Context: India has submitted its National Biodiversity Targets to be achieved by 2030 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in September 2024.

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) has 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent action over the decade to 2030. The actions set out in each target need to be initiated immediately by parties including India and achieved by 2030.

• The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP 16) will be held in Cali, Colombia from 21 October - 1 November 2024. India, a party to the COP has submitted its 23 targets ahead of COP16. India will also submit its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan during the COP-16.

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. 

About 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. 

Development of National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) 

• Aichi Biodiversity Targets: In response to the CBD obligations, India has developed 12 national biodiversity targets (NBTs) that align with the previous Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011-2020). 

• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): It was originally created in 2008 and updated in 2014  to incorporate Aichi Biodiversity Targets. 

• Monitoring: Associated indicators and monitoring framework has also been developed by India to provide a roadmap for achieving the NBTs.  

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.