The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) was recently launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Goa. This campaign aims to document and preserve India’s rich biological diversity, which is crucial for the sustainable development of the nation.
Understanding the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)
The People’s Biodiversity Register serves as a comprehensive record of various aspects of biodiversity. It includes information about the conservation of habitats, preservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals, and micro-organisms. The creation of the PBR is mandated by the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
Role of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC)
According to the Biological Diversity Act 2002, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) are established by local bodies across the country. The primary purpose of these committees is to promote the conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity. The BMCs work in consultation with local communities to gather information and prepare the People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
Process of Updation and Verification
The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) aims to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the existing PBRs across the country. The campaign encourages active participation from local communities, experts, and stakeholders in the process. Here are the steps involved:
- Awareness and Training: Awareness programs and training sessions are conducted to educate BMC members, local communities, and other stakeholders about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the process of PBR updation.
- Data Collection: BMCs work closely with local communities to collect data on various aspects of biodiversity, including flora, fauna, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices related to biodiversity conservation. This data is then compiled and organized in the PBR.
- Documentation: The collected data is carefully documented in the PBR, ensuring accuracy and completeness. This includes detailed descriptions, photographs, maps, and other relevant information.
- Verification: The collected information is cross-checked and verified through a rigorous process involving experts and scientists. This ensures the authenticity and reliability of the data included in the PBR.
Benefits of Updation and Verification
The updation and verification of the People’s Biodiversity Register have several significant benefits:
- Conservation: The campaign plays a crucial role in the conservation of India’s biodiversity by documenting and preserving valuable information about various species, habitats, and traditional knowledge.
- Sustainable Use: The PBR helps in promoting sustainable use of biodiversity resources by providing essential information for planning and decision-making processes.
- Legal Protection: The PBR serves as a legal document that can be used to protect traditional knowledge, land races, and domesticated breeds from exploitation and misappropriation.
- Research and Education: The updated and verified PBRs serve as valuable resources for researchers, scientists, and educational institutions, enabling them to study and understand the diverse aspects of India’s biodiversity.
Important Points:
- 🌿 National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) launched in Goa
- 🏞️ Objective: Documentation and preservation of India’s rich biological diversity
- 📚 People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR): Comprehensive record of biodiversity
- 🌍 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC): Created for conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity
- 👥 BMCs work with local communities to prepare the PBRs
- 📝 Steps in Updation and Verification:
- 📢 Awareness and Training
- 📊 Data Collection
- 📖 Documentation
- ✅ Verification
- 💡 Benefits of Updation and Verification:
- 🌿 Conservation
- ♻️ Sustainable Use
- ⚖️ Legal Protection
- 🎓 Research and Education
- 🌱 Significance of the campaign: Preservation and sustainable management of India’s biodiversity
Why In News
The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) was launched in Goa with the aim of ensuring accurate and comprehensive documentation of the rich biodiversity present in the region. This campaign will actively involve local communities, researchers, and government authorities to collaboratively update and verify the People’s Biodiversity Register, fostering greater awareness and conservation efforts for the diverse ecosystems in Goa.
MCQs about Updation and Verification of PBR
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What is the objective of the National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)?
A. Promotion of eco-tourism in India
B. Conservation of India’s biological diversity
C. Implementation of climate change policies
D. Development of sustainable agricultural practices
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Who is responsible for the preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) as per the Biological Diversity Act 2002?
A. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
B. Local communities
C. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC)
D. Experts and scientists
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What are the benefits of the National Campaign for PBR Updation and Verification?
A. Encouragement of deforestation for economic growth
B. Enhancement of accuracy and relevance of PBRs
C. Exploitation of traditional knowledge and land races
D. Exclusion of local communities from conservation efforts
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