People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

Thazhakara panchayat published the second volume of the People’s Biodiversity Register.

About PBR:

• PBR (People’s Biodiversity Register) is a detailed document focusing on the conservation of biodiversity including habitats, land races, folk varieties, cultivars, domesticated stocks of animals and breeds, and microorganisms.
• This register encapsulates the local knowledge concerning the biological diversity of an area, including its medicinal and other various uses.
• Statutory recognition under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 mandates the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to prepare PBR in consultation with the local communities, helping to document and safeguard bioresources and associated traditional knowledge.

Significance of PBR:

• Serves as a vital record and tool for maintaining information on local biological resources.
• Encompasses the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of local communities towards their natural resources, emphasizing their utilization and conservation strategies.
• Supports claims of local ownership over biodiversity and traditional knowledge, aiding in sustainable resource management.