Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC's) are local-level institutions established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to promote conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity at the grassroots level.
These committees serve as the foundation of biodiversity governance, ensuring community participation and traditional knowledge integration in conservation efforts across all 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Prepare and maintain People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) documenting local biological resources, traditional knowledge, and conservation practices.
Develop and implement local biodiversity conservation plans, protect habitats, and promote sustainable use of biological resources.
Facilitate equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge with local communities.
Conduct awareness programs, capacity building activities, and promote community participation in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Local body members including Sarpanch, Ward Members, and Municipal Councilors
Farmers, traditional healers, fisherfolk, and other biodiversity-dependent communities
At least one-third representation from women to ensure gender inclusivity
Members from local environmental and community-based organizations
The Core Activities Action Plan (CAAP) consists of 15 essential activities designed to operationalize BMCs and empower them to effectively conserve biodiversity at the local level.
BMC members implementing CAAP activities in their local areas
Regular community meetings for planning and monitoring activities
The BMC from Coringa in East Godavari District received the prestigious National Biodiversity Award for outstanding development and conservation activities. Their remarkable achievements include:
