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Changes in Bio-Diversity Act sought

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, DEC. 29. Urging the Central Government to recognise the role of communities in the management and conservation of biodiversity, environment groups from across the country on International Day for Biological Diversity asked for "appropriate'' changes in the Biological Diversity Act and Rules.

In a letter addressed to the Minister for Environment and Forests, A. Raja, community representatives reiterated their major concerns and demands and requested action on the assurances given by the Minister.

The letter stressed the importance of ensuring that the rights of community representatives should be protected. "The role of conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing specified in the Act for Biodiversity Management Committees (and thereby for local communities) would be fully respected, and the role would not be limited to only or primarily that of preparing Biodiversity Registers (as envisaged by the Biodiversity Rules 2004),'' states the letter.

It also mentions formulation of additional rules for the Biodiversity Management Committees.

Asking about the status of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the letter also seeks involvement for environmentalists in its finalisation.

Apart from representing over 200 gram panchayats of several states, several non-governmental organisations including Kalpavriksh, People's Alliance for Livelihood Rights, Navrachna, Deccan Development Society, Beej Bachao Andolan and Parivartan are also involved in this "call to strengthen community control'' over bio-diversity.

"This is to remind the Minister about all his assurances. He had met us earlier this month and discussed these issues with us. We hope there will be some follow-up on that,'' said Kanchi Kohli of Kalpavriksh.

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