Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India’s commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)
10 marks · answer in 150 words · directive: Discuss
The core of a good answer
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (December 2022) aims for a world living in harmony with nature by 2050 through four goals and 23 targets for 2030, including protecting 30% of land and sea; India has aligned its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (submitted 31 October 2024) with 23 national targets, including 30% area conservation, backed by laws and programmes.
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What the question asks
Two parts: the framework's vision, goals and key targets, and India's commitments and initiatives with examples. 'Discuss' needs accurate content on the framework and a balanced note on India's capacity to deliver.
Answer outline
Introduction
The framework was adopted on 19 December 2022 at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, as the successor to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Aim and goals
- Vision: a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
- Goal A: maintain, enhance or restore ecosystems and halt human-induced extinction of threatened species.
- Goal B: sustainable use, and value nature's contributions to people.
- Goal C: fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, including digital sequence information.
- Goal D: adequate finance, capacity building and technology, especially for developing countries.
Key 2030 targets
- At least 30% of land, inland waters, coastal areas and oceans conserved (Target 3); at least 30% of degraded ecosystems under effective restoration (Target 2).
- Halve excess nutrients and the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals; cut the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50%; halve global food waste.
- Reduce harmful subsidies by at least USD 500 billion a year; mobilise at least USD 200 billion a year from all sources, with international flows to developing countries of at least USD 30 billion a year.
India's commitments and initiatives
- Updated NBSAP submitted on the CBD portal on 31 October 2024 during COP16 at Cali, Colombia, with 23 national targets aligned with the framework.
- Commitment to conserve 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.
- Estimated annual spending need of Rs 81,664.88 crore up to 2029-30, against about Rs 32,200 crore spent from 2017-18 to 2021-22.
- Law: Biological Diversity Act, 2002, amended in 2023, with Biodiversity Management Committees and People's Biodiversity Registers for access and benefit sharing.
- Species and habitat programmes such as Project Tiger (1973) and Project Cheetah (2022).
Gaps
- Finance gap, pressure from infrastructure and land use, and the need to secure rights of forest-dwelling communities while expanding protected areas.
Conclusion
India's NBSAP shows strong alignment with the framework; delivery will depend on finance, integration of biodiversity into sectors like agriculture and infrastructure, and community participation.
Examples and data to cite
- Kunming-Montreal GBF adopted 19 December 2022 at CBD COP15, Montreal
- India's updated NBSAP submitted 31 October 2024 at COP16, Cali (Lok Sabha answer, 9 December 2024)
- NBSAP cost estimate Rs 81,664.88 crore a year to 2029-30 (reported November 2024)
Facts to remember
- The GBF has 4 goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.
- Target 3 is the '30 by 30' target.
- The framework aims to mobilise at least USD 200 billion a year for biodiversity from all sources by 2030.
- India's updated NBSAP has 23 national targets.
Concepts explained
Where it sits in the syllabus
- GS3: Conservation, pollution, EIA
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.