In a significant move to enhance global biodiversity, India has submitted its National Biodiversity Targets to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in September 2024. This submission aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which outlines 23 urgent action-oriented global targets aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2030.

The KMGBF emphasizes immediate action, urging countries, including India, to initiate the necessary measures to meet these targets. Achieving these goals is critical for realizing long-term objectives set for 2050, fostering ecological integrity, and ensuring sustainable development.

India’s targets include ambitious goals such as conserving 30% of its areas effectively, ensuring justice and participation for indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in biodiversity conservation efforts. Additionally, the country aims to promote sustainable consumption practices while reducing food waste by half. Integrating the multiple values of biodiversity into decision-making processes at all levels is also a key focus.

Another critical target is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, which underscores the importance of inclusivity in biodiversity strategies. The country is committed to reducing pollution by halving nutrient loss and pesticide risks, as well as decreasing the rates of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by 50%. Moreover, all areas will be planned or managed to mitigate the loss of regions with high biodiversity significance.

One of the central themes of the KMGBF is the restoration of at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine ecosystems by 2030. This restoration effort is vital for enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services, ensuring ecological integrity and connectivity across landscapes.

India’s proactive approach in increasing its protected areas reflects its commitment to these global targets. The country currently boasts over 1.7 lakh square kilometers of designated protected areas, including 57 tiger reserves and 33 elephant reserves, which play a crucial role in conserving its rich biodiversity.

As the 16th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP16) approaches, scheduled to take place in Cali, Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024, India plans to further elaborate on its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan. This initiative not only highlights India’s dedication to global biodiversity efforts but also aims to inspire collective action among nations to protect and restore the planet’s diverse ecosystems.