India launched its new biodiversity plan
The Government of India has released an updated Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to protect 30 percent of its terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030. This step by the government is in line with global goals of biodiversity. This National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, presented at the 16th United Nations Conference on Biodiversity in Cali, Colombia, includes 23 national goals. These goals are in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the 15th United Nations Biodiversity Conference to be held in Canada in 2022.
India is one of the 17 richest countries in biodiversity. To protect the environment, India accepted the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity in 1994. Furthermore, 7 to 8 percent of the world’s species are found in India.
India will give importance to biosafety
India spent approximately Rs 32,200 crore on biodiversity protection, conservation and restoration between 2017-18 and 2021-22. Furthermore, in the coming years, India aims to spend Rs 81,664.88 crore every year. Under this updated plan, India aims to have 30 percent of its landscape under protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures by 2030, which will be a significant contribution to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
What is the plan?
India has divided its biodiversity goals into three main areas, the first being reducing threats to biodiversity. This includes changes in land and sea use, pollution, overexploitation of species, climate change and invasive alien species. The second sector aims to meet the needs of people through sustainable utilization and benefit sharing, which focuses on agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forest management to improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
While the third area is to mobilize tools and solutions for its implementation, including the inclusion of biodiversity in development goals. It also includes promoting sustainable production and consumption, mobilizing resources and encouraging inclusive planning.
