A stakeholder consultation to observe the International Day of Biodiversity 2026, on the theme Acting Locally for Global Impact was organized at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya on 18th May 2026, in collaboration with the Bihar State Biodiversity Board (BSBB). Convened under the leadership of the Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, Prof. Vinita Singh Sahay, the discussions focussed on the critical aspects of the distribution, economics, trade, and market linkages of biological resources across Aurangabad, Gaya, and Rohtas districts of Bihar. The consultation was organized as part of an ongoing research project funded by BSBB, undertaken by Dr. Payal Dey and Dr. Anup Anurag Soren at IIM Bodh Gaya.
The consultation commenced with a welcome interaction, followed by an expert panel discussion on ‘Access Benefit Sharing (ABS) of Forest Produce in Bihar’. Panellist included Dr. Ram Pratap Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Life Sciences, CUSB Gaya; Dr. Meenakshi Singh, CEO, Sustaina Green LLP; and Dr. Shivendu K. Srivastava, IFS (Retd.), Former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Madhya Pradesh. The panel underscored the transformative potential of ABS frameworks in generating community-centred economic benefits and strengthening biodiversity governance through appropriate legal structures and local management of bio-resources. The consultation was attended by eminent experts, academicians, senior administrative officials, representatives from Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), civil society organizations, and forest officials from Gaya and Rohtas districts. Shri Hem Kant Roy, Joint Director, BSBB, highlighted the critical role of BMCs and the importance of maintaining People’s Biodiversity Register (PBRs) for documenting local and traditional ecological knowledge. He also stressed the need to reduce dependence on forest-based extraction.
The consultation concluded with detailed stakeholder inputs and recommendations of the report prepared by the faculty team based on the field observations in the assigned districts of Bihar. The deliberations culminated in a collective commitment for nature-positive development and the adoption of the Bihar Biodiversity Action Statement, outlining future pathways for institutional collaboration and community-centered conservation across the state.
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