Proceedings of two days’ workshop held on “Strengthening the Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with Focus on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Provisions” under UNEP-GEF-MoEF Project on 19-20/03/2013 at ,

Background:

The UNEP-GEF-MoEF Project on “Strengthening the Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with Focus on Access and Benefit Sharing Provisions” is under implementation in Gujarat State. The project deals with assessing and quantifying the economic value of biological resources spread over the local, state and national level using appropriate methodologies. The process also counts on identifying the benefits available and its access in a sustainable way. Having equitable benefit sharing option, it further helps in implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules in true sense. The present project having said guidelines ensure benefit sharing mechanism which further help in strengthening the ABS agreement. This project is a compendium of bringing various stakeholders in one platform towards the implementation of BD Act and entrust the local bodies in active participations headings for the conservation, development of biodiversity, regulating the biological resources for research and commercial utilization.

Objectives:

The Implementation of ABS mechanism is expected to provide economic security, support conservation, provide bio- enterprise opportunities and shall contribute to sustainable development and human well-being. Conceptualizing these broader aspects of ABS, a two day workshop on“Strengthening the Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with Focus on ABS Provisions” was organized on 19-20 March2013 at Gandhinagar with following objectives:

1. To understand the legal issues under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the rules with special emphasis on ABS mechanism. 2. Mechanism behind Economic valuation of Bio-resources. 3. Protocols and interrelationship between Legal and ABS issues in force. 4. Identified issues and scope of strengthening the BD Act to achieve the goals of the act into implementation. 5. Consultative interaction between the three tier of its implementation namely NBA at National level, SBBs at State level and the BMCs at local body level with different stakeholders of biodiversity and its resources.

Context of the Workshop:

Biological diversity refers to the wide variety of ecosystems and living organisms: animals, plants, their habitats and their genes. It is the foundation of life on Earth. Our dependence on biodiversity is certain, as it is the key towards our security and health. It is absolute to agree that biodiversity is extremely complex, dynamic and varied like no other feature of the Earth. Its innumerable plants, animals and microbes physically and chemically unite the atmosphere (the mixture of gases around the Earth), geosphere (the solid part of the Earth), and hydrosphere (the Earth's water, ice and water vapour) into one environmental system which makes it possible for millions of species, including people, to exist. At the same time, no other feature of the Earth has been so dramatically influenced by man’s activities. By damaging biodiversity, we strongly affect human well-being and the well-being of every other living creature.

India is one of the 17 mega biodiversity countries of the World as it homes four of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. With only 2.4% of land area, India accounts 7.8% of recorded species of the world. Due to fast pace of development, as in many other countries, India is also facing the anthropogenic pressure which is high on the biodiversity profile of India. Acknowledging this fact, under the present project, five states are incorporated based on their unique biodiversity and ecosystems. The major ecosystem covered under the project in Gujarat includes; Agriculture, Forests and Wetlands.

Prioritizing the local biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge at grass root level in India need to be mandatorily documented. The concept of PBR is a unique feature of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.The NBA at the National level, SBBs at state level and the BMCs at the local body level plays the key role in implementing the Act. In the same process the constitution of BMCs and empowering such committees to prepare PBRs to facilitate this Act is another important mandate for both NBA and SBBs.

It has been into records that 1154 BMCs have been constituted in Gujarat state up to March, 2013 and 122 PBRs are under preparation by the BMCs with the help of Technical Support Groups (TSGs). Thus, it was found to be imperative to call on a workshop detailing the means of strengthening the Act, while having an interactive session with the authorities, subject experts and the BMC members. GBB with consultation with the NBA organized a two day workshop from 19-20 March 2013 in Gandhinagar having primal focus on ABS issues, role of BMCs and legal interventions involved for better understanding on BD Act, rules and implementation of this project on ABS under UNEP-GEF Project.

Day 1, 19th March, 2013

Venue: GEER Foundation Conference Hall, Gandhinagar

On 19th March, 2013, the Programme was inaugurated by the chairman, GBB Shri Rajeeva, IFS. The welcome and introductory address was given by Dr. A. P. Singh, IFS, Member Secretary, GBB. The other delegates on dais namely Dr. Ishwar Poojar, Project Manager, UNEP-GEF-MoEF from NBA, Chennai, Prof. Rasik Bhatt, invitee member of GBB and Prof. V.C. Soni, member, GBB have addressed the gathering and addressed the and Before, Keynote address by the chairman addressed the gathering on the subject of relevance before the Key Note address delivered by the chairman, GBB. The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Aeshita Mukherjee, State Project Coordinator, UNEP-GEF-MoEF, GBB, Gandhinagar. Technical Session I (12:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs):

After tea break, first technical session of the workshop started and the following deliberations were presented:

1. Ms. Lavannya Vishnu Sagar, Project Associate (Law and Policy) ABS Project, NBA, Chennai delivered her lecture on “The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Key Provisions on ABS”. She has covered Pursuant to its obligation under CBD, India legislated the Biological Diversity Act, in 2002. The Act extends to the whole of India. The Act covers foreign nationals and entities, Indian nationals and entities, NRIs. The purposes of the Act were towards conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing. Further she explained the bodies (NBA, SBB and BMC) that are involved in the Act and how do they interplay their roles and functions in strengthening the Act and its implementation. Using lock and key concept, she elaborated how the NBA, SBBs and BMCs to work together to form the institutional framework for biodiversity legal regime in India vis-à-vis International compliance. She also clarified the Sections involved in the ABS Mechanism both at National and State level.

Further she furnished with the information on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) of the Local Community/People via creating awareness and receiving their consent on particular issue. She also talked about Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) and how does it rotate between the public and beneficiaries, e.g. Negotiations and term of acceptances. She clearly informed the gathering failing to respect the Act can lead to penalties for commencing offence: Cognizable, Non-Bailable. The talk concluded with providing rationale behind Exemption of Certain Biological Resources as any items including Biological Resources Normally Traded as Commodities. Presently, 190 plant species have been notified by the MoEF, Govt. India under section 40 of the act. The house opened for discussion and she clarified the queries raised by the participants.

2. Mr. Prakash Nelliyat, Project Associate (Economist) ABS Project, NBA, Chennai, presented his talk on “ECONOMICS AND BIODIVERSITY”. He initiated with a dimension on various challenges like Population growth, Development, Consumerism, Increasing pressures on ecosystem/Biodiversity, Loss of species and ecosystem (45-250 species loss per day). The emphasis was given on having a clear environmental policy agenda, which can entail innovative approach. Discussion on the equation of bio-resources vs increasing demand he said the basic challenge to any economic system is “How the scarce resources should be allocated to get maximum human satisfaction. He further explained the supply and demand linking the ecological and economics of the bio- resources.

He mentioned ABS as an Innovative Approach and how to operationalize ABS principles using Economic instruments (compensation, subsidies, taxes, royalties, fines etc.)? There are no defined markets or economic instruments for biodiversity and ecosystem services which is the prime reason towards market failure in terms of Biodiversity usages. Various challenges that the valuation of biodiversity face are: In Biodiversity supply, demand and price mechanism do not function properly, Biodiversity values are implicit in general rather than explicit, Property rights of biodiversity are not clearly defined. The right in biodiversity /bio-resources is not protected. Excluding others from using the goods is not possible and hence rights based approach is difficult. Focusing on ABS, he said ABS framework provides guidance for the way in which genetic resources are accessed, and the way benefits are shared between people or countries using the resources (users) and the people or countries that provide them (providers). Providers of bio- resources are entitled to receive fair benefits from the users. The negotiation between a provider and a user of resources should be (monetary / non- monetary), based on the true/actual value of the resources. ABS acts as an economic incentive in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. He finished his presentation with a remark that Reliable valuation of bio-resources is a test and presently NBA is working on methodology for bio-resources valuation. House was then opened for discussion and he tried to satisfy the queries of the participants on the various aspects of economics related to the biodiversity and bio- resources.

3. Dr. Iswar Poojar, Project Manager, NBA, Chennai, presented his talk on The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: The Access and Benefit Sharing Perspective. He initiated his talk saying “ABS is nothing but Accessing of biological resources, sharing of benefits between users and Providers”. The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources is one of the three objectives of the CBD. The CBD in its Article 15 sets out principles and obligations of parties related to access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, on the basis of PIC and MAT.

He briefly gave an overview of the regulation of Access to Biological Diversity under Section 3, 4, and 6 under the BD Act, 2002 and different forms under the Rules 2004. Following the guidelines, NBA shall determine the benefit sharing in the following manner:

 Grant of Joint ownership of Intellectual property rights  Transfer of technology: Technologies that are relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or make use of genetic resources and do not cause significant damage to the environment.  Location of production, research and development unit in such areas which will facilitate better living standards to the benefit claimers,  Association of Indian scientist, benefit claimers and the local people with research and development in biological resources and bio-survey and bio-utilization,  Setting up of venture capital fund for aiding the cause of benefit claimers,  Payment of monetary and non-monetary benefits.

He further explained the Role of ABS on a global scale showing a documentary film on ABS mechanism. Sighting an example of Hodia Plant and its commercial utilisation following the traditional knowledge learned and put into commerce. He concluded his talk stressing that the Implementation of ABS mechanism is expected to provide: Economic security, Support conservation, Provide bio-enterprise opportunities, Contribute to sustainable development and human well-being. He said we need innovative approaches and ABS should provide long term, continuous and predictable finances and other benefits to the communities. With that he anticipated and said NBA is looking at some innovative options and shall be looking forward to the inputs from the attendees of the workshop. Unlike any other project, question was raised if there will be any employment to the BMC or at the local body level? Answering the same Village Biodiversity Fund was mentioned and how it can help in the growth of the village was discussed.

Technical session II (15:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs):

4. “Legal Provisions for the Conservation and Development of Biodiversity in India” was presented by Dr. A.P. Singh, Member Secretary, GBB. He gave an overview of the Biodiversity Act and its Implementation in a three tier system: namely Local Body Level: By Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), State Level: By State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and at National Level: By National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). He distinctly mentioned and clarified the constitution of each tier and their role and functionalities. On a further note he explained the different Forms and their mandatories for the usage group in question. Adequately he also provided the information on Other Provisions of the Act: like Under section 37, State Government may notify the Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS); Under section 38, Govt. of India may notify threatened Species; Under section 39, Govt. of India may designate the repositories for Biological Material; Under section 40, Govt. of India may exempt certain B.Rs.: so far 190 species have been exempted.

Mentioning and detail explanation of various section, with special emphasis on section 7, section 24 of the Act and the Gujarat Biological Diversity Rule 16 and related Form 1 for accessing the biological resources for research and commercial purposes.

Further he also emphasized on Unique Biodiversity of Gujarat: Two mega mammals (Asiatic Lion and Indian wild Ass) having single population in the world , Largest nesting of Flamingoes recorded in Great Runn of Kachchh, Largest grass land - Banni in Kachchh, Gir Cow, other cattle breeds, Horse - Kathiyawadi, Marvadi etc. Providence of these example clearly supported the intensions behind ABS and why its need to be strengthened. House was then opened for discussion and the relevant queries were responded.

5. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Joint Director, GUIDE, , presented his talk based on actual experience from the Field. His talk entitled “BMC and PBR Constitution: An Experience from the Field”. He initiated the talk giving a realisation on Why Biodiversity, and suitably answering that Biodiversity supports the ecosystems which provide us with many services. He analysed the job market and suggested Sustainable Development & Livelihood Options. He also talked about water recharge and depleted woodland ecosystem. Though unbelievable, but still can happen if conscious steps are not taken, i.e. A World without Biological Diversity.

In contrast he explained the aesthetics of conservation with the prudent religious actions that all the religion has environmental overtones and ecological codes of conduct. He briefed the gathering with comparative floral and faunal diversity and its trend with respect to land degradation Index (LDI). Narrowing down the concept he mentioned the fact that Kachchh is one of the largest district in India, Covers 24% (45,652sq.km) of the Gujarat State having 950 villages under 614 Panchayats. The present UNEP-GEF project on ABS mechanism is with an objective of Creation of BMC in each Panchayat. Prepare, maintain and validate People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) in consultation with the local people. The Panchayats selected for preparing the PBR covers major habitats of Kachchh like; Forest & Hills, Grassland, Agriculture, Rann and Coastal Plains. During the process, Documentation of Traditional Knowledge was an integral part of the study. Of the various documents, some significant observations were presented. Further he also highlighted the Budget allocation as: The allocated Budget Per Panchayat is Rs. 43,700/-, which is based on 4-5 Field Visits/ Panchyat (BMC/PBR). However,With the Practical Experience, To cover all the activities, actual visits required would be around 12-15 trips per Panchayat. Therefore, the allocated budget is meager to accomplish the required work. He concluded the talk in laying emphasis on plantation and their innumerable benefits that are beyond valuation and then house was opened for discussion and he explained the questions raised by the attendees.

In addition to the respective talk, Dr. Poojar informed the gathering about the call for proposals on Training and Orientation for Preparation of PBRs at State Level across India that was on NBA website and their mandatories.

Finally the session was concluded by Dr. A.P. Singh, extending thanks to the Chairman, GBB, and all the Board Members, distinguished invitees from NBA, Subject experts, universities and Science colleges representatives, Invited speakers, Forest officials and other respected attendees. He also expressed his wish in finding the project to a success in strengthening the ABS mechanism in true sense.

The workshop was attended by the aforesaid experts and the officials of GBB, GEER Foundation, Forest Department, TSGs, NGOs etc. Total Seventy participants attended the deliberations. The list of experts attended the workshop is attached herewith as Annexure –I.

Day 2, 20th March 2013

Venue: GFRI Conference Hall, Gandhinagar

The second day of the workshop was started after welcoming the delegates by Dr. A. P. Singh, IFS, Member Secretary, GBB, Gandhinagar and whole day was solely dedicated to the BMC and local body members and interaction took place between the experts and the BMC members on ABS and other relevant issues of biodiversity in Gujarati.

Member Secretary has given an overview of the UNEP-GEF Project briefly detailing the aims and scope and its importance in Gujarat state. He clearly emphasized the target of the Gujarat Biodiversity Board in involving 13,500 Gram Panchyats, 159 Municipalities and 8 Municipal Corporation for the implementation of the BD Act. He explained the ABS mechanism and the means to strengthen the value of having an ethical and equitable benefit sharing. He discussed about Biological resources and further explained to BMC about the resource utilization by many companies. In this process, what is the role of BMCs and how they can control usages of village resources was mentioned. He also explained categorically about Biological Diversity Act and ABS mechanism and implementation of the UNEP-GEF project in Gujarat State.

On further note Shri. Rajeeva, IFS, Chairman, GBB, Gandhinagar expressed clearly that Biological resources are available in the villages however; no valuation is added to such resources yet. He also clarified that the BD Act will help in sustainable utilization of such resources and in hand benefit to the villages. In this process on making the act to implement so far 1000 BMCs are formed. He finally expressed his wish in making the workshop fruitful.

Dr. Singh concluded the welcoming session by expressing thanks to all the distinguished delegates of NGOs, experts and members of BMCs and local bodies.

Technical Session III (11:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs):

The deliberation of the second day started in and the following experts exchange their views with the BMC/local body members and TSGs working across the state:

1. Prof. V. C. Soni, University, has talked in detail on ABS mechanism in India. He initiated by emphasizing that all our daily needs are totally dependent on biological resources. Therefore, it is most important to conserve such resources in a wise manner. To facilitate the same the BD Act need to be in realization. He explained the means of accessing the resources by third parties like food or pharmaceutical companies, but giving no benefit to the villages. In order to restrict such exploitation, ABS mechanism is worth handling. Further he explained about Intellectual Property Rights and the role of NBA and SBB. He also briefly explained the legalities and penalties if offence is commenced by not following the BD Act.

2. Mr. Vijay Kaushal, VIKSAT, Ahmedabed delivered his talk on People Biodiversity Register. He told the gathering what are the three functionaries involved in the ABS Mechanism, namely NBA, SBB and the BMCs. The PBRs are inlaid by the TSGs with the help of individual BMCs. The PBR will also include the documentation of Traditional knowledge and the Local Vaidys. He further explained the steps behind the documentation of such PBRs and their further uses. He also deliberated on the formats to be filled in both in English and Gujarati by the biodiversity of habitats and ecosystem and biological resources existing and their status in past and present including associated traditional knowledge.

3. Mr. Jayandra Lakhampurkar, GES, Baroda, presented his talk on Field Experience in Constituting BMCs and PBR making. He explained the difficulties in making BMCs and PBRs. Locals readily shared the information available to them and are aware of different biodiversity that exist in their localities. The supports of the local people were well acknowledged. Further to his talk, he also mentioned that the local people are in conflict with the Blue bull and wild boar however; due to religious sentiments the blue bulls are increasing in number and causing crop damage. Expressing the difficulty, he mentioned the non -availability of the talati or the sarpanch due to their other panchayat responsibilities.

4. Prof. Rasik Bhatt, Junagdh shared his experiences in constituting the BMCs and preparation of PBRs with special focus on village panchayat Jamka of taluka and Dist. . Importance of local biodiversity and their uses was clearly emphasized in his talk. He also mentioned about “Gir Cow” and their monetary valuation. Sighting this example he also mentioned the export of this cow breed and its further results. He also signified the relevance behind extinction of certain indigenous mango species. He informed the gathering about invasive plants and their impact on habitat. To end his note, he questioned if GBB can play a role in facilitating such issues?

Experience Sharing and closing session (15:00 hrs to 17:00hrs)

5. Jivabhai Gadhvi, Biodiversity consultant, Panchmahal presented his talk on Field Experience in Constituting BMC. So far he has consituted 160 BMC’s. As per his experience, he mentioned his ways and means in convincing the villages in making participation in this project. In his talk he encouraged other BMCs attendees. He also explained his role in creating awareness.

6. The last speaker was Mr. Suman Rathod, CEE, who presented his talk on Experiences in Traditional knowledge. He suggested a comprehensive way of making PBR. As per him, the different forms in the PBR were classified into different cluster based on subject. Each subject was then filled in by different experts. Different awareness program with small gifts were done to make the process lively. Involvement of women was also of concern he mentioned.

Further the gathering was called on for a panel discussion where every spokesperson from the BMCs kept their thoughts. Mr. Jalabhai Rathvi, VIKSAT, Bhiloda mentioned the loss of certain cereal crops and their seeds are also hard to get. Tree species like Mahuwa and Rayan are also disappearing. Mr. Ashok Vegda, Jan Utthan, Dang mentioned the loss of cereal like Varai and Nagli.

The workshop ended with the Vote of Thanks from Dr. A. P. Singh, Member Secretory, GBB. He expressed his thanks to the Chairman, Experts, BMC members and the members from NBA, Chennai. The workshop was attended by the experts, NGOs, TSGs, BMC and local body members as well as officials of GBB and university and science college representatives, etc. Total 150 odd participants attended the talk. The list of experts and participants of the workshop on the second day is attached herewith as Annexure –II.

(Dr Aeshita Mukherjee-Wilske)

S P C, UNEP-GEF-MoEF Project, GBB, Gandhinagar

Annexure I The list of Experts who attended the workshop on March 19th, 2013

Sr. Name & Address of the Experts Contact No No. 1 Shri Rajeeva, IFS 9978406172 Chairman,Gujarat Biodiversity Board,Gandhinagar 2 Dr. A. P. Singh, IFS 9909016563 Member Secretary, Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar 3 Dr. Aeshita Mukharjee Wilski 9662101179 State Project Coordinator, UNEP-GEF Project, GBB, Gandhinagar 4 Shri. Rasik Bhatt 9824260667 Retd. Professor, Veer Narmad University, [email protected] At Present: Board Member GBB, Junagadh 5 Prof. V. C. Soni, 9824443243 Dept. of Biosciences, Saurashtra University Rajkot [email protected] At Present: Board Member GBB 6 Dr. Ishwar Poojar 9448401472 Project Manager, NBA, Chennai 7 Ms. Lavanya Vishnu Sagar Legal Assistant, NBA, Chennai 8 Mr. Prakash Neliyat [email protected] Economist, NBA, Chennai 9 Shri. R.V Asari [email protected] Director, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh,Bhuj 10 Shri.K. D. Vachhrajani, 9427839382 Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Zoology, MSU, Baroda [email protected] 11 Dr. P.S. Nagar, 9925110339 Assoc. Professor Dept. of Botany, MSU, Baroda [email protected] 12 Dr. Dharmendra G. Shah, 9427336842 Assoc. Professor Dept. of Botany, MSU, Baroda shahdhamu @gmail.com 13 Dr. K.S. Rajput, 9428165791 Assoc. Professor Dept. of Botany, MSU, Baroda [email protected] 14 Dr.V. M. Raole, 9824244371 Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Botany, MSU, Baroda [email protected] 15 Dr. Yogesh Jasrai 9824035684 Professor & Head Dept. of Botany ,Gujarat University, A’Bad [email protected] 16 Dr.Hitesh Solanki 9898119766 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Botany, Gujarat University, A’Bad [email protected] 17 Shri.D. B. Jethva 9879120206 Swami Vivekanand Gramya Shaheri Vikas Trust, V.V Nagar- Anand [email protected] 18 Dr. Pragnesh Dave 9898262491 HOD, Dept. of Chemistry, Kachchh University, Bhuj, 370001 [email protected] 19 Dr. Shiva Shankaran Chettiar 9924335112 Ass. Professor,Shri R. K. Institute of Computer Science,-395001 [email protected] 20 Dr. Santosh Singh 9228227732 Assistant Professor, B. N. Science Collage,Dabhoi, Baroda. [email protected] 21 Dr. Zankhana Rathod 9228221076 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Botany, M. G. Science Institute, A’Bad [email protected] 22 Dr. Jitendra Gavali 9725891033 Director,Science Community Center, [email protected]

23 Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, 9824220389, 9825083869 Program coordinator,Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) [email protected] Kachchh-Bhuj [email protected]

24 Dr. D. D. Jhala 9824240644 (Mo.) Assistant Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Gujarat University, A’Bad [email protected] 25 Dr. Raju Vyas, 9825308498 (Mo.) Herpetologist, Baroda, Gujarat 26 Anil K Gohil 9998002401 (Mo.) Project Coordinator, Sahajeevan, Kachchh-Bhuj [email protected] 27 Dr. Jayesh Bhatt 9979502385 State Director,WWF, Baroda [email protected] 28 Vegda Ashok B 9099903596 Program Officer, Jan Utthan, Dang [email protected] 29 Vyas Bhaydip H. 8758044535 (Mo.) Program Officer, Lok Seva Trust, Ta. Dist. [email protected]

30 Dr. Deepa Gavali 9724859988 (Mo.) Deputy Director, Gujarat Ecological Society, Vadodara 31 Jagruti Jagiwala 9429532584 8(Mo.) Assistant Professor, Dept. of Bio-Technology, Kadi Serv Vidhyalay, Ta. Kadi. Dist. 32 Dr. Nishith Dharaiya 9998981560 (Mo.) Associate Professor,Dept. of Life science, HNGU, Patan 33 P.G Majithia 9909922640 (Mo.) President, Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangadhra 34 Dr.A. K. Roy Mahato 9638353105 (Mo.) Scientist, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh 35 Dr.Rohit Patel 9724337687 (Mo.) Scientist, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh 36 Shri. Vijay Kaushal 9824515319 (Mo.) Programme Co-ordinator, VIKSAT, 37 Shri. Suman Rathod 9427410718 (Mo.) Deputy Program Co-ordinator, Center for Environment Education, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 38 Ramesh Savalia 9426355382 (Mo.) Deputy Program Co-ordinator, Center for Environment Education, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 39 Viral Prajapati 9825057678 (Mo.) Project In-charge, Nature Club , Surat 40 Dr. SBS Tikka 9824426642 (Mo.) CEO, SOFILWM, Palanpur 41 M. J. Parmar, IFS 9427009275 (Mo.) CF , , WLC,Gandhinagar 42 Dr. Bhaskar Punjani 9825649463 (Mo.) Professor, Dept. of Botany, Science College, Talod [email protected] 43 Dr. Poonam 9978494000 (Mo.) Scientist, Patent Ashtric Center, New Delhi. [email protected] 44 Shri. U D Singh 9978405812 (Mo.) Managing Director, Gujarat State Seeds Corporation, Gandhinagar [email protected] 45 Vihangi Trivedi 9824346336 (Mo.) Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra [email protected] 46 Adam Halliday 9909004338 Journalist,The Indian Express, Ahmedabad. [email protected] 47 Dr. A K Varshaney, IFS 9099990460 (Mo.) CCF & MD, Gujarat State Rural Dev. Corp.Gandhinagar [email protected]

48 Smlla 9099067011 (Mo.) GandhinagarJournalist, DNA, Ahmedabad 49 Shri. A K Verma, IFS 99784063369 (Mo) MS ,GEC, Gandhinagar [email protected] 50 Shri. B N Srivastav, IFS (Ret.) 9567025772 Ex. Chairman, GBB, Gandhinagar 51 Shailesh Dodia 7698143726 Scientific Assistant, UNEP-GEF Project, GBB,Gandhinagar 52 Pritesh Parmar, 9924533001 Computer Assistant, UNEP-GEF Project, GBB,Gandhinagar 53 L. I. Pathan 9712888545 Accountant, GBB, Gandhinagar

54 Rishwa Jathal 9662714484 P.A. to MS GBB, Gandhinagar 55 Miten Thakor 8866785830 Clerk, Gujarat biodiversity Board,Gandhinagar 56 Narendra Patel 9574706274 Daily wages, GBB, Gandhinagar

Annexure II The list of Experts who attended the workshop on March 20th, 2013

Sr. Name & Address of the Participants Contact No. No. 1 Shri Rajeeva, IFS 9978406172 Chairman,Gujarat Biodiversity Board,Gandhinagar 2 Dr. A. P. Singh, IFS 9909016563 Member Secretary, Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar 3 Dr. Aeshita Mukharjee Wilski 9662101179 State Project Coordinator, UNEP-GEF Project, GBB, Gandhinagar 4 Shri. Rasik Bhatt 9824260667 Retd. Professor, Veer Narmad University, [email protected] At Present: Board Member GBB, Junagadh 5 Prof. V. C. Soni, 9824443243 Dept. of Biosciences, Saurashtra University Rajkot [email protected] At Present: Board Member GBB 6 Shri. R.V Asari [email protected] Director, 7 Dr.Gujarat Ishwar Insti Poojartute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh,Bhuj 9448401472 Project Manager, NBA, Chennai 8 Ms. Lavanya Vishnu Sagar [email protected] Legal Assistant, NBA, Chennai 9677290512 9 Mr. Prakash Neliyat [email protected] Economist, NBA, Chennai 9840165462 10 Gohil Ajay K 8469966922 Trainee,Guide, Kachchh-Bhuj 11 Sailesh Patel 9825646775 Nature club, Surat 12 Mobat N Solanki 9998699450 Dhruva BAIF, 13 Bodat Surekhaben B. 9662031635 Chairman, BMC Kisangadh, Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 14 Bodat Shankarbhai N 9909544539 Secretary, BMC, Kisangadh, Ta. Bhiloda ,Dist. Sabarkantha 15 Suresh Bhai H Lata 9624547464 BMC Member, Kisangadh, Ta. Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha 16 Jalabhai Rathvi 9426341935 In charge, VIKSAT, Ta. Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha 17 Sadat M. Badaji 9879696121 Chairman, BMC, Vejpur,Ta. Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha 18 Ramanbhai Poojabhai Tarat 9726079537 BMC Member,Mu & Po: Vejpur, Bhiloda, Sabarkantha 19 Khata Manilal S 8140046125 Village Panchayat Member, Vagheswari, Bhiloda, Sabarkantha 20 Samarath K. Baranda 81412109751 Secretary, BMC Vageshwari, Ta. Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha 21 Bodat Lalji N 9427048980 Village Panchayat Member,Vageshwari Bhiloda, Sabarkantha 22 Joshiara Kamlesh P 9913507794 BMC Member, Vansdi, Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 23 Dayabhai M Patel 9925702635 BMC Member,Jetal Ta. Vasnda Dist. Navsari 24 Vimal D patel 992442415 25 Rajubhai Dodal 9998977302 Village Panchayat MemberAnagadh, Vadodara Dist. Vadodara 26 Kunal Patel 9725462920 Trainee, ITI, Gandhinagar 27 Ketan Patel 9727716814 Field Co-ordinator,VIKSAT, Satlasan, Dist. Mehsana 28 Chouhan Rupsing Godadsinh 9978190192 Chairman, BMC Samrapur, Ta. Satlasana Dist. Mehsana 29 Chouhan Jagatsinh Chandansinh 8140449318 Village Panchayat Member Bhanavas, Mehsana 30 Chauhan Samrusinh M 8140143024 Se cretary, BMC Bhanavas. Ta. Satlasana Dist. Mehsana 31 Chauhan Ratansinh 8440060027 Village Panchayat Member Samrapur, Ta. Satlasana Dist. Mehsana 32 Balavantsinh C Chauhan 9724864169 Village Panchayat Member Samrapur, Ta. Satlasana Dist. Mehsana

33 Nathusinh Navsinh Chauhan 972627010 Village Panchayat Member Samrapur, Ta. Satlasana Dist. Mehsana 34 Thankor Dineshji V 9726029605 Village Panchayat Member Vajapur Ta.Satlasana,Dist Mehsana 35 Thakor Gobarji Talaji 9624263441 BMC Member,Vajapur Ta.Satlasana Dist Mehsana 36 Prajapati Jethabhai Hirbhai 9725666539 Chairman, BMC Vajapur Ta.Satlasana Dist Mehsana 37 Thakor Parkhanji N 9662482383 Secretary, BMC Vajapur Ta.Satlasana Dist Mehsana 38 Thakor Babuji Mangaji 9723575284 BMC Member Nedaradi, Ta. Satalasana, Dist. Mehsana 39 Thakor lakhaji R 8128137497 Chairman, BMC Nedaradi, Ta. Satalasana, Dist. Mehsana 40 Chhatrsinh B Padhiyar 9879316441 Village Panchayat Member, Mu. & Po. Sokhda Ta. Baroda Dist. 41 MakwanaVadodara Dhulabhai M 9099059360 Village Panchayat Member, Mu. & Po. Sherakhi Moto bhag Ta.Vadodara Dist. Vadodara

42 Gohil Karansinh M 9723098490 Village Panchayat Member,Mo. Po. Kajalpur Ta. Vadodara Dist. Vadodara 43 Bhagriya Bipinbhai Jamsubhai 9099857211 Village Panchayat Member, Mu. & Po. Kotha Ta.Vansda Dist. Navsari 44 Dhirubhai K Patel 9925098719 Village Panchayat Member Mu. & Po. Kukada Ta. Vandada Dist.Navsari 45 Sureshbhai S Pavar 9925602642 Village Panchayat MemberMu. & Po. Bedmal, Ta.Vansda Dist. 46 RustambhaiNavsari Jasubhai Chaudhari 9971103194 Village Panchayat Member Mu. & Po. Holipada Ta.Vansda Dist. Navsari 47 Vyas Bhavdip H 8758044535 Program Officer, Lok Seva Trust, Ta. Vansda Dist. Navsari 48 Garva Hiralal J 9427718194 BMC Member,Mu. & Po. Devisar Ta. Nakhtrana Dist. Kachchh 49 Rabari Meguben 9428471382 Village: Khardiya, Kachchh-Bhuj 50 Patel Pravin Bharatsinh 9909549940 Secretary,Chhariya, Dist. Panchmahal 51 Bariya Shantibhai Bijalbhai 9714062906 BMC Member,Chhariya, Ta. Godhra, Dist. Panchmahal 52 Chauhan Ratansinh Natvarsinh 9913898590 Village Panchayat Member, Kantu, Ta. Gogamba, Dist Panchmahal 53 Rathod Parshuram Mansinh 9909454345 Chairman, BMC, Gogamba, Ta. Halol Dist. Panchmahal 54 Pateliya Rameshbhai Udesinh 8469198102 Village Panchayat Member,Mordungra Ta. Godhra, Dist. Panchmahal

55 Vanzara Yogeshkumar Mohanbhai 9099134270 Secratary, BMC, Pesnal, Ta Shehra, Dist. Panchmahal 56 Patel Rajeshkumar Shantilal 9427397417 Chairman, BMC, Chhariya, Ta. Godhra Dist. Panchmahal 57 Patel Bhupatsinh Jafarbhai 9586933995 Village Panchayat Member, Athhala, Ta. Godhra Dist. Panchmahal 58 Panchal Shankarbhai Jethabhai 9427595980 Village Panchayat Member, Takanpur Ta. Godhara, Dist. Panchmahal

59 Gadhvi Jivabhai L 9979989958 Naturalist,Mu. Narsipur, Po. Govindi, Dist. Panchmahal

60 Elvis Katara 9427502757 Junagadh [email protected] 61 N. H Desai, 9979867679 Field Team Leader, Supath Gramodhyog Santhan,Himmatnagar. [email protected] 62 Dr.Poonam 9978494000 Scientist, Patent Ashtric Center, New Delhi. 63 Jayendra lakhmapker 982456436 Deputy Director, Gujarat Ecology Society, Vadodara [email protected] 64 Dr. Deepa Gavali 9724859988 Deputy Director,Gujarat Ecology Society,Vadodara 65 P.G Majithiea 9909922640 President, Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra 66 Dr. Dipa Raval 9725485078 President, Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra 67 Rajesh K Dave 9925760900 Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra

68 Saraswati Chandra 9428123278 President, Shaswat NGO, Mehsana 69 Urvi Gupta 9427623350 Project Coordinator, Shaswat NGO, Mehsana 70 Mr. D. K Poojera 9824530687 Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra 71 Suman Rathod 942741048 Deputy Programme Co-ordinator, Center for Environment Education, 72 J. C. Patel 9426535891 Director Kheradi, Ta. Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha

73 J U Patel 9426520663 Village Panchayat Member Kheradi, Ta. Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha 74 B S Chauhan 9979867679 Data Entry Operator, Supath Gramodhyog Santhan, Himmatnagar 75 M C Modi 9327789051 Environment Foundation, Mehsana 76 H M Gadhiya 9825783891 Dhrangadhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangadhra 77 A M Upadhya 9925900053 78 Chandubhai Degama 9428812822 Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra

79 Jemini Patel 9904619000 Dhrangandhra Prakruti Mandal, Dhrangandhra

80 Narottam Vaghela 9924780537 Gandhinagar 81 A K Solanki 9408407155 Field Data Collector, Supath Gramodhyog Santhan, Himmatnagar 82 Parmar Prakashbhai K 9574767021 Chairman, BMC Member, Malasa village, Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 83 Patel Harshadkumar D. 9537945553 Field Data Collector Supath Gramodhyog Santhan,Himmatnagar 84 Bhangi Govindbhai A. 7874223483 Chairman, BMC Member Moti Bebar Gram Panchayat, Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 85 Baranda Vinodkumar A. 9904491322 Chairman, BMC Member Vankaner, Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 86 Vankar Nathabhai D. 9924670497 Deputy Director Dudh Sahakari Mandali, Mu. Po. Vankaner

87 Parmar Ramsinh Khumansinh 8980646005 Chairman, BMC Member Khumapur, Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 88 Tabiyad Manjibhai Dhudhabhai 9979769988 Chairman, BMC Member Nani Bebar Gram Panchayat,Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 89 Tarar vaktabhai mohanbhai 7567006024 Moti Bebar Ta. Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 90 Dr. D. D. Jhala 9824240644 Assistant ProfessorDept. of Zoology, Gujarat University,Ahmedabad [email protected] 91 Patel Jashubhai Chhaganbhai 9427530104 Village Panchayat Member, Munai, Ta: Bhiloda Dist. Sabarkantha 92 Patel Piyush R. 7600803707 Village Panchayat MemberJagudan Dist. Mehsana 93 Sisodiya Pushpendrasinh V. 9427329207 Village Panchayat Member,Gandhinagar 94 Shailesh Dodia 7698143726 Scientific Assistant, UNEP-GEF Project, GBB,Gandhinagar 95 Pritesh Parmar, 9924533001 Computer Assistant, UNEP-GEF Project, GBB,Gandhinagar 96 L. I. Pathan 9712888545 Accountant, GBB, Gandhinagar 97 Rishwa Jathal 9662714484 P.A. to MS GBB, Gandhinagar 98 Miten Thakor 8866785830 Clerk, Gujarat biodiversity Board,Gandhinagar 99 Narendra Patel 9574706274 Daily wages, GBB, Gandhinagar

Workshop on:

Strengthening the Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with Focus on ABS Provisions

Date: 19 March, 2013; Venue: GEER Foundation Conference Hall, Gandhinagar

10:30- 11:00 Registration 11 : 00-11:45 Inauguration

11 :45-12:00 Tea Break

12:00- 14:00 Technical Session I 12:00-12:40 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: The Access and Benefit Sharing Perspective BY Dr. Ishwar. C. Poojar, Project Manager, UNEP-GEF- MoEF, ABS, NBA, Chennai 12:40-13:20 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Key Provisions on ABS By Lavannya Sagar, Project Associate ( Law and Policy)ABS Project, NBA 13:20-14:00 Biodiversity and Economy By Prakash Nelliyat, Project Associate, (Economist) ABS Project, NBA

14:00- 15:00 Lunch Break

15:00- 17:00 Technical Session II 15:00-15:45 Legal issues on the conservation and development of biodiversity in India By Dr. A P Singh; Member Secretary, GBB 15:45- 16:15 Implementation of UNEP-GEF Project in Gujarat By Dr. Aeshita Mukherjee-Wilske, State Project Coordinator, UNEP- GEF,GBB

16:15- 16:30 Tea

1630-17:00 BMC and PBR constitution: An experience from the Field BY Dr. V. Vijaykumar, GUIDE, Bhuj 17:00- 17:30 Discussion and closing

Workshop on:

Strengthening the Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with Focus on ABS Provisions

Date: 20 March, 2013; Venue: GFRI Conference Hall, Gandhinagar

11: 00 to 14:00 Technical Session III 11:00-11:45 ABS Issues by Prof. V. C. Soni, Saurashtra University, Rajkot and Member GBB 11:45-12:30 PBR Issues by Vijay Kaushal, VIKSAT 12:30-13:15 Field Experience in Constituting BMC and PBR making By Dr. Deepa Gavali, GES, Vadodara 13:15-14:00 Field Experience in Constituting BMC and PBR making By Rashik Bhatt, Memebr, GBB

14:00-15:00 Lunch

15 :00- 15:15 Field Experience in Constituting BMC and PBR making by Jiva Bhai Gadvi, Biodiversity Consultant, GSVT, Anand 15:15-15:30 Experiences in Traditional knowledge, by Janki Shah, CEE

15:30-16:30 Panel Discussion 16 : 30-17 : 00 Closing session; Tea thereafter