Mumbai, Jan. 9 -- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 68 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Maharashtra under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, reinforcing benefit-sharing with local communities for the commercial use of biological resources.

The disbursement has been made to BMCs in Wada Tehsil of Palghar district and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

The payment arises from the authorised access and commercial utilisation of soil microorganisms, particularly bacteria belonging to the Bacillus genus, which have been used in the development of probiotic products.

The case highlights the operationalisation of the ABS mechanism in ensuring that monetary benefits derived from Ind...