As part of Wayanad Seed Fest, The legal Awareness training was conducted at Mary Matha Arts and Science College, Mananthavady. The program was organised by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in association with District Legal Services Authority, Wayanad and Department of Law, Central University of Kerala, Thiruvalla.
India’s Biological Diversity Act of 2002 aims to conserve biodiversity, ensure its sustainable use, and facilitate the fair sharing of benefits. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act of 2001 recognizes farmers’ contributions to crop cultivation and conservation by awarding them intellectual property rights and setting up a mechanism for registering new plant varieties.
Participants received guidance on the process for registering plant varieties and the legal avenues for accessing genetic resources. The event also underscored the vital role that community engagement plays in biodiversity conservation and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Adv. Joseph P J handled the sessions and Adv. Jibin Thomas, MSSRF and the event was coordinated by Mrs. Reshma T. R. Research Scholar, Central University of Kerala.