Section 2 of BDA : Section 2: Definitions

Explanation using Example

Imagine a company called "HerbHeal" that specializes in developing herbal medicines. They are interested in a particular plant species found in the Western Ghats of India, known for its medicinal properties. Before they can collect samples for research and development, they must understand the definitions under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

• The plant species they are interested in is considered a "biological resource" as per the Act.
• Their activity of collecting and using the plant for medicinal product development falls under "bio-survey and bio-utilisation".
• Since they aim to commercialize the medicine, this constitutes "commercial utilisation".
• HerbHeal must engage in "fair and equitable benefit sharing" with the local communities, who may be the "benefit claimers" if they have been traditionally using this plant.
• The company must seek approval from the "National Biodiversity Authority" or concerned "State Biodiversity Board" before proceeding.
• Any research they conduct must ensure "sustainable use" of the plant species, to prevent its long-term decline.

By following the guidelines and definitions laid out in the Act, HerbHeal can ethically and legally conduct their research and development activities.