Global Engagement · BMC
A comprehensive awareness-raising and capacity-building program for Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), UTBCs & others on the Biological Diversity Act — equipping local custodians to conserve, document and sustainably manage biological resources.
Programme background
The programme strengthens the institutional effectiveness of local biodiversity governance in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. It aligns with India's national biodiversity framework while contributing to global priorities such as IPBES and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
Through focused training on legal frameworks, biodiversity documentation and community engagement, it equips BMCs to serve as effective custodians of local biological resources — promoting conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing for present and future generations.
It is coordinated by APSCC in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority and the Puducherry Biodiversity Council.
How it works
Connecting global scientific guidance with grassroots implementation by drawing on the complementary roles of IPBES and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
IPBES provides authoritative global assessments on biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. The programme translates these into locally applicable knowledge, helping BMC members identify ecological challenges — such as invasive alien species — and respond with informed strategies.
The UN Decade provides the momentum to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation. BMCs and their PBRs serve as critical local tools for documenting biodiversity, identifying degraded ecosystems and supporting restoration.
Expected outcomes
In essence, the programme is a bridge between global biodiversity science and local community action — using the insights of IPBES and the momentum of the UN Decade to strengthen stewardship through India's Biological Diversity Act.
A clear grasp of the Biological Diversity Act (Amended 2023) and the latest rules governing biodiversity management, including Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
Improved ability to perform the statutory roles of BMCs, coordinate with State Biodiversity Boards, and strengthen local biodiversity governance.
Practical guidance for documenting biodiversity and traditional knowledge through robust, functional People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
Strategies to mobilize local communities for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable use of biological resources.
Capacity to develop initial biodiversity action plans incorporating climate resilience and management of invasive species.
Programme in action
Jointly organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), the Puducherry Biodiversity Council (PYBC) and APSCC, this comprehensive series strengthened biodiversity governance across the Union Territory of Puducherry through 2026 — led by Dr. Golda A. Edwin, Executive Director of APSCC.
Sessions by regional experts and international resource persons — including Dr. David Obura (Chair, UN-IPBES) and Natalia Alekseeva (UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UNEP) — connected local governance with global frameworks: the Biological Diversity Act & 2023 Amendment, People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), access & benefit sharing, invasive alien species and ecosystem restoration.
Inaugural programme at the Cultural-cum-Convention Centre. Engaged the Oulgaret, Puducherry & Ariyankuppam Municipality BMCs.
Held at Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology. Engaged the Ariyur North & Ariyur South Block BMCs.
Concluding programme of the series. Engaged the Bahour & Villianur BMCs and local communities.
Now underway: forming more BMCs across the Puducherry region
Building on the three-part series, APSCC — with the NBA and Puducherry Biodiversity Council — is supporting the constitution of new Biodiversity Management Committees and the preparation of People's Biodiversity Registers across more municipalities and communes.
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