India releases new biodiversity plan
The Indian government has released an updated Biodiversity Action Plan with the goal of protecting 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030. This initiative by the government is in line with global biodiversity targets. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, presented at the 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia, includes 23 national targets. These goals are in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the 15th United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Canada in 2022.
India is one of the 17 countries with the richest biodiversity. To protect the environment, India accepted the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in 1994. Furthermore, 7 to 8% of the world’s species are found in India.
India will pay attention to biosecurity
From 2017-18 to 2021-22, India spent approximately Rs 322 billion on the protection, conservation and restoration of biodiversity. Furthermore, India targets to spend Rs 81,664.88 billion annually in the next few years. Under the updated plan, India aims to bring 30% of its landscapes under protected areas and other effective regional conservation measures by 2030, which will make a significant contribution to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
What’s the plan?
India has divided its biodiversity goals into three main areas, the first of which is reducing threats to biodiversity. This includes changes in land and ocean use, pollution, overexploitation of species, climate change and invasive alien species. The second sector focuses on sustainable utilization and benefit sharing to meet people’s needs, focusing on developing agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery and forest management to improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
The third area is mobilizing implementation tools and solutions, including integrating biodiversity into development goals. It also includes promoting sustainable production and consumption, mobilizing resources and encouraging inclusive planning.
