Strengthening Grassroots Biodiversity Governance Through Local Institutions

28 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and National Biodiversity Authority launched a five-year project titled “Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments Project” to strengthen grassroots biodiversity governance.

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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

About Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments Project

The project is a ₹40+ crore (USD 4.88 million) initiative (2025–2030) to integrate biodiversity conservation into local governance through community participation.
Objective: To mainstream biodiversity into local development planning, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation.
Launched By: It is jointly implemented by MoEFCC, NBA, United Nations Development Programme, and Global Environment Facility.
Key Features
- Landscape-Based Approach: The project focuses on ecologically critical regions like Sathyamangalam (Tamil Nadu) and Garo Hills (Meghalaya) to promote integrated conservation.
- Decentralised Governance: It strengthens Gram Panchayats and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) by embedding biodiversity into GPDPs.
- Innovative Financing Mechanisms: It promotes Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), CSR funding, and green micro-enterprises to incentivise conservation.
- Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing: It develops institutional capacities and documents best practices for nationwide replication.
- Inclusive Participation: It emphasises the role of women, SCs, and tribal communities in biodiversity governance and livelihood generation.
Significance
- Strengthens Local Governance: The project empowers Panchayati Raj Institutions to integrate environmental sustainability into grassroots planning.
- Supports Global Commitments: It advances India’s NBSAP (2024–30), NDCs under the Paris Agreement, and the 30×30 biodiversity target.
- Promotes Sustainable Livelihoods: It links conservation with income generation through eco-friendly enterprises and benefit-sharing mechanisms.

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.

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Conclusion

This structured approach highlights how India is moving towards decentralised, inclusive, and sustainable biodiversity governance aligned with global environmental goals.

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