Academic Institutions to Host ABS Cells for Bio-Resource Regulation

Quick Summary

• The Kerala State government will mandate academic and research institutions to establish Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) cells to regulate the commercial use of biological resources.
• The ABS units aim to ensure benefits from such activities, both monetary and non-monetary, are shared with resource providers, directing revenues toward local biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Kerala State Biodiversity board (KSBB) has initiated steps for implementing the 2025 Biological Diversity Regulations for regulating research activities, bio-utilisation, and commercial usage of biological resources.
• Research collaborations with foreign entities involving flora, fauna, or microbial strains in international repositories will require prior approval under the regulations.
• Notifications have been sent to key departments like Higher Education and agencies including KSCSTE about establishing ABS cells.
• Each institution’s ABS cell will have a five-member committee headed by experts, coordinated by a nodal officer; oversight will be provided by a state-level committee led by KSBB’s chairperson.
• Benefit-sharing fees are outlined based on annual turnover: companies earning ₹5 crore or less pay no fees; turnovers between ₹5 crore-₹50 crore pay 0.2%; ₹50 crore-₹250 crore pay 0.4%; above ₹250 crore pay 0.6%.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The new regulatory framework proposed in Kerala is notable for its emphasis on equitable benefit sharing regarding biological resources utilization.By mandating ABS cells within academic and research institutions-especially those engaging in foreign collaborations-the initiative seeks clarity while aligning with national biodiversity protection norms. It could incentivize local conservation efforts through revenue directed toward grassroots-level biodiversity projects.

Though, compliance demands on institutions may prompt logistical challenges during implementation due to coordination among various stakeholders-institutions, resource providers, and governing bodies like the KSBB. On the commercial front, structured fee slabs tied to company size reflect consideration for smaller players while ensuring contributions from major industries involved in natural resource utilization.

This proactive approach sets an example not only for advancing sustainable practices but also potentially influencing other states within India to adopt similar frameworks focused on preserving ecological balance while encouraging scientific exploration.

Read More: Published – July 14,2025 at www.indianopinion.com