The Maharashtra Biological Diversity Rules, 2008 have been framed in exercise of the powers conferred under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. These rules govern the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge in the state of Maharashtra.
(1) These rules may be called the Maharashtra Biological Diversity Rules, 2008.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (18 of 2003)
The National Biodiversity Authority established under sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Act
The State Biodiversity Board established by the State Government under sub-section (1) of section 22 of the Act
A form appended to these rules
A section of the Act
The State Biodiversity Board shall consist of the following members:
Appointed by the State Government
Not exceeding five representatives from concerned departments
Not exceeding five persons having expertise in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity
The Board shall perform the following functions:
Advise the State Government on matters relating to conservation of biodiversity
Regulate requests for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization.
Advice on any matter referred to it by the State Government
Take measures to oppose threat to any species or genetic resources
Maintain database of biological resources and traditional knowledge
Build capacity for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity
The State Government shall constitute a State Biodiversity Fund for the benefit of the Board.
Any person who intends to obtain any biological resource for commercial utilization shall give prior intimation to the State Biodiversity Board.
File Form I with complete details of biological resource
Board examines the application and may seek clarifications
Board grants or rejects permission within prescribed time
Approval subject to benefit sharing and other conditions
Every local body shall constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) within its area for the purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity.
| Application Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Commercial utilization (Form I) | ₹ 10,000 |
| Bio-survey and bio-utilization (Form II) | ₹ 5,000 |
| Certificate issuance | ₹ 2,000 |
Any person aggrieved by any order of the State Biodiversity Board may, within thirty days from the date of the order, prefer an appeal to the State Government.
Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board
Dr. Anandrao Nair Marg, Nagpur
Maharashtra, India
This digital presentation is for reference purposes only. For all legal and official purposes, the original Gazette notification shall prevail.