The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023: A Balancing Act of Rights and Obligations

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was approved by both houses of the Indian Parliament in August 2023. The Bill introduces major changes compared to the National Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the subsequent Rules, 2004. The amendments ease the process of patent filing for Indian citizens and support the livelihood of indigenous people associated with biodiversity-related activities. The introduction of a new term, ‘codified traditional knowledge’ will make few activities distinct from ‘traditional knowledge’. The Bill has provisions to protect the nation’s rich biological wealth, including that deposited in the International Depository Authority. It is a positive move to protect the larger interest of India while honouring the international obligations under various treaties and conventions.