Biodiversity, TK and Rights of Farmers and Breeders

Unit I — Introduction to Biodiversity and Legal Protection

Meaning and types of biodiversity (genetic, species, ecosystem) · Importance of biodiversity in agriculture, health, and ecosystems · Threats to biodiversity: deforestation, pollution, climate change · Constitutional and legal framework in India (Art. 48A, 51A(g)) · Overview of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002: objectives and basic features

• Constitutional Provisions relating to rights and duties of people and government

Unit II — International Efforts and Biodiversity Conservation (

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): key principles · Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing · Role of international cooperation in biodiversity protection · Cartagena Protocol (biosafety) – basic concepts · Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and biodiversity

• Environment Protection from International Perspectives — Stockholm Conference, Rio Declaration and Johannesburg Declaration

Unit III — Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Practices

Meaning and types of traditional knowledge (TK) · Importance of TK in medicine, farming, and environmental practices · Problems of biopiracy (e.g., neem, turmeric, basmati cases) · Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) · Need for legal protection of TK and indigenous knowledge systems

Unit IV — Farmers’ Rights and Legal Protection in India

Background of farmers’ rights in Indian agriculture · Overview of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 · Rights of farmers: seed saving, benefit sharing, compensation · Role of the PPV&FR Authority · Important case examples related to farmers’ rights (e.g., Monsanto v. Nuziveedu)

Unit V — Breeders’ Rights and Innovation

Who is a plant breeder? Why are breeders’ rights important? · Breeders’ rights under the PPV&FR Act, 2001 · Registration and DUS criteria (basic understanding) · International background: brief idea of UPOV Conventions · Balancing rights of breeders and farmers – basic legal debates

Unit VI — Emerging Issues and Case Studies

Genetically Modified (GM) crops and biodiversity: basic legal issues · Community seed banks and local conservation efforts · Role of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Boards · Case studies of biopiracy, benefit sharing, or seed rights · Reforms needed in current legal frameworks (student-friendly discussion)