Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 22
Minister for forests, environment, ecology, wildlife and excise M.C. Konyak today tabled the Nagaland Biodiversity Rules, 2012 on the floor of the House. The rules shall come into force with effect from the date of issue of notification and the rules are applicable to the entire state of Nagaland.
The rules said the State Biodiversity Board shall be autonomous body to look after its administrative and financial matters aided by the central and state government and carrying out its technical and scientific functions under the Act and in conformity with Naga customs and traditions. The Board shall consists of 12 members including the chairperson, five ex-officio members, five non official members and one member secretary appointed by the state government. The head office of the Board shall be at the state capital or any other place which the state government so decides. The Board shall have its own secretariat facilitated and supported by the state government.
The Board will lay down the produce and guidelines to govern the activities provided under section 23 of the Act, advice the state government in any matter concerning conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable; sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resource and knowledge, provide technical assistance, guidance and support to the department of the state government, biodiversity management committees and strengthen individuals and institutions who are already working towards conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit sharing of biological resources.
The Board will format criteria and frame guidelines for access, approval and licensing mechanism for commercial utilization, bio-survey and bio- utilization, bio-prospecting and material transfer of any biological resource by Indian nationals and/or any government or private body or persons, excluding foreign entities or persons. Provided that the provision of this Rule shall not apply to the local people and communities in the area who use the resources for bonafide livelihood and other subsistence needs/ or is conforming to Naga customs and practices.
To regulate by granting of approval or otherwise requests for commercial utilization, bio-survey and bio-utilization, bio-prospecting and material transfer of any biological resource by Indian nationals. Provide that the provision of this rule shall not apply to the local people and communities in the area who use the resources for bonafide livelihood and other subsistence needs/ and or is conforming to Naga customs and practices, update and implement the Nagaland State Biodiversity strategy and action plan.
To commission studies and sponsor investigations and research in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from its commercial use or for any other purposes of the Act, collect , compile and publish technical and statistical data, manuals, codes of guides relating to conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resource and knowledge.
Also to build data base and create knowledge management system on biological resources and associated traditional knowledge through People’s Biodiversity register; provide that free and full prior informed consent on mutually agreed in terms is obtained from knowledge keepers and sources and that the ownership continues to rest with them. Work in consultation with biodiversity management committees and local bodies and facilitate them etc, etc.
