Section 12 in The Biological Diversity Rules, 2004
12. General functions of the Authority
.-The Authority may perform the following functions, namely:-(i)lay down the procedure and guidelines to govern the activities provided under sections 3, 4 and 6;(ii)advise the Central Government on any matter concerning conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resource and knowledge;(iii)coordinate the activities of the State Biodiversity Boards;(iv)provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Biodiversity Boards;(v)commission studies and sponsor investigations and research;(vi)engage consultants, for a specific period, not exceeding three years, for providing technical assistance to the Authority in the effective discharge of its functions:Provided that if it is necessary and expedient to engage any consultant beyond the period of three years, the Authority shall seek prior approval of the Central Government for such an engagement;(vii)collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data, manuals, codes or guides relating to conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resource and knowledge;(viii)organise through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resource and knowledge;(ix)plan and organise training of personnel engaged or likely to be engaged in programmes for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of its components;(x)prepare the annual budget of the Authority incorporating its own receipts as also the devaluation from the Central Government provided that the allocation by the Central Government shall be operated in accordance with the budget provisions approved by the Central Government;(xi)recommend creation of posts to the Central Government, for effective discharge of the functions by the Authority and to create such posts, provided that no such post whether permanent/temporary or of any nature, would be created without prior approval of the Central Government;(xii)approve the method of recruitment to the officers and servants of the Authority;(xiii)take steps to build up data base and to create information and documentation system for biological resources and associated traditional knowledge through biodiversity registers and electronics data bases, to ensure effective management, promotion and sustainable uses;(xiv)give directions to State Biodiversity Boards and the Biodiversity Management Committees in writing for effective implementation of the Act;(xv)report to the Central Government about the functioning of the Authority and implementation of the Act;(xvi)recommend, modify, collection of benefit sharing fee under sub-section (1) of section 6 or changes of royalties under sub-section (2) of section 19 in respect of biological resources from time to time;(xvii)sanction grants-in-aid and grants to the State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees for specific purposes;(xviii)undertake physical inspection of any area in connection with the implementation of the Act; (xix) take necessary measures including appointment of legal experts to oppose grant of intellectual property right in any country outside India on any biological resource and associated knowledge obtained from India in an illegal manner;(xx)do such other functions as may be assigned or directed by the Central Government from time to time.
