Functions & Activities

People's Biodiversity Register

Documenting local biological resources and traditional knowledge.

As per Rule 25(6) of the Bihar Biodiversity Rules, 2017, the primary function of the Biodiversity Management Committee is to prepare the "People's Biodiversity Register" (PBR) in consultation with local communities. This register shall document, in the prescribed format, all biodiversity available within the BMC's jurisdiction — including the area's ecology, culture, spirituality, medicinal knowledge and other traditional knowledge, as well as prevailing local practices related to biological resources.

The Board shall provide guidance and technical assistance to all Biodiversity Management Committees for the preparation of the People's Biodiversity Register, including the design of formats for compiling detailed particulars. From time to time, the Biodiversity Management Committee shall verify and update the data/particulars previously recorded in the People's Biodiversity Register.

A detailed record of access granted by the Biodiversity Management Committee to biological resources and traditional knowledge available within its jurisdiction shall be maintained in a separate register, which shall include entries of the collection fees imposed, the benefits derived therefrom, and a detailed account of the method of benefit sharing.

The People's Biodiversity Register is an important document for establishing the rights of local communities over biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.