CBD First National Report - India - National Biodiversity Authority

prepare a document for actions and strategies. Theoutcome of the consultation of the Core Group,supplemented by regional workshops with locallevel stakeholders, is a document entitled ‘DraftNational Policy and Action Strategy on BiologicalDiversity’. After being subjected to a NationalConsultation -with participation fromMinistries and Departments, State Governments,experts, and technical institutions, thedocument is being consolidated forThedocument provides a broad framework for actionsand strategies for conservation and sustainable useof biodiversity. Consolidation and detailing of thisdocument for viable action plans is throughaproject.5.9 The importance of safeguarding geneticresources has long beenby India. In1996, a new facility was established in the IndianNational Gene Bank with long term storage capacityof nearly 1.5 million samples of seeds and cultures.5.10 In 1997 the Government of India broughtout a White Paper on Pollution in Delhi with anAction Plan for pollution prevention and abatementfor the city.The Government of India has enacted theNational Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997which provides for the establishment of a NationalEnvironment Appellate Authority to provide anappellate forum for cases relating to site restrictions,developmental schemes and projects.5.12 Based on an assessment of gap areas thatneed strengthening, in 1997, sponsored aNational Workshop on Capacity Building inTaxonomy wherein the need to launch an All IndiaCo-ordinated Project was identified as a priority.The project has since been drawn up and fundingavenues are being explored.5.13 In 1997, launched theCapacity 2 1 programme. As part of this programme,a draft National Policy on Aquatic Ecosystems hasbeen develoned. An action nlan for the neriodalso been’ formulated: Theprogramme has also identified economic valuationof biodiversity as a key to sustainable developmentin India.545.14 Ministry of has prepared a DraftLaw known as the ‘Plant Variety Protection andFarmer’s Rights Act’ to inter revitalise in situon-farm conservation. has initiated steps forthe preparation of a National BiodiversityLegislation. This proposed legislation will cover allbiological resources in India.5.15 India has continued to be in the forefront ofall global initiatives that have culminated in variousinternational conventions on environment andsustainable development. India has also been closelyassociated with the GEF movement since itsinception and has demonstrated its resolve bysupporting and strengthening GEF as a majorglobal effort to address environmental challengesand threats. The first meeting of the GEF Assemblywas held in New Delhi in April 1998.5.16 extended support to 24 projectsunder the Small Grants Programme that addressconservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.These projects in terms of thematic and focal areasare 20 on biodiversity and 4 on climate change,covering 12 States in India. Besides these are theBank sponsored eco-developmentprogramme currently operating in 7 and thegrants for preparing management plansfor the coral reefs of Gulf of Mannar and Andamanand Nicobar Islands.has the nodal agency forimplementing CBD in India, has taken the necessarysteps to develop appropriate programmes. Byidentifying other ministries, departments, institutionsand as partners, is making everyeffort to integrate the various provisions of CBDmeaningfully in the conservation, sustainable useand equitable sharing of benefits in the country.5.18 academics andtechnical institutions,local people, industry and business are being activelyinvolved in the development of issues and workingout strategies of implementation which secureparticipation of all these stakeholders.5.19 An Integrated Coastal Area ManagementSystem Programme has been started whichstrengthens the on-going initiatives relating to Coastaland Marine biodiversity.