16-October-2024-Editorial

INDIA’S BIODIVERSITY TARGETS AND THE KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK (KMGBF)

India is preparing to submit its National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

This move highlights India’s commitment to halting biodiversity loss and conserving ecosystems, with a focus on sustainable development and community participation.

India’s Biodiversity Targets

India’s proposed biodiversity targets are designed to address various key aspects of ecosystem conservation, pollution reduction, sustainable use of resources, and participation of local communities.

These targets are expected to be formally presented at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (CBD-COP 16) in Cali, Colombia. The proposed targets are:

Conservation Areas:

• India aims to effectively conserve 30% of its land and marine areas to enhance biodiversity and protect critical ecosystems.
• This aligns with global efforts to restore ecosystems and safeguard areas of high biodiversity value.

Invasive Species Management:

• The goal is to reduce the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by 50%.
• Invasive species often disrupt native ecosystems and can lead to biodiversity loss.

Participation and Rights:

• A key focus is on ensuring the participation of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in biodiversity conservation efforts.
• This emphasizes the importance of respecting traditional knowledge and practices in conserving ecosystems.

Sustainable Consumption:

• India aims to enable sustainable consumption choices and halve food waste, promoting responsible use of resources.
• Reducing food waste helps conserve resources and reduces environmental impacts.

Benefit Sharing:

• The country is committed to ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and traditional knowledge associated with these resources.

Pollution Reduction:

• India is committed to halving nutrient loss and reducing pesticide risks as part of broader pollution reduction goals.
• This will help mitigate the harmful effects of pollution on biodiversity.

Biodiversity Planning:

• Management plans will be developed to ensure that areas of high biodiversity importance are protected from degradation and loss.
• This target aims to prioritize areas that are essential for maintaining biodiversity.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

Background and Adoption:

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted in December 2022 during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the CBD.
• It is a multilateral treaty aimed at addressing the global biodiversity crisis and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
• This framework builds on the previous Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Goals:

• The KMGBF envisions that by 2030, 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine ecosystems will be restored.
• It also includes 23 global targets to be achieved by 2030, focusing on conservation, sustainable use, and the fair sharing of biodiversity benefits.
• These targets are designed to guide global efforts toward protecting nature and achieving harmony with ecosystems by 2050.

Long-Term Vision:

• The framework sets a vision for 2050, which emphasizes “living in harmony with nature.”
• This involves integrating biodiversity conservation into development policies and ensuring that biodiversity is protected and used sustainably.
• It is a collective effort, rather than requiring individual countries to allocate 30% of their land and water.

India’s Response: National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs)

• India has developed National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) as part of its obligations under the CBD.
• These targets have been formulated to align with the KMGBF, and they will be an essential part of India’s biodiversity conservation strategy.

Aichi Biodiversity Targets:

• India’s previous biodiversity targets, known as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011-2020), guided national efforts under the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).
• This plan was first formulated in 2008 and updated in 2014 to reflect the global biodiversity framework at the time.

Monitoring and Framework:

• To ensure effective implementation of the new biodiversity targets, India has also developed indicators and a monitoring framework.
• This will provide a roadmap for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.

Strategies for Achieving Biodiversity Goals

India’s success in achieving its new biodiversity goals will depend on several strategies:

Conservation of Neglected Ecosystems:

• India needs to focus on the conservation of lesser-known ecosystems such as grasslands, wetlands, and seagrass meadows, which are often overlooked in conservation efforts.

Habitat Connectivity:

• Well-connected protected areas that integrate broader landscapes and seascapes are essential for promoting species movement and enhancing biodiversity.
• India must prioritize the creation of protected corridors and connections between isolated ecosystems.

Mobilizing Financial Resources:

• India will require financial support from developed nations to implement its biodiversity targets effectively.
• The KMGBF encourages developed countries to mobilize at least USD 20 billion annually by 2025, increasing to USD 30 billion by 2030, for biodiversity initiatives in developing countries.

Co-Management Models:

• Involving indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation process through co-management frameworks can enhance the effectiveness of protected areas and support sustainable livelihoods for these communities.

Integrating OECMs:

• Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), such as traditional agricultural systems and privately owned lands that contribute to biodiversity conservation, are also vital for achieving conservation goals.
• Shifting focus from strictly protected areas to OECMs allows for more flexible conservation strategies.

Reforming Agricultural Subsidies:

• India should shift subsidies away from harmful agricultural practices, such as the excessive use of pesticides, toward sustainable alternatives that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Aligning with Previous Targets:

• India can build on the progress made through its previous National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and align the new 23 biodiversity targets with the existing framework for a cohesive strategy.

Conclusion

India’s commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, through its 23 biodiversity targets, reflects its strategic approach to protecting ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing community participation.

By focusing on neglected ecosystems, mobilizing resources, and reforming subsidies, India can make significant progress toward achieving its biodiversity goals by 2030 and contributing to global biodiversity efforts.