Mizoram’s Natural History Museum notified as India’s 21st Designated Repository under Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Why in news

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, as a Designated Repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Exam relevance

GS3, GS2 · Environment & Ecology, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, has been designated as a Designated Repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
2. The designation was made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change based on the recommendation of the National Biodiversity Authority.
3. NHM becomes India's 21st Designated Repository.
4. Designated Repositories preserve authenticated biological specimens accessed under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
5. The NHM will maintain voucher specimens of select flora, including pteridophytes and macrofungi, and fauna such as reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles and butterflies.
6. It will also serve as the designated depository for type specimens of newly discovered species from the region.
7. This designation strengthens biodiversity conservation and scientific documentation in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

Prelims pointers

• Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Section 39.
• Designated Repository.
• National Biodiversity Authority.
• Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
• Types of specimens to be maintained: pteridophytes, macrofungi, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles, butterflies.
• NHM is India's 21st Designated Repository.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of 'Designated Repositories' under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in strengthening biodiversity conservation and scientific research in India. In this context, analyze the significance of the recent designation of the Natural History Museum, Mizoram.

Static linkage

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aims to conserve biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory autonomous body responsible for implementing the Act. Designated Repositories are crucial for the scientific and legal framework of biodiversity governance.

Significance

The designation of NHM, Mizoram, as a Designated Repository significantly strengthens India's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. It enhances species identification, traceability, and scientific research by preserving authenticated biological specimens. This move supports the country's biodiversity governance framework and aids in safeguarding India's rich biological heritage.