21-October-2024-Special-Article

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON TROPICAL FORESTS

Recent studies reveal that Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in tropical forests are facing significant changes in temperature due to global warming and climate change.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s land by 2030, with a focus on conserving these crucial areas.

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

The KMGBF is an international agreement designed to stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030.

Adoption: It was adopted in December 2022 during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Objectives:

• By 2030, restore at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine ecosystems.
• Contains 23 action-oriented targets for immediate action leading up to 2030.

Long-term Vision: By 2050, promote living in harmony with nature and guide future policies and actions for biodiversity conservation.

Key Highlights of the Study on KBAs

Temperature Changes: Up to 66% of tropical forest KBAs are now experiencing new average annual temperature conditions.

Regional Variations:

• Africa: 72% of KBAs affected.
• Latin America: 59% of KBAs affected.
• Asia and Oceania: 49% of KBAs affected.

Unprotected KBAs: In Asia and Oceania, 12% of KBAs have not transitioned to new temperature conditions, and 23% of these are unprotected.

Stable Environment: The climate under forest canopies is more stable than in open areas, leading to less temperature fluctuation.

Severe Impacts: Some KBAs, particularly in Latin America (2.9%) and Asia and Oceania (0.4%), have shifted to entirely new temperature conditions, with over 80% of temperature measurements falling outside their previous ranges.

Protected Areas: About 34% of tropical forest KBAs remain unaffected by new temperature patterns, and more than half of these are under some form of protection.

What are Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)?

• Origin: The concept began with BirdLife International identifying Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). It has since expanded to include other species groups.
• Recognition: In 2004, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognized the need for a unified approach, leading to the 2016 global KBA Standard.
• Definition: KBAs are sites crucial for global biodiversity, housing unique species or those limited to specific regions.
• Recognition Criteria: There are 11 criteria across five categories for a site to qualify as a KBA:

• Threatened biodiversity.
• Geographically restricted biodiversity.
• Ecological integrity.
• Biological processes.

• Global Presence: Over 16,000 KBAs have been mapped globally, with 862 located in India, such as those in the Western Ghats.

Impact of Rising Temperatures on Tropical Forests and KBAs

• Microclimate Disruption: Rapid temperature changes can exceed species’ tolerance levels, leading to stress or death, particularly for those adapted to stable microclimates.
• Biodiversity Threat: Increased temperatures can cause habitat degradation, affecting sensitive ecosystems like rainforests and mangroves.
• Ecosystem Services Alteration: Rising temperatures may hinder essential ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, water management, and nutrient cycling.
• Invasive Species Threat: Warmer climates can enable invasive species to thrive, outcompeting native species.
• Deforestation Risks: Higher temperatures increase the risk of deforestation and degradation, making ecosystems more susceptible to fires, pests, and diseases.
• Species Composition Changes: Many species may migrate to higher altitudes or latitudes in search of cooler environments, risking local extinctions.
• Impacts on Human Communities: Temperature rise can affect forest productivity, threatening the livelihoods of local communities that depend on these ecosystems for food, medicine, and shelter.

Protecting Key Biodiversity Areas from Rising Temperatures

• Nature-Based Solutions: Implement ecosystem-based strategies to mitigate climate change effects while avoiding harmful practices like monoculture.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Focus on protecting and restoring forests, wetlands, peatlands, and mangroves to enhance carbon capture and biodiversity.
• Rewilding Initiatives: Explore the reintroduction of native species as part of rewilding strategies to restore ecosystems.
• Habitat Connectivity: Create corridors connecting fragmented habitats, enabling species to migrate and adapt to climate changes.
• Invasive Species Management: Monitor and regulate goods at borders to prevent the introduction of invasive species and deploy natural predators to control them.

Conclusion

Addressing the impacts of climate change on Key Biodiversity Areas is critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services. The KMGBF and associated strategies are essential for achieving these goals.

Mains question:

1. Examine the significance of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in addressing the impacts of climate change on Key Biodiversity Areas in tropical forests. (150 WORDS)