Call for Papers - Two-Day International Webinar on Implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing: Sustaining Indian Biodiversity

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About the Organization

Since its inception in 2016, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur has made multifarious achievements, providing a strong platform for activities that encourage excellence in the spheres of academics, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Besides the common objective of any educational institution to achieve the highest academic standards, the University realizes its responsibility, as a social entity of national character, towards national development by strengthening society through all possible means and resources possessed by the University. To realise the holistic vision and keeping in view the spirit of the constitution, the University has established a University Social Responsibility Cell (USRC). The University has taken a dynamic and intensive approach to research in law and its allied disciplines by establishing various centres for advance research and advocacy, thereby creating an environment of learning and innovation.

Owing to the above responsibilities, the University has designed a comprehensive institutional plan to provide a platform for socio-legal research, exchange of ideas, best practices, identify issues and challenges, and to offer solutions regarding Bio-diversity regime and therefore, the University through its Centre for Environmental Law is organising an International Webinar on ‘Implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing: Sustaining Indian Biodiversity’ in virtual mode in collaboration with Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, Nagpur to promote socio-legal research and capacity building program towards the development of a smart and sustainable use of biological resources.

Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, a statutory autonomous body established under section 22(i) of Biological Diversity Act 2002, is in existence since January 02, 2012. It is mandated to conserve biological diversity and secure its sustainable management. Equitable distribution of benefits due to access of biological resources is to be shared with the protectors of biodiversity. This Access Benefit Sharing (ABS) involves diverse stakeholders. Under the inspiring guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, Shri Uddhavji Balasaheb Thackeray, the Board is committed to secure effective implementation of Biological Diversity Act 2002. Eco-restoration of biodiversity by 2030 is the immediate mandate of the Board. The 4 state has 28649 operational Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) covering all Village Panchayats and Municipal Councils/ Municipal Corporations. Consultation with stakeholders becomes essential prerequisite to facilitate conflict resolution in the existing ABS stalemate scenario. Synergy among stakeholders is sure to restore and stabilize declining biological diversity of the State. Guidance of Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, Dr. V.B. Mathur, and the Chairman of Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, Dr. S.H Patil impelled the Member Secretary, Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, Shri Praveen Srivastava to collaborate with National Law School for organising the webinar of stakeholders.

About the Webinar

MNLU, Nagpur and Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board are jointly organizing International Webinar on Implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing: Sustaining Indian Biodiversity in virtual mode on November 12-13, 2021 (Friday and Saturday). There is a need to implement access and benefit sharing mechanism under UN Convention on Biodiversity 1992 and its supplementary Nagoya Protocol 2010 to attain distributive justice in the context of biodiversity. The Webinar is organized to meet the following objectives: 1. To develop the jurisprudence of ABS mechanism in India by critically examining existing knowledge on biodiversity and its conservation; 2. To identify gaps in legal and institutional framework on ABS mechanism in India; and 3. To discuss new and emerging issues in this area like bio-piracy, conflict with IPR, reluctance of Indian corporations and research institutions, etc. In this scenario, issues and challenges relating to the following sub-themes are identified for deliberation:

• Human Rights and Biodiversity
• Distributive Bio-justice and Sustainable Development
• Identification and Education of Stakeholders
• Valuation of Biodiversity
• ABS and Biodiversity Act 2002 and Guidelines of 2014: Exploring the Legal Gaps
• ADR and Clinical Legal Aid
• Biopiracy: Crime against State and Indigenous People
• ABS’ tryst with Intellectual Property Rights: Conflict or Convergence
• ABS Litigation in India
• Interface between Corporate Social Responsibility and ABS

Procedure for Submission of Abstracts

An abstract of 400-500 words with 5-7 keywords should be submitted as an attachment in a word file. The abstract shall clearly state the aim, methodology, and position/ theoretical approach of the research. A separate covering letter containing following information, in the given format, should be sent along with the abstract:  

• Title of Abstract
• Name of the Author (s)
• Designation / Institution Details, Address and Email ID
• Mobile Number

Abstract along with covering letter shall be e-mailed to: cenvir@nlunagpur.ac.in  Abstracts will be peer reviewed by the organizing committee and only shortlisted abstracts will be invited to submit final papers. The final paper should be submitted after the intimation of acceptance of abstract. The final submission shall be concluded within the prescribed deadline. Authors and Co-authors have to register separately. All registered candidates will get certificates, but the organisers reserve the right to publish the selected papers. Webinar papers are invited from Experts, Academicians, Research Scholars, Professionals, Advocates/Practitioners, students and other stakeholders working in this area.

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