Subject: GS 2: Polity & Governance
Context: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the scientific identification and notification of Threatened Species under Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
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Key Highlights of the SOP
The SOP aims to establish a uniform, transparent and scientifically robust framework for States and Union Territories to identify, assess and notify threatened species, thereby strengthening biodiversity conservation in India.
- Scientific Assessment: The SOP prescribes a standardised scientific methodology for identifying species that are on the verge of extinction or likely to become extinct in the near future.
- Step-wise Framework: It provides a structured process covering species identification, assessment, stakeholder consultation, expert validation, notification, conservation planning, monitoring and periodic review.
- Evidence-based Approach: The SOP promotes the use of scientific research, field-based assessments, ecological data and traditional knowledge while identifying threatened species.
- Participatory Governance: It mandates the involvement of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs), Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), local communities, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), academic institutions and subject experts.
- Species Recovery Plans: Following notification, States are required to prepare Species Recovery and Conservation Action Plans with regular monitoring and periodic evaluation.
Significance of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Prevention of Species Extinction: Enables timely identification and protection of species facing a high risk of extinction.
Scientific Decision-making: Introduces uniform and transparent criteria for notifying threatened species across all States and Union Territories.- Strengthened Conservation Planning: Facilitates targeted conservation interventions through species-specific recovery programmes.
- Community Participation: Integrates traditional ecological knowledge and encourages the active participation of local communities in biodiversity conservation.
- Policy Support: Generates reliable scientific data to support evidence-based biodiversity policies and conservation planning.
- Benefit Sharing: Supports the implementation of the Biological Diversity (Access to Biological Resources and Knowledge Associated thereto and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits) Regulations, 2025, which provide differential benefit-sharing obligations for notified threatened species.
About Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Power to Notify: Empowers the Central Government, in consultation with the concerned State Government, to notify species that are on the verge of extinction or are likely to become extinct as Threatened Species.
- Conservation Measures: Enables the Government to regulate or prohibit the collection of such species and undertake measures for their rehabilitation and conservation.
- Delegation of Powers: The Central Government may delegate the power to notify threatened species to State Governments.
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About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to regulate and conserve biological resources.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Structure: The NBA comprises a Chairperson, ex-officio government members, and non-official experts, supported by State Biodiversity Boards and local BMCs.
- Key Mandates
- Regulation of Biological Resources: NBA regulates access to biological resources and ensures equitable benefit sharing.
- Policy Advisory Role: It advises the government on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and legal frameworks.
- Protection of Traditional Knowledge: It safeguards indigenous knowledge and opposes illegal IPR claims on Indian bio-resources.
- Promotion of Conservation: It supports identification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites and promotes conservation initiatives.
- Coordination & Awareness: It coordinates between national, state, and local bodies while promoting public awareness and participation.
About National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–30
India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–30 aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, setting 23 national targets to address biodiversity loss through a “Whole of Government” approach.
Key targets include:
- 30×30 Protection: Expanding Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to 30% of land/sea areas.
- Ecosystem Restoration: Restoring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems.
- Sustainable Management: Promoting sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, alongside fair sharing of biodiversity benefits.
- Pollution and Risk Reduction: Reducing pollution risks and managing invasive alien species.
- Mainstreaming & Finance: Integrating biodiversity into development planning (Target 14) and mobilizing resources to achieve goals.
These targets aim to combat habitat loss, minimize climate change impacts, and secure a “whole of society” approach for conservation |
27 Jun 2026
