Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is a landmark international treaty aimed at conserving biological diversity, promoting its sustainable use, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Recognizing the intrinsic value of biodiversity and its crucial role in ecosystem services, the CBD has become a cornerstone of global environmental governance. As of 2023, 196 parties have ratified the convention, highlighting its widespread acceptance. India is a party to the CBD and has been actively involved in its implementation through various national policies and programs.
Key Goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity
The CBD operates through three main objectives:
- Conservation of Biological Diversity: This involves protecting ecosystems, habitats, and species, including endangered species. It emphasizes in-situ conservation (protecting species within their natural habitats) and ex-situ conservation (protecting species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos and botanical gardens).
- Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity: This objective promotes the responsible and equitable use of biological resources to ensure their long-term availability. It recognizes the importance of biodiversity for human well-being, including food security, health, and economic development.
- Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from the Utilization of Genetic Resources: This addresses the issue of bioprospecting – the search for valuable genetic resources – and ensures that the countries providing these resources receive a fair share of the benefits derived from their use. The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is a key instrument for implementing this objective.
India’s Implementation of the CBD Provisions
India has taken several steps to implement the provisions of the CBD, encompassing legislative, policy, and programmatic measures. These can be categorized as follows:
1. Legislative Framework
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002: This Act is the primary legislation for implementing the CBD in India. It provides for the establishment of a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level.
- The Nagoya Protocol Implementation Act, 2014: This Act operationalizes the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization.
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980 & Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: These acts, though predating the CBD, contribute significantly to in-situ conservation by protecting forests and wildlife. Amendments to these acts have further strengthened conservation efforts.
2. Policy and Planning Initiatives
- National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): India has formulated NBAPs to translate the CBD objectives into national strategies and action plans. The current NBAP (2022-2032) focuses on mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors.
- National Green Mission: One of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Green Mission aims to enhance energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy, indirectly contributing to biodiversity conservation.
- Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework: India has established a robust ABS framework to regulate access to genetic resources and ensure fair benefit sharing with local communities.
3. Programmatic Interventions
- Protected Area Network: India has a well-established network of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves, covering approximately 5% of the country’s geographical area.
- Species Recovery Programs: The government has launched species recovery programs for critically endangered species like the Bengal tiger (Project Tiger, 1973), the Asiatic lion (Project Lion), and the Indian rhinoceros.
- Community Participation: The CBD emphasizes the importance of community participation in biodiversity conservation. India promotes community-based conservation initiatives through the establishment of BMCs and Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs.
- Biosphere Reserves: India has 18 Biosphere Reserves which are internationally recognized for their conservation efforts.
| Area of Implementation | Specific Actions Taken by India |
|---|---|
| Conservation | Expansion of Protected Area Network, Species Recovery Programs (Project Tiger, Project Elephant), In-situ and Ex-situ conservation efforts. |
| Sustainable Use | Promotion of sustainable agriculture practices, eco-tourism initiatives, regulation of harvesting of biological resources. |
| ABS | Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Nagoya Protocol Implementation Act, 2014, establishment of ABS framework. |
Conclusion
The Convention on Biological Diversity provides a crucial framework for global biodiversity conservation. India, as a megadiverse country, has made significant strides in implementing the CBD provisions through its legislative framework, policy initiatives, and programmatic interventions. However, challenges remain, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Continued commitment to strengthening conservation efforts, promoting sustainable use, and ensuring equitable benefit sharing is essential for safeguarding India’s rich biodiversity for future generations. The success of India’s implementation will be crucial for achieving global biodiversity targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.