Abstract:

The Lok Sabha introduced the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 on December 16, 2021 in which seeks to facilitate fast-tracking of research, encourage the Indian system of medicine, and decriminalize certain provisions for use of traditional knowledge of such resources including seeds by local communities, ‘vaids’, ‘hakims’ and registered AYUSH practitioners who have been practicing indigenous medicines for “sustenance and livelihood”. The Bill, introduced by environment minister amid a din, also aims to reduce pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation of such plants and facilitate transfer of research results while utilizing the biological resources available in India, including patent and commercial utilization, without compromising the national interest.