India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation is reflected in its robust legal framework, particularly the Biological Diversity Act of 2002 and its subsequent Rules of 2004. A cornerstone of this framework is the establishment of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), which play a crucial role in promoting conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity across the country.

What Are Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)?

BMCs are statutory bodies created under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Their primary purpose is to involve local communities in the conservation and sustainable management of biological resources. These committees are responsible for preparing and maintaining the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), which documents the biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and local practices within their jurisdiction.

At What Level Are BMCs Constituted?

Biodiversity Management Committees are constituted at the level of every local body, which includes village panchayats, municipalities, and other grassroots self-governance institutions.

• This means BMCs are set up at the village level (Gram Panchayat), as well as at the level of urban local bodies such as municipalities and municipal corporations1256.

• The Biological Diversity Act specifically mandates every local body to form a BMC within its area of jurisdiction, ensuring decentralized and community-driven biodiversity governance.

Composition and Function

• Each BMC consists of a chairperson and up to six members nominated by the local body, with mandatory representation for women and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes128.

• The main functions include:

  • Preparing and updating the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

  • Promoting conservation and sustainable use of local biological resources

  • Advising State Biodiversity Boards and the National Biodiversity Authority as required

  • Preventing illegal access to local bioresources

Why the Village Level?

Constituting BMCs at the village and local body level ensures:

• Community Participation: Local people, who are most familiar with their natural resources, take an active role in conservation.

• Traditional Knowledge Integration: Local knowledge about plants, animals, and ecological practices is documented and preserved.

• Effective Monitoring: Decentralized committees can monitor and manage resources more efficiently than centralized bodies.

Conclusion

Biodiversity Management Committees are a vital link between national biodiversity policy and grassroots action. By operating at the village and local body level, BMCs empower communities to take charge of their natural heritage, ensuring that conservation is both participatory and effective.

Correct answer:
(1) Village