of National Biodiversity Authority for

transferring the results of research to foreign nationals, companies, NRI’s, for
commercial purposes.
1. Full particulars of the applicant
i) Name :
ii) Address :
iii) Professional profile :
iv) Organizational affiliation (Please attach relevant documents of

authentication):
2. Details of the results of research conducted
3. Details of the Biological resources and / or associated knowledge used

in the research.
4. Geo-graphical location from where the biological resources used in

the research are collected
5. Details of any traditional knowledge used in the research and any

identified individual / community holding the traditional knowledge
6. Details of institution where R & D activities carried out.
7. Details of the individual / organization to whom the research results

are intend to transfer.
8. Details of economic, biotechnological, scientific or any other benefits

that are intended, or may accrue to the individual / organization due
to commercialization of transferred research results.
63
9. Details of economic, biotechnological, scientific or any other benefits

that are intended, or may accrue to the applicant seeking approval for
transfer of results of research.
10. Details of any agreement or MOU between by the proposed recipient

and applicant seeking approval for transfer of results of research.
Declaration
I/we declare the information provided in the application form is true and correct
and I/We shall be responsible for any incorrect/wrong information.
Signed
Name
Title
Place
Date
FORM III
(See rule 18)
Application for seeking prior approval of National Biodiversity Authority for

applying for Intellectual Property Right
i) Name :
ii) Address :
iii) Professional profile :
iv) Organizational affiliation (Please attach relevant documents of

authentication):
2. Details of the invention on which IPRs sought
3. Details of the Biological resources and / or associated knowledge

used in the invention.
4. Geo-graphical location from where the biological resources used in

the invention are collected .
5. Details of any traditional knowledge used in the invention and any

identified individual/ community holding the traditional knowledge.
6. Details of institution where Research and Development activities

carried out.
7. Details of economic, biotechnological, scientific or any other

benefits that are intended, or may accrue to the applicant due
commercialization of the invention.
65
Declaration
I/we declare the Information provided in the application form is true and
correct and I/We shall be responsible for any incorrect/ wrong information.
Signed
Name
Title
Place
Date
FORM IV
(See rule 19)
Application form for seeking approval of National Biodiversity Authority for

third party transfer of the accessed Biological resources and associated traditional
knowledge.
(i) Name :
(ii) Address :
(iii) Professional profile :
(iv) Organizational affiliation (Please attach relevant documents

of authentication)
2. Details of the biological material and traditional knowledge accessed
3. Details of the access contract entered (Copy to be enclosed)
4. Details of the benefits and mechanism/arrangements for benefit

sharing already implemented.
5. Full particulars of the third part to whom the accessed material

knowledge is intended to transfer.
6. The purpose of the intended third party transfer.
7. Details of economic, social, biotechnological, scientific or any other

benefits that are intended, or may accrue to the third party due to
transfer of accessed biological material and knowledge.
8. Details of any agreement to be entered between the applicant and the

third party.
67
9. Estimation of benefits that would flow to India/communities arising

out of the third party transfer of accessed biological resources and
traditional knowledge.
10. Proposed mechanism and arrangements for benefit sharing arising

out of the proposed third party transfer.
11. Any other relevant information
Declaration
I/we declare the Information provided in the application form is true and
correct and I /We shall be responsible for any incorrect/ wrong information.
Signed
Name
Title
Place
Date
FORM V
(See rule –23 (1)
Form of Memorandum of Appeal
BEFORE THE_____________ MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS,

NEW DELHI
OR

(as the case may be )
(Memorandum of appeal under Section 50 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002)
Appeal No.________________ of 200
_________________
_________________ ……… Appellant (s)
Vs.
_________________
_________________ ………..Respondent (s)
(here mention the designation of the Authority/Board, as the case may be)
The appellant begs to prefer this Memorandum of Appeal against the

order dated_____________ passed by the Respondent on the following facts and
grounds.
69
1. FACTS:
(Here briefly mention the facts of the case):
2. GROUND :
(Here mention the grounds on which the appeal is made):
i.)
ii.)
iii.)
3. RELIEF SOUGHT
i.)
ii.)
iii.)
4. PRAYER:
a) In the light of what is stated above, the appellant respectfully prays that the
order /decision of the respondent be quashed / set-aside.
b) The policy / guidelines / regulation framed by the Respondent be quashed /

modified / annulled to the extent_______________________
___________________________________________
c) _________________________________________
Place:_____________ Signature of the appellant

Dated:_____________ with seal
Address:
VERIFICATION
I, the appellant do hereby declare that what is stated above is true to the
best of my information and belief.
Verified on _______________day of________________
Signature of the appellant

with seal
Address
Signature of the Authorised representative of the appellant
Enclosures: 1. Authenticated copy of the order / direction/ policy decision,

against which the appeal has been preferred.
71
FORM VI
(See rule 23 (6))
BEFORE THE ___________________ MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND

FORESTS, NEW DELHI
OR

(as the case may be )
Appeal No.________________ of 200
Between:
__________________________________
__________________________________ ….. Appellant (s)
Vs.
________________________________
__________________________________ … Respondents (s)

NOTICE
Please take notice that the above appeal filed by the appellant, against the
order / direction / policy decision (give details) is fixed for hearing
on____________________ at_____________________ .
The copies of the appeal memorandum and other annexure filed along
with the appeal are sent herewith for your reference.
Please note that if you fails to appear on the said date or other subsequent
date of hearing of the appeal, the appeal would be disposed of finally by placing
you ex-parte.
Authorised signatory on behalf of the

Appellate Authority (Seal)
Date: __________
Place: __________
FORM VII
FORM OF NOTICE
(See rule 24(1))
By Registered Post / Acknowledgement due
From,
Shri____________________________
________________________________
________________________________
To,
________________________________
________________________________
_________________________________
Sub: NOTICE UNDER SECTION 61(b) OF THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

ACT, 2002
Whereas an offence under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 has been
committed/is being committed by ______________________________________
2. I/ we hereby give notice of 30 days under Section 61(b) of the Biological

Diversity Act, 2002 of my / our intention to file a complaint in the Court against
________________________________________ for violation of the provisions of the
Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
74
3. In support of my /our notice, I am / we are enclosing herewith the following

documents as evidence of proof.
Place: ___________
Date: ____________
Signature
EXPLANATION:
(1) In case the notice to be given in the name of a company, documentary evidence
authorizing the person to sign the notice on behalf of the company shall be
enclosed to the notice.
(2) Give the name and address of the alleged offender. In case of using biological
resource/knowledge/research/bio- survey and bio utilization / the
intellectual property right/patent, without the approval of the Authority,
the details thereof and the commercial utilisation if any, may be furnished.
(3) Documentary evidence shall include photograph, technical report etc., for
enabling enquiry into the alleged violation / offence.
[No. J-22018/57/2002-CSC(BC)]
DESH DEEPAK VERMA, Jt. Secy.

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THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT, 2002

National Biodiversity Authority

This publication contains the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and

For bibliographic and reference purpose this publication should

For further information, please contact:

S.No. SUBJECT PAGE No.

1. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

2. The Biological Diversity Rules - 2004........................................... 40

3. Form - I (Rule 14)................................................................... 59

4. Form - II (Rule 17)................................................................... 62

5. Form - III (Rule 18)................................................................... 64

6. Form - IV (Rule 19)................................................................... 66

7. Form - V (Rule 23(1)).............................................................. 68

8. Form - VI (Rule 23(6))............................................................... 71

9. Form - VII (Rule 24(1))............................................................... 73

Short title, 1. (1) This Act may be called the Biological

Provided that different dates may be appointed

Definitions 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-

(a) “benefit claimers” means the conservers of

(b) “biological diversity” means the variability

(c) “biological resources” means plants, animals

(d) “bio-survey and bio-utilization” means survey

(e) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the

(f) “commercial utilization” means end uses of

(g) “fair and equitable benefit sharing” means

( h ) “local bodies” means Panchayats and

(i) “member” means a member of the National

(k) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made

Certain 3. (1 ) No person referred to in sub-section (2 ) shall,

(a) a person who is not a citizen of India;

(b) a citizen of India, who is a non-resident as 43 of 1961

(c) a body corporate, association or organization-

4. No person shall, without the previous approval of Results of

Explanation - For the purposes of this section,

5. (1) The provisions of sections 3 and 4 shall not Sections 3

(2) All collaborative research projects, other than

( 3 ) For the purposes of sub-section ( 1 ),

(a) conform to the policy guidelines issued by

Application 6. (1) No person shall apply for any intellectual

Provided further that the National

(2) The National Biodiversity Authority

benefits arising out of the commercial utilisation of

(3) The provisions of this section shall not

(4) Where any right is granted under law

7. No person, who is a citizen of India or a body Prior

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY AUTHORITY

8. (1 ) With effect from such date as the Central Establishment

(2) The National Biodiversity Authority shall be

(3) The head office of the National Biodiversity

(4) The National Biodiversity Authority shall

(a) a Chairperson, who shall be an eminent

(b) three ex officio members to be appointed by

(c) seven ex officio members to be appointed by

(i ) Agricultural Research and Education;

(d) five non-official members to be appointed from

9. The term of office and conditions of service of the Conditions

10. The Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive of Chairperson