Overview The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹18.3 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim . This funding is part of the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism operating under the framework of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 . The initiative aims to empower local communities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. Key Developments Funding Allocation: ₹18.3 lakh distributed to two BMCs. Recipient BMCs: Narrau village Biodiversity Management Committee in Akrabad Kaul Taluk, Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh , and the Biodiversity Management Committee in the Lampokhari Lake Area, Aritar, Sikkim . Fund Transfer Mechanism: Funds were transferred through the respective State Biodiversity Boards . Resource Utilization: A company accessed crop materials in Narrau village for producing fermentable compounds from lignocellulosic biomass . Another company accessed microorganisms from water and soil samples in the Lampokhari Lake area for research purposes. Significance of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism is a crucial component of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 . It ensures that the benefits arising from the utilization of biological resources are shared fairly and equitably with the local communities who are the custodians of these resources. This promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources by providing incentives to local communities. Role of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are constituted at the local level to promote the conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biodiversity. They play a vital role in: Preparing People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) to document local biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Advising on matters related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Regulating access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. Ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Examination as it covers important aspects of Environment and Ecology (GS Paper 3) , particularly related to biodiversity conservation , Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) , and the role of local communities in environmental management. It also touches upon Government Policies and Interventions (GS Paper 2) related to biodiversity conservation. Important Facts for Prelims The Biological Diversity Act was enacted in 2002 . The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body established under the Act. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a key principle of the Act. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are local-level bodies responsible for biodiversity management. Narrau village is located in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh . Lampokhari Lake is located in Aritar, Sikkim . Potential Mains Questions Discuss the significance of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. Evaluate the role of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 . Analyze the challenges and opportunities in ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of biological resources.