The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is an autonomous organization established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Government of India, to implement the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023) . NBA’s core responsibility is to regulate access to biological resources and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.
Established as a think tank for the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs was set-up in 2008 to advance thought leadership in the Indian business environment through research, capacity building & advocacy efforts. Since its inception, the IICA continues to attract and train highly talented, innovative, entrepreneurial, ambitious and open-minded leaders in India.
UNDP has been supporting the Government of India in meeting its national and International priorities and commitments for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity including obligations under related multilateral environment agreements.Under the GoI-UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) programme, UNDP has supported the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), in identification of innovative and blended finance solutions to reduce the finance gap for implementing the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).
The School of Business Environment at the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), working under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has a mandate to work in the areas of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Business and Human Rights (BHR).
Director General & CEO, IICA
Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority, Govt. of India
Head - Climate Adaptation, NRM and Biodiversity, UNDP
Head, School of Business Environment, IICA
Gain a foundational understanding of biodiversity, its forms, functions, and vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. This module explores the diversity of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, alongside an in-depth look at ecosystem services and threats to biodiversity. Learn about global and Indian biodiversity hotspots, conservation techniques (in-situ and ex-situ), and cutting-edge tools like GIS and conservation genetics. The module also covers key international conventions (CBD, CITES, Ramsar, etc.) and national frameworks including the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (2024–2030).
Understand how biodiversity is both a risk and an opportunity for businesses. This module delves into the dependencies and impacts of business on biodiversity and introduces tools for biodiversity risk assessment such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Participants will explore how to integrate biodiversity into risk management frameworks and identify innovative opportunities in sustainable sourcing, green product development, and circular economy models. The module includes real-world case studies on nature-based solutions that enhance business resilience and sustainability across supply chains.
This module focuses on assessing and mitigating biodiversity impacts through tools like Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and advanced technologies including AI, GIS, and blockchain. Participants will learn about biodiversity accounting, valuation, and integration into financial and sustainability reporting through global standards such as GRI, SASB, and TNFD. The module also emphasizes reporting under Target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and aligning with India’s NBSAPs. Practical insights are provided through corporate case studies demonstrating effective biodiversity reporting and mitigation.
Explore the evolving field of biodiversity finance, including its history, key mechanisms, and innovative instruments such as green/blue bonds, biodiversity offsets, and blended finance. The module also highlights how CSR initiatives, aligned with India’s Companies Act and global sustainability goals, can support impactful biodiversity projects. Case studies illustrate successful financing models in ecosystem restoration, community conservation, and urban biodiversity.
Experiential learning is a core element of the IICA Certificate Programme on Business & Biodiversity Conservation, offering participants hands-on exposure to biodiversity preservation through a field visit to a biodiversity hotspot. During this visit, participants will observe corporate-led conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration, native species plantation, and water conservation, while engaging with sustainability teams and local partners. This immersive experience bridges theory and practice, deepening participants' understanding of ecosystem protection and how businesses integrate biodiversity into their operations to support regulatory and global sustainability goals.
| Dr. B. Balaji, IFS Member Secretary, National Biodiversity Authority, govt. of India |
Dr. Ruchi Pant Head – NRM and Biodiversity, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
Dr. Garima Dadhich Associate Professor & Head, School of Business Environment, IICA |
Smt. Jyotsna Sitling, IFS (Retd.) Former PCCF (Van Panchayat), Uttarakhand |
| Shri. Ranganath Krishnan Secretary, Bamboo society of India |
Dr. Lakshmi Raghupathy Adjunct Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies |
Prof. Tata L Raghu Ram Associate Professor, XLRI Xavier School of Management Jamshedpur |
Dr. Harini Nagendra Professor, Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability, Azim Premji University |
| Dr. Yashveer Bhatnagar Country representative, IUCN |
Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran Adjunct Faculty, IICA |
Mr. Sidharth Edake Senior Manager with Sustainable Landscape Restoration Program, WRI India |
Dr. Sejal Worah Program Director, WWF-India and Chair of WWF Tiger Advisory Group |
| Dr. Ritesh Kumar Director, Wetlands International South Asia |
Dr. Jayashree Vencatesan Managing Trustee, Care Earth Trust |
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At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to research, capacity building, and advocacy. Through these pillars, we aim to catalyze positive and enduring transformations within the corporate world, ultimately contributing to a more responsible, ethical, and sustainable business environment
