Madhya Pradesh Bio-diversity Board
 
The State of Madhya Pradesh is endowed with rich forests and biological wealth that is the foundation for the progress in strengthening food, health and livelihood security. Biodiversity is also the feedstock for modern biotechnology industry. In used in an effective way, the bio-diversity can become a major instrument for economic prosperity of the state as well as the communities residing here.
 
Considering the importance of Biodiversity and the need for its conservation the state Government on the advice of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, National Commission of Biodiversity set up the Madhya Pradesh Bio-diversity Board in order to promote the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, its sustainable use and to provide for equitable sharing of benefits.
 

The functions of the State Biodiversity Board are mainly to :

   
· To provide policy oversight to programmes relating to bio-diversity, encompassing its conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits. For this purpose a Steering Committee  of the board and three Standing Committees on 1) Biodiversity Conservation 2) Sustainable Use of Bio-diversity 3) Equitable Sharing of benefits have also been constituted.
    
· To review the implementation of proviso of existing legislation relating to conservation of biodiversity and promote fresh legislation if necessary.
   
· To coordinate the work of three steering committees which will submit the reports on the terms of Reference to the Board six months form the date of the first meeting of the communities.
   
· To co-ordinate the preparation of a “People’s Biodiversity Management Plan” for the State Board on report of the standing committee.
   
· To mobilize financial resources for the implementation of the biodiversity plan.
   
· The Biodiversity Board has been located in the forest Department and is serviced and coordinated through a Member Secretary supported by infrastructure and secretarial assistance.