Biodiversity-Friendly Marine Bioresources Utilization: Consultative Meeting Held in Kerala

Background and Objective

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), with the financial and technical support of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and in collaboration with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), successfully organised a high-level Biodiversity-Friendly Marine Bioresources Utilization Practices Consultative Meeting in Kerala. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from governance, research institutions, and industry, with participation from West Coast States including Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

With the increasing utilisation of marine bioresources for commercial, industrial, and research purposes, the need for scientifically informed governance and equitable Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms, as mandated under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the revised ABS Guidelines, 2025, has become increasingly critical. The consultation aimed to address these emerging challenges through constructive dialogue and consensus-building among stakeholders.

Inaugural Session and Leadership

The meeting was formally inaugurated by Shri Virendra R. Tiwari, IFS (Retd.), Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority. Technical sessions and deliberations were led by Shri A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Kerala; Shri Abdul Nasar, IAS, Special Secretary, Department of Fisheries; Shri Seeram Samba Shiva Rao, IAS, Special Secretary, Environment Department; Prof. A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor, KUFOS; Dr. B. Balaji, IFS, Secretary, NBA;Dr. Anil Kumar, Chairperson, KSBB; and Dr. V. Balakrishnan, Member Secretary, KSBB.

Participation and Stakeholder Representation

Around 50 representatives from national research institutions, regulatory agencies, and industry participated in the discussions. Key participants included representatives from MPEDA, the Chief Wildlife Warden, KSBB Board Members, State Biodiversity Boards, ICAR–CMFRI, ICAR–NBFGR, ICAR–CIFT, CMLRE, the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Plant Quarantine Station, Synthite Industries Ltd., AQCS, the Department of Fisheries, Kerala Forest Department, IIT Kharagpur, and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

Key Deliberations and Focus Areas

The consultation focused on regulatory, scientific, and enforcement perspectives related to ABS in the marine sector. A key objective was to deliberate on policy frameworks, terms, and conditions that would strengthen conservation and promote the sustainable use of marine biological resources along India’s western coast, particularly in the context of climate change, unsustainable exploitation, and increasing scrutiny of marine exports by importing countries.

Outcomes and Way Forward

The meeting underscored a collective commitment towards equitable, science-based governance of India’s marine biodiversity and the sustainable utilisation of marine bioresources, in alignment with national biodiversity conservation goals.