The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority has submitted India’s First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026.
The report has been submitted in accordance with Article 29 of the Nagoya Protocol, which requires member countries to periodically report their progress on monitoring and implementing the protocol.
Reporting Period and Objective
- The report covers the period 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025 and highlights India’s progress in implementing the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework.
- It also contributes to Target 13 of India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which focuses on ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
- India had earlier submitted an Interim National Report in November 2017.
India’s ABS Governance Framework
India’s Access and Benefit Sharing framework operates under the Biological Diversity Act 2002, supported by:
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Biological Diversity Rules, 2024
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ABS Regulations, 2025
The framework follows a three-tier institutional structure, consisting of:
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National Biodiversity Authority at the national level
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State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils at the state level
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Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level
Currently, more than 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees have been established across India, strengthening local community participation in biodiversity governance.
ABS Approvals and Compliance
During the reporting period 2017–2025, India granted a total of 12,830 ABS approvals, including:
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5,913 approvals by the National Biodiversity Authority under Section 3(2) of the Biological Diversity Act for activities such as research, bio-surveys, commercial use, intellectual property rights, and technology transfer.
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6,917 approvals by State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils under Section 7 for commercial use of biological resources by Indian entities.
India has also published 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) on the ABS Clearing-House, accounting for more than 60% of the global total, highlighting India’s leadership in transparency and compliance.
Financial and Community Benefits
The implementation of the ABS framework has generated significant economic benefits.
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₹216.31 crore mobilised through NBA approvals
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₹139.69 crore distributed to benefit claimers, including local communities, farmers, Biodiversity Management Committees and traditional knowledge holders
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₹51.96 crore generated through approvals by State Biodiversity Boards
In addition to monetary benefits, 395 approvals included non-monetary benefits, such as:
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Capacity building
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Technology transfer
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Training programmes
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Collaborative research initiatives
Monitoring Foreign Biological Resources
- In line with the Nagoya Protocol, India also monitors the utilisation of foreign biological resources and traditional knowledge.
- During the reporting period, 41 declarations were submitted to the National Biodiversity Authority for the use of foreign bioresources under Section 36A of the Biological Diversity Act and Rule 18 of the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024.
Capacity Building and Awareness Programmes
India has also undertaken extensive awareness and training programmes to strengthen the implementation of the ABS framework.
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2,56,393 individuals trained
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3,724 workshops and programmes conducted
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Over 600 capacity-building initiatives organised nationwide
These initiatives aim to improve understanding of biodiversity conservation and ensure effective participation of stakeholders.
With a strong legal framework, well-established institutions, and active participation from local communities, India has emerged as a global leader in implementing the Nagoya Protocol.
The submission of the First National Report highlights India’s commitment to ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources, while also strengthening biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.