Biodiversity to Bioeconomy

28 Feb Biodiversity to Bioeconomy

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs”  and topic details of the  Biodiversity to Bioeconomy

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-03 – Environment & Ecology : Biodiversity to Bioeconomy

FOR PRELIMS

What is North Eastern Programme, key biodiversity related initiatives of Government of india.

FOR MAINS

Why in the News?

The North Eastern Programme by the Department of Biotechnology is making headlines because it is driving a major transformation in India’s North East Region (NER) by leveraging biotechnology for sustainable development. This initiative is not only preserving the region’s rich biodiversity but also fostering economic growth through bio-entrepreneurship, resilient agriculture, and innovative research.

With a focus on medicinal plants, climate-resilient crops, and indigenous knowledge, the programme is positioning the NER as a hub of bioeconomic innovation. The recent attention highlights the significant impact of these efforts in enhancing livelihoods, promoting conservation, and integrating modern biotechnology with traditional wisdom.

What is the Northeastern Programme?

The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote the conservation of biodiversity and its transition into a bioeconomy in the Northeast. The Northeastern Programme is a collective effort by multiple government and non-government organizations to explore and sustainably utilize the region’s biological resources.
Some key initiatives under this programme include:
1. North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP): Aimed at improving sustainable livelihoods through resource-based industries like herbal medicine, bamboo crafts, and organic farming.
2. Bioresources and Sustainable Development (NER-BPMC): Launched by the Department of Biotechnology, this program promotes biotechnology-based entrepreneurship.
3. North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR): Supports research in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicinal plants to enhance the economic potential of local communities.
4. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCD-NER): Encourages organic farming and value addition to boost local economies.

Objectives of Promoting Biodiversity-based Bioeconomy

The transition from biodiversity to bioeconomy in the Northeast has several objectives:
1. Conservation of Biodiversity: Sustainable management of biological resources while maintaining ecological balance.
2. Economic Growth: Promoting industries based on bioresources, such as herbal medicine, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.
3. Employment Generation: Encouraging biotechnology and agribusiness startups to create job opportunities for local communities.
4. Sustainable Development: Reducing reliance on non-renewable resources by integrating biological solutions into industries.
5. Empowering Indigenous Communities: Utilizing traditional knowledge of local tribes in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

Various Government Initiatives to Explore the Potential of Northeastern India

The Indian government has undertaken numerous initiatives to leverage the region’s biodiversity for economic development. Some of these include:
1. National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being: Aims to integrate biodiversity conservation with economic growth.
2. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC): Funds startups in bio-based industries.
3. North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS): Supports infrastructure in sectors such as biotechnology and organic farming.
4. National Bamboo Mission: Promotes bamboo-based industries, which is significant given the region’s vast bamboo reserves.
5. Ayush Mission for Herbal Medicines: Supports research and commercial production of traditional herbal medicines, especially in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
6. NERAMAC (North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation): Helps in the marketing of agricultural and organic products from the Northeast.

Role of Biotechnology in Preserving Biodiversity

Biotechnology plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity while fostering sustainable economic development. The application of biotechnological tools can help in:
1. Conservation of Endangered Species: DNA sequencing and genetic mapping help in protecting species like the Red Panda and One-Horned Rhino.
2. Sustainable Agriculture: Tissue culture technology is used to propagate medicinal and endangered plants.
3. Waste Management: Biodegradable plastics and biofuels reduce pollution, preserving the natural environment.
4. Biofertilizers & Biopesticides: Promote organic farming by replacing chemical-based fertilizers.
5. Medicinal Plant Research:  Advances in biotechnology help extract high-value bioactive compounds from rare herbs.
6. Community-Based Biotechnological Initiatives: Projects like DBT’s Biotech-KISAN Programme train farmers in biotech innovations to enhance productivity sustainably.

Threats to Biodiversity in Northeastern India

Despite its vast ecological wealth, Northeastern India faces multiple threats to its biodiversity, including:
1. Deforestation & Habitat Loss: Expansion of agriculture, infrastructure projects, and illegal logging reduce forest cover.
2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns impact sensitive ecosystems like the Eastern Himalayas.
3. Poaching & Illegal Wildlife Trade: Species like the Snow Leopard and Hoolock Gibbon are endangered due to poaching.
4. Invasive Species: The spread of invasive plant species like Mikania micrantha threatens native flora.
5. Pollution & Industrialization: Unregulated industrial activities and plastic waste pollution degrade ecosystems.
6. Overexploitation of Resources: Unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) leads to depletion of biodiversity.

Way Forward: Strategies for Sustainable Development

To ensure a sustainable bioeconomy in the Northeast, a multi-pronged strategy is essential:
1. Strengthening Conservation Policies: Strict implementation of biodiversity protection laws and eco-sensitive zones.
2. Promoting Green Technologies: Encouraging bio-based industries like algae-based biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and organic farming.
3. Community Participation: Empowering local communities through eco-tourism, agroforestry, and sustainable harvesting of natural resources.
4. Integration of Traditional Knowledge & Science: Utilizing indigenous knowledge in modern conservation and bioeconomic models.
5. Encouraging Startups & Entrepreneurship: Providing financial incentives and incubation centers for biotech and bioresource-based startups.
6. Strengthening Research & Development: Investing in biotech research to explore the economic potential of native species.
7. Public Awareness & Education: Conducting workshops and campaigns on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Conclusion

Northeastern India, with its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems, has the potential to become a hub of bioeconomy-driven sustainable development. The government’s initiatives, coupled with advancements in biotechnology, can play a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity while unlocking economic opportunities. However, success depends on a balanced approach—one that integrates conservation efforts, local community participation, innovative biotech solutions, and responsible policy-making. By harnessing the power of biodiversity in a sustainable manner, Northeastern India can set an example for the world in transitioning from a biodiversity-rich region to a thriving bioeconomy.

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