Capacity Building Workshop Empowers Himachal Pradesh Forest Officers on Biological Diversity Act and Amendments
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Shimla, November 9, 2023:* The Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (HPSBB) successfully conducted a Capacity Building workshop at Hotel Holiday Home (HHH), Shimla, focusing on the “Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules, 2004” and the recent amendments in 2023. The event aimed to empower Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) with delegated powers under the Act.
Chaired by Sh. Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh cum Chairman HP State Biodiversity Board, the workshop emphasized the significance of biodiversity conservation and the responsible use of bio-resources in the state. Attendees included DFOs from all districts and forest divisions.
During the training, participants were sensitized about the key provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and Rules, 2004, with a detailed discussion on the recent amendments in 2023. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) provisions were also elucidated, highlighting the importance of equitable benefit-sharing.
Prabodh Saxena emphasized that delegating powers to DFOs aligns with the Act’s objective to regulate access to biological resources and traditional knowledge. He stressed that this delegation would streamline the process of obtaining trade permits and play a crucial role in collecting ABS fees, ultimately enhancing biodiversity regulations at the grassroots level.
The program, supervised by Sh. D.C. Rana, Member Secretary, HP State Biodiversity Board, underscored the collaborative effort needed for biodiversity conservation. Joint Member Secretary Sh. Satpal Dhiman emphasized the need to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation challenges in the state.
Special guest Sh. G.S. Goraya, Retd. PCCF (HoFF), delivered a lecture on biodiversity, its conservation, and sustainable use. Sh. Rajiv Kumar, PCCF (HoFF), highlighted the importance of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and rules, urging stakeholders at all levels to remain aware of its provisions.
Dr. ML Thakur from the State Biodiversity Board provided insights into Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms. The workshop also addressed topics such as Bio-resource based industries, global market share, and determination of benefit sharing.
The training, attended by forest officials, representatives from line departments, and officials from HP State Biodiversity Board, fostered a comprehensive understanding of roles and responsibilities in light of the delegated powers to Divisional Forest Officers. The event concluded with a commitment to collaborative efforts for the conservation of Himachal Pradesh’s unique biodiversity.
