Punjab Biodiversity Board, Sector-26, Chandigarh has sanctioned a project to Dr. Onkar Singh Brraich, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala on the topic “Preparation of 1 District (Patiala) and 2 block (Dhuri and Sirhind) level People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)”. This project has sanctioned under the Biodiversity Act, 2002. The primary objectives of this project is conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biodiversity, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization genetic resources and bio-resources.
During the implementation of this project, the documentation of invaluable biological resources will be carried out so as to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. There are so many medicinal plants present in the area and their traditional knowledge lay with the local communities. During the process, the traditional knowledge and information relating to the use of biological resources will also be documented. The income generated out of that will be shared equitably among the village Panchayats. Further, protection and rehabilitation of threatened species will also be carried out.
Dr. Onkar Singh Brraich further said that after documentation, protection of India’s rich biodiversity and associated knowledge against their use by foreign individuals and organizations without sharing benefits arising out of such use and check Bio-piracy Provisions will also be done. The Indian industry will be required to provide prior intimation to the concerned State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) about the use of biological resource. Under the Act, the State Board will have the power to restrict any such activity, which violates the objectives of conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits.
People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) shall be prepared in consultation with the local people and it will contain comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or any other use or any other traditional knowledge associated with them. Unfortunately, biodiversity is dwindling with a very fast rate due to various anthropogenic activities and it is very important to generate knowledge at this juncture. This activity will extend great help to researchers in future.