COP-16 of Convention of Biological Diversity | 04 Nov 2024

Source: TH 

Why in News?

Recently, the 16^th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) concluded in Cali, Colombia. 

• India launched the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at COP 16 to the CBD aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).  

What are the Key Highlights of the COP-16 to the CBD? 

• Operationalization of the Cali Fund: Cali Fund was established to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources.  
  • At least 50% of the Cali Fund will focus on the self-identified needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, particularly women and youth. 
    • DSI refers to genomic sequence data that plays a fundamental role in environmental and biological research. 
• Permanent Subsidiary Body: Parties agreed to establish a new permanent subsidiary body on article 8j that deals with preservation and maintenance of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples. 
  • They also adopted a new Programme of Work on indigenous peoples and local communities.  
    • It outlines specific tasks to ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities meaningfully contribute to the conservation, sustainable use, and fair sharing of biological diversity. 
• Resource Mobilisation: Parties agreed to develop a new “Strategy for Resource Mobilization” to help secure USD 200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives worldwide. 
  • Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) was launched at COP 16 with a USD 200 million contribution from China.  
  • Another goal is to redirect USD 500 billion per year in subsidies that harm biodiversity by 2030.  
• National Biodiversity Targets: 119 countries out of CBD’s 196 Parties, submitted national biodiversity targets to help reach the 23 KMGBF targets. 
  • To date 44 countries have submitted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans to support the implementation of national targets. 
• Synthetic Biology: COP-16 introduced a new thematic action plan to help address the inequities through capacity-building, technology transfer and knowledge-sharing among developing countries. 
  • Synthetic biology uses engineering principles to create new organisms or modify existing ones through DNA sequencing and genome editing. 
• Invasive Alien Species: It proposes guidelines for managing invasive alien species through new databases, improved cross-border trade regulations, and enhanced coordination with e-commerce platforms. 
• Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): COP 16 agreed on a new and evolved process to identify EBSAs.  
  • Established in 2010, EBSAs identify the most critical and vulnerable areas of the ocean and have since become a focal point in ocean conservation efforts. 
• Sustainable Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation: A decision on sustainable wildlife management emphasised the need for monitoring, capacity-building, and inclusive participation of indigenous peoples, local communities, and women. 
  • Progress in plant protection should be measurable and consistent with global biodiversity targets. 
• Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health: At COP 16, CBD Parties approved a Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health designed to help curb the emergence of zoonotic diseases, prevent non-communicable diseases, and promote sustainable ecosystems.   
  • The strategy embraces a holistic “One Health” approach that recognizes the health of ecosystems, animals, and humans as interconnected. 
• Risk Assessment: In Cali, Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety welcomed new, voluntary guidance on assessing the risks posed by living modified organisms (LMOs) containing engineered genes. 
• Recognition of People of African Descent: A further decision was taken to recognize the role of people of African descent in implementing the Convention. 

What are the Key Points of India's Updated NBSAP?  

• Updated NBSAP: The updated NBSAP outlines 23 National Biodiversity Targets aligned with the KMGBF’s global objectives. 
  • Targets focus on reducing biodiversity threats, promoting sustainable use, ecosystem resilience, species recovery, and sustainable management. 
• Comprehensive Structure: The updated NBSAP includes seven chapters addressing contextual analysis, capacity-building, financing mechanisms, and biodiversity monitoring frameworks. 
• Implementation: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees biodiversity conservation, supported by a multi-tier governance structure. 
  • Key entities include the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). 
• Targets: 
  • Conservation Areas: Aiming for 30% of areas to be effectively conserved to enhance biodiversity.  
  • Invasive Species Management: Targeting a 50% reduction in the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species.  
  • Sustainable Consumption: Enabling sustainable consumption choices and reducing food waste by half.  
  • Pollution Reduction: Committing to reduce pollution, halving nutrient loss and pesticide risk.  
  • Benefit Sharing: Promoting fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and associated traditional knowledge.  
• Financing: India expects to spend around Rs 81,664 crore from 2025-30 (FY) on biodiversity and conservation.  
  • Indian officials at the conference said international finance would be necessary to meet these goals. 
• Community Engagement: Local communities, particularly in forest-dependent areas, will be actively involved in conservation efforts.

Conclusion 

The 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity marked significant advancements in global biodiversity efforts, notably through the establishment of the Cali Fund, updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans, and a commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasising equitable resource sharing and sustainable practices.