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20 Years of  Kerala State Biodiversity Board

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) is a statutory body established by the Government of Kerala under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004, which were enacted by the Government of India. The primary purpose of the KSBB is to conserve the rich biodiversity of the state, promote sustainable use of biological resources, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of biodiversity, in line with national and international frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

  1. Establishment of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has established Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in all local bodies across the state. These committees are integral to involving local communities in biodiversity conservation. Each BMC is composed of eight members, including representatives from diverse societal segments like herbalists, agriculturists, and community workers. The BMCs are tasked with creating People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) to document local biodiversity and traditional knowledge. This initiative empowers local communities, including marginalized groups, ensuring their active participation in the sustainable management of biodiversity.

 

  1. Preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)

KSBB facilitates the preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) through the BMCs. PBRs are comprehensive documents that record the biodiversity and traditional knowledge within local communities. They include details about various species of plants, animals, and microorganisms found in the area, along with information on their uses and conservation status. This documentation process helps in the preservation of traditional knowledge and provides a basis for biodiversity conservation planning. The PBRs serve as an important tool for assessing and monitoring biodiversity at the grassroots level, promoting sustainable use of biological resources.

 

  1. Creation of Biodiversity Heritage Sites

KSBB identifies and declares Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) to protect unique and fragile ecosystems. These sites are selected based on their ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, and natural significance. The designation of BHS ensures the protection of biodiversity-rich areas from exploitation and degradation. It also promotes awareness and involvement of local communities in the conservation of these sites. The initiative aims to preserve habitats that harbor rare, endangered, and endemic species, contributing to the overall biodiversity conservation strategy of the state.

 

 

  1. Biodiversity Parks Development

The development of biodiversity parks by KSBB is aimed at conserving local flora and fauna while providing educational and recreational opportunities. These parks serve as in-situ conservation sites, where native species are preserved and propagated. They also function as live laboratories for students, researchers, and the public to learn about biodiversity and its importance. The parks are designed to mimic natural habitats, promoting the growth of indigenous species and enhancing the ecological balance. This initiative helps in raising awareness and fostering a connection between people and nature.

 

  1. Marine Biodiversity Registers

KSBB is actively involved in documenting marine biodiversity through the creation of Marine Biodiversity Registers. These registers catalog marine species, habitats, and ecosystems along Kerala’s coastline. The documentation includes information on fish, corals, mangroves, and other marine life, along with traditional knowledge related to marine resource use. This initiative aims to protect marine biodiversity, promote sustainable fishing practices, and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities. It also helps in identifying and mitigating threats to marine ecosystems, ensuring the conservation of marine biodiversity for future generations.

 

  1. Conservation of Agro biodiversity

KSBB promotes the conservation of agro biodiversity by supporting the cultivation and preservation of traditional crop varieties. Initiatives include providing training to farmers on sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of maintaining genetic diversity in crops. The board also facilitates the registration of indigenous crop varieties. This not only helps in preserving the genetic diversity of crops but also enhances the livelihoods of farmers by promoting the unique and medicinal properties of these traditional varieties.

 

  1. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

KSBB implements the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism as per the Biological Diversity Act. This mechanism ensures that benefits arising from the use of biological resources are shared fairly and equitably with local communities. The board facilitates agreements between resource users and local communities, ensuring that communities receive compensation for their traditional knowledge and biological resources. ABS promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity and incentivizes conservation efforts by providing financial and non-monetary benefits to the custodians of biological resources.

 

  1. Capacity Building Programs

KSBB conducts capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. These programs target BMC members, local government officials, and community leaders. Training sessions cover topics such as biodiversity laws, sustainable resource management, and the preparation of PBRs. By empowering local communities with the necessary skills and knowledge, KSBB ensures effective implementation of biodiversity conservation measures. The capacity-building programs also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders, promoting long-term sustainability.

 

  1. Biodiversity Awareness Campaigns

KSBB organizes biodiversity awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and its conservation. These campaigns include workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and educational programs in schools and colleges. The board also uses media channels, including social media, to disseminate information about biodiversity. The awareness campaigns aim to foster a culture of conservation among people of all ages, encouraging them to participate actively in biodiversity preservation. By raising awareness, KSBB aims to create a more informed and environmentally conscious society.

 

  1. Research and Documentation

KSBB supports research and documentation projects related to biodiversity. This includes commissioning studies on various aspects of biodiversity, such as species distribution, habitat conservation, and the impact of climate change. The board also collaborates with research institutions and universities to conduct scientific research. The findings from these research projects are used to inform policy decisions and conservation strategies. By promoting research and documentation, KSBB aims to enhance the understanding of biodiversity and develop effective conservation measures.

 

  1. Biodiversity Awards

KSBB recognizes and rewards individuals and organizations for their contributions to biodiversity conservation through the Biodiversity Awards. These awards are given in various categories, including conservation research, community initiatives, and innovative practices. The awards aim to motivate and encourage stakeholders to continue their efforts in biodiversity conservation. By acknowledging and celebrating achievements in biodiversity conservation, KSBB promotes best practices and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship among the public.

 

  1. Kerala Biodiversity Museum

The Kerala Biodiversity Museum, established by KSBB, aims to generate awareness about biodiversity and nature. The museum features interactive exhibits, life-size models, and dioramas that showcase the diversity of life forms on Earth. It also includes a 3D theatre, an aquarium, and a medicinal plant garden. The museum provides educational opportunities for students, researchers, and the public, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation. Through its innovative exhibits, the museum aims to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect the natural world.

 

  1. E-People’s Biodiversity Registers (E-PBR)

KSBB has introduced the E-People’s Biodiversity Registers (E-PBR) to digitize the documentation of biodiversity. The E-PBRs are electronic versions of the traditional PBRs, making the information more accessible and easier to update. This initiative aims to streamline the process of recording and managing biodiversity data. It also facilitates better coordination and sharing of information among various stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. The E-PBRs help in maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date database of biodiversity resources in the state.

 

  1. Children’s Biodiversity Congress

The Children’s Biodiversity Congress, organized by KSBB, is an initiative to engage young students in biodiversity conservation. The congress includes workshops, competitions, and interactive sessions to educate children about biodiversity and its significance. It aims to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among the younger generation. By involving children in biodiversity-related activities, KSBB hopes to nurture future leaders and advocates for biodiversity conservation. The congress also provides a platform for students to share their ideas and learn from experts in the field.

 

  1. Biodiversity Clubs

KSBB supports the formation of Biodiversity Clubs in schools and colleges to promote awareness and action for biodiversity conservation. These clubs organize various activities, including nature walks, biodiversity surveys, and conservation projects. They provide students with hands-on experience in biodiversity conservation and encourage them to take an active role in protecting the environment. The Biodiversity Clubs also serve as a network for students to collaborate and share their experiences and ideas. Through these clubs, KSBB aims to foster a culture of conservation among the youth.

 

  1. Workshops and Seminars

KSBB conducts workshops and seminars on various aspects of biodiversity conservation. These events bring together experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss challenges and solutions related to biodiversity. The workshops and seminars cover topics such as sustainable resource management, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies. They provide a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building among stakeholders. By organizing these events, KSBB aims to enhance the understanding of biodiversity issues and promote collaborative efforts for conservation.

 

  1. Biodiversity Exhibitions

KSBB organizes biodiversity exhibitions to showcase the state’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. These exhibitions feature displays of various species, habitats, and ecosystems, along with information on conservation initiatives. They aim to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and the need for its protection.

 

  1. Policy Formulation and Advocacy

The Board plays a significant role in advising the state government on biodiversity-related policies, strategies, and action plans. It also advocates for the integration of biodiversity concerns into the state’s developmental planning and decision-making processes.

  1. Collaboration with National and International Bodies

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board works in collaboration with national agencies such as the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and other state biodiversity boards. It also engages with international bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups to promote Kerala’s biodiversity agenda.

  1. Support for Biodiversity Research

The KSBB promotes research in the field of biodiversity and works with academic institutions, scientists, and environmental organizations to enhance knowledge about the state’s ecosystems and species. The Board also supports initiatives to document traditional knowledge about local flora and fauna, as well as to study the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.