Key insights from the 1st National Report on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently released key insights from the 1st National Report on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.

The report was submitted by the Ministry to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 27 February 2026 in accordance with Article 29 of the Protocol related to monitoring and reporting obligations.

Focus on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

The report highlights India’s progress in implementing the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, which ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

It includes 12 case studies demonstrating successful ABS implementation and the resulting benefits for local communities across the country.

Case Study of Cocculus hirsutus in Madhya Pradesh

One of the important case studies involves the medicinal plant Cocculus hirsutus, which was accessed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. from forest areas of Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh in 2017.

Under the ABS Regulations, 2014, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) fixed an upfront payment of ₹4,50,000. Out of this amount, 95 per cent, amounting to ₹4,27,500, was transferred in 2020 to the Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation for conservation activities and community development programmes. The remaining amount was retained by the NBA.

Large Number of ABS Approvals Granted

The report noted that between 1 November 2017 and 31 December 2025, a total of 12,830 approvals were granted under the ABS framework in India.

Sources: DTE & PIB