On 7 April 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), notified additional institutions as national repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
With this expansion, the number of designated repositories increases to 18, strengthening the system for scientific storage, documentation, and regulation of biological resources. These repositories serve as authorised centres where voucher specimens of newly identified species must be deposited, creating a verified and traceable record.
The move supports better implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) provisions by ensuring that biological resources used for research or commercial purposes are properly recorded and monitored.
Profiles of the Newly Designated Institutions
Referral Centre Bhavasagara (CMLRE, Kochi): A specialised facility for deep-sea biodiversity. It currently holds over 3,500 taxonomically identified and geo-referenced specimens, including rare invertebrates and deep-sea fish from unexplored marine zones.
MACS Collection of Microorganisms (ARI, Pune): An expert hub for microbial cultures. It specializes in rare and "difficult-to-grow" species, such as those that live without oxygen (anaerobic) or in extreme environments (extremophilic), supporting health and industrial research.
National Fungal Culture Collection of India (ARI, Pune): A leading center for fungal diversity. It maintains authenticated cultures from across India’s diverse habitats and provides identification services to academia and industry.
Core Responsibilities of Repositories
Voucher Specimen Custody: Providing long-term, scientifically controlled environments for the physical samples of newly discovered or researched species.
Traceability and Access: Improving the record-keeping required for "Access and Benefit Sharing" (ABS) provisions, ensuring that commercial gains from biological resources are shared fairly.
Documentation Standards: NBA guidelines require these centers to maintain geo-referenced data and authenticated classifications to prevent "biopiracy" and support high-quality innovation.
What is a "Designated Repository"?
A Designated Repository is an institution authorised by the government to serve as a legal storehouse for biological samples and their related data. It acts as a catalyst for Scientific Accountability because it provides a verified physical reference for any species used in research or commercial products.
This mechanism manifests as a transition from "scattered private collections" to a "centralised national network," where biological materials are preserved under strict scientific conditions. For the NBA, these repositories are a primary lever to benchmark a trajectory where India’s biological heritage is legally protected and scientifically accessible for future generations.
Policy Relevance
Strengthens the Legal Framework for Species Discovery: The notification makes the deposit of specimens a mandatory step for researchers, ensuring that no new taxon can be officially recognized without a traceable national record.
Facilitates Marine and Microbial Bio-Prospecting: By providing specialized centers for deep-sea and extremophilic life, the policy supports high-value innovation in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Improves Enforcement of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS): Centrally documented specimens allow the government to track which biological resources are being used commercially, making it easier to ensure that benefits return to local communities.
Aligns National Conservation with International Commitments: Expanding the repository network directly supports India’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to conserve and sustainably use biological resources.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: With the expansion of the repository network to 18 institutions, what digital infrastructure is being developed to create a "Unified National Biodiversity Portal" that allows researchers to search these collections across all 18 locations simultaneously?
Follow The Full News Here: Government notifies Two Key Institutions as Repositories