India’s Biodiversity Target Under CBD | 15 Oct 2024

Source: HT 

Why in News?

Recently, India plans to submit its National Biodiversity Targets to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). 

• Article 6 of CBD calls all parties to prepare national strategies, plans or programmes for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 
• India is expected to submit its 23 biodiversity targets at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (CBD-COP 16) at Cali, Colombia. 

What is India’s Biodiversity Target Under CBD? 

• 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. 
• Rights and Participation: Ensuring the participation and rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in biodiversity conservation efforts. 
• Sustainable Consumption: Enabling sustainable consumption choices and reducing food waste by half. 
• Benefit Sharing: Promoting fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and associated traditional knowledge. 
• Pollution Reduction: Committing to reduce pollution, halving nutrient loss and pesticide risk. 
• Biodiversity Planning: Ensuring that all areas are managed to reduce the loss of regions of high biodiversity importance. 

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)? 

• About: It is a multilateral treaty aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss globally by 2030.  
  • It was adopted in December 2022 during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP). 
  • It supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and builds upon the achievements and lessons learned from the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020.  
• Purpose and Goals: It ensures that by 2030 at least 30% of areas of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration. 
  • It has 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent action over the decade to 2030 which will enable achievement towards the outcome-oriented goals for 2050. 
  • It is important to note that this target refers to collective global efforts rather than a requirement for each country to allocate 30% of its land and water areas. 
• Long-Term Vision: The framework envisions that by 2050, there will be a collective commitment to living in harmony with nature, serving as a foundational guide for current actions and policies on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. 

How India Can Achieve the New Biodiversity Goals? 

• Habitat Connectivity: India needs to prioritise the conservation of neglected ecosystems such as grasslands, wetlands, and seagrass meadows. 
  • Well-connected protected areas integrated into broader landscapes and seascapes can facilitate the movement of species and promote biodiversity. 
• Mobilising Financial Resources: India should continue to advocate for financial support from developed nations to implement its national biodiversity action plans effectively.  
  • The GBF calls for developed countries to mobilise at least USD 20 billion annually by 2025 and USD 30 billion by 2030 for biodiversity initiatives in developing countries. 
• Co-Management Models: Developing co-management frameworks that involve indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation process can enhance the effectiveness of protected areas while maintaining community livelihoods. 
• Integrating OECMs: Shifting focus from traditional protected areas to other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) allows for the conservation of biodiversity in areas with fewer restrictions on human activity. 
  • It includes supporting traditional agricultural systems and privately owned lands that contribute to conservation goals. 
• Reforming Agricultural Subsidies: India should redirect support from harmful practices, such as pesticide use, to sustainable alternatives that promote ecosystem health. 
• Alignment with Previous Targets: Building on the existing National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and aligning it with the new 23 targets of the GBF will create a cohesive strategy for biodiversity conservation in India. 

Conclusion 

India's commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through its 23 biodiversity targets reflects a strategic approach to conserving ecosystems and enhancing community participation. By prioritising neglected habitats, mobilising resources, and reforming subsidies, India can effectively work towards achieving its biodiversity goals by 2030.