UPSC Prelims 2012 Q3: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop
plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be
made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Set up in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002; headquarters in Chennai.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources | Correct | Foreigners need its approval to use India's biological resources |
| 2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants | Incorrect | That is the work of the GEAC and the biosafety committees |
| 3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA | Correct | Section 6 of the Act |
Three-tier structure:
| Level | Body |
|---|---|
| National | National Biodiversity Authority |
| State | State Biodiversity Boards |
| Local | Biodiversity Management Committees, which keep People's Biodiversity Registers |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: IPR applications need NBA approval.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; GM research is overseen by the GEAC.
- (c) CORRECT. NBA checks biopiracy and must approve IPR applications.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
Key point
NBA (Chennai, Biological Diversity Act 2002): approval for access and IPR on biological resources; checks biopiracy; three tiers down to village committees.
Remember
NBA = anti-biopiracy, IPR approval, Chennai.
Common mistakes
- Giving the NBA the GEAC's job of overseeing GM crops.
- Forgetting the three-tier structure.
- Placing the headquarters in Delhi; it is in Chennai.
Exam tip
NBA guards who uses the resource; GEAC guards how it is modified.
Sources
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002 — Sections 3 and 6
- National Biodiversity Authority — About NBA