India has a rich tradition of biodiversity conservation, which predates the global biodiversity movement and the establishment of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The journey toward formal biodiversity management began with the creation of the first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1999, followed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project from 2000-2003 that fostered wider stakeholder engagement in biodiversity planning. This culminated in the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) in 2008, which was further refined in 2014 to align with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets established during the CBD’s 2010 meeting.
India’s commitment to biodiversity was also demonstrated through various national reports and updates, including an overview in 2019 that highlighted the status, threats, strategies, and governance frameworks related to biodiversity conservation.
Updating NBSAP
In response to the CBD’s decisions, India prioritized the update of its NBSAP to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This involved extensive consultations and collaboration among stakeholders to establish National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) that reflect the nation’s ecological, social, and economic context. The updated NBSAP comprises seven chapters focusing on contextual analysis, capacity-building strategies, financing mechanisms, and biodiversity monitoring frameworks.
Biodiversity Characteristics and Ecosystem Diversity
India’s diverse geography, climate, and socio-economic conditions contribute to its status as a megadiverse country, housing numerous species across various ecosystems. With over 55,000 plant taxa and 1,00,000 animal species, India plays a crucial role in global biodiversity. This diversity supports essential ecosystem services vital for human livelihoods and ecological health.
Conservation Strategies and Approaches
India employs both in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies. Protected areas (PAs) are central to conservation efforts, complemented by community-driven initiatives and managed forest practices. Agrobiodiversity is recognized as critical for food security, with extensive efforts made in conservation and sustainable management of agricultural biodiversity.
Goals and Targets
The NBSAP outlines 23 National Biodiversity Targets that align with the KM-GBF’s global objectives. These targets focus on reducing threats to biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use of resources, and enhancing tools for implementation. Each target is linked to specific strategies aimed at promoting ecosystem resilience, species recovery, and sustainable management practices.
Implementation of NBSAP
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) serves as the central agency responsible for coordinating biodiversity conservation efforts across India. Since the enactment of the Biological Diversity Act in 2002, the country has developed a multi-tier governance structure involving the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) and numerous Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). These bodies work collaboratively with local communities, particularly in forest-dependent areas, to manage and protect biodiversity.
Furthermore, the Indian government actively incorporates biodiversity considerations into various sectors, engaging multiple ministries and stakeholders, including NGOs and international organizations/Non-State Actors.
Implementation Architecture and Capacity Building
The NBSAP’s implementation architecture advocates for a collaborative governance model, promoting a bottom-up approach that engages local communities and various sectors. Capacity building is a critical component, requiring enhanced training and development initiatives to equip stakeholders at multiple levels.
Biodiversity Financing and Monitoring
A significant challenge identified is the financing of biodiversity initiatives. The estimated financial requirements for implementing the updated NBSAP are substantial, necessitating innovative resource mobilization strategies. The establishment of a comprehensive biodiversity monitoring framework is also essential for tracking progress against national targets, leveraging indicators that reflect the ecological health and biodiversity status across India.
Conclusion
India’s NBSAP reflects a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation, integrating traditional practices with modern governance and collaborative strategies. The ongoing updates and stakeholder engagement underscore the country’s commitment to maintaining its rich biodiversity while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Continued efforts in capacity building, resource mobilization, and effective monitoring will be critical in achieving the set biodiversity targets and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.