CBD:Global Consensus on Biological Diversity

25 Oct CBD:Global Consensus on Biological Diversity

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-3- Environment-CBD: Global Consensus on Biological Diversity

FOR PRELIMS:

What is the CBD, Nagoya Protocol, Cartagena Protocol?

FOR MAINS:

Analyze the challenges faced in implementing the objectives of the CBD, particularly in developing countries.

Why In the News?

The two-week United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) started today in Colombia to assess historic commitments to halt and reverse the loss of nature. Environmental leaders from nearly 200 countries are expected to participate, where 196 countries signed an ambitious global treaty, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to protect biodiversity

What is CBD?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty established in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It aims to conserve biological diversity, promote its sustainable use, and ensure fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

Background
The CBD was created in response to the urgent need to address biodiversity loss caused by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Its three main objectives are:
Conservation of Biological Diversity
Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
Protocols
A key protocol under the CBD is the Nagoya Protocol, adopted in 2010. This protocol focuses on access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits, promoting compliance with national regulations. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted in 2000, addresses the safe handling, transport, and use of living-modified organisms (LMOs), ensuring that biodiversity is protected from potential risks associated with biotechnology.
India and CBD (2012)
India, a signatory to the CBD, hosted the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP 11) in Hyderabad in 2012. Key outcomes included:
1. Emphasis on national biodiversity targets aligned with global goals.
2. Discussions on biosafety and managing genetically modified organisms.
3. Highlighting the role of local communities in conservation efforts.

Objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

1. Conservation of Biological Diversity: To protect ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity to maintain healthy and functioning ecosystems.
2. Sustainable Use of Biodiversity: To ensure that biological resources are used in a way that does not lead to their long-term decline, promoting practices that support sustainability.
3. Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: To guarantee that benefits arising from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly with the communities and countries providing those resources.
4. Incorporation of Traditional Knowledge: To recognize and respect the traditional knowledge of indigenous and local communities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
5. Development of National Strategies: To encourage countries to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans that align with global biodiversity goals.
6. Promotion of International Cooperation: To foster collaboration among countries in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
7. Addressing Biodiversity Loss: To combat the ongoing threats to biodiversity, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
8. Capacity Building and Awareness: To enhance the capacities of nations and communities to conserve biodiversity and raise awareness about its importance.

Significance of the CBD:

1. Global Framework: Provides a comprehensive framework for international cooperation on biodiversity conservation.
2. Biodiversity Protection: Aims to halt biodiversity loss and protect the planet’s ecosystems and species.
3. Sustainable Development: Supports sustainable development by promoting the sustainable use of biological resources, which are vital for food security, medicine, and livelihoods.
4. Equity and Justice: Ensures that benefits from biodiversity are shared equitably, addressing issues of environmental justice and equity.
5. Inclusion of Indigenous Rights: Recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, integrating their knowledge and practices into conservation efforts.
6. Economic Value: Highlights the economic importance of biodiversity, encouraging countries to invest in conservation as a means of ensuring long-term economic benefits.
7. Climate Change Mitigation: Supports efforts to combat climate change by promoting biodiversity as a critical component of resilient ecosystems.
8. Public Awareness: Raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity for ecosystems, human health, and well-being, encouraging public engagement and support for conservation efforts.

Factors affecting biological diversity:

1. Habitat Loss: Destruction of natural habitats due to urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development leads to a significant decline in species and ecosystems.
2. Pollution: Chemical pollutants, plastic waste, and agricultural runoff can harm ecosystems and species, affecting their survival and reproductive success.
3. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events disrupt habitats, forcing species to adapt, migrate, or face extinction.
4. Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and harvesting of plants and animals reduce populations and can lead to the extinction of vulnerable species.
5. Invasive Species: Non-native species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, disrupting local ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
6. Land Use Changes: Agricultural expansion, deforestation, and land degradation fragment habitats, making it difficult for species to survive and reproduce.
7. Human Population Growth: Increasing human populations place greater pressure on natural resources, leading to habitat destruction and increased pollution.
8. Economic Factors: Economic activities focused on short-term gains often overlook the long-term sustainability of biodiversity, leading to the depletion of resources.
9. Policy and Governance: Weak environmental policies and governance can hinder effective conservation efforts, allowing harmful practices to continue unchecked.

India Initiative:

1. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): Launched in 2008, the NBAP outlines strategies for conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits from biological resources.
2. Biosphere Reserves: India has established several biosphere reserves, which are designated areas aimed at conserving biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods. Examples include the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
3. Protected Areas Network: The country has a vast network of protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, to conserve critical habitats and species.
4. Wildlife Protection Act (1972): This legislation provides for the protection of wildlife and their habitats, establishing a framework for the conservation of endangered species.
5. Forest Conservation Act (1980): Aimed at conserving forest cover, this act regulates deforestation and promotes reforestation efforts.
6. National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): This plan aims to ensure the protection of wildlife and their habitats, addressing threats to biodiversity through strategic actions.
7. India Biodiversity Portal: An online platform that provides access to information on India’s biodiversity, promoting awareness and participation in conservation efforts.
8. Participatory Conservation Models: Initiatives that involve local communities in conservation efforts, recognizing their traditional knowledge and practices.
9. National Biodiversity Fund: Established to finance biodiversity conservation projects and support sustainable practices at local and national levels.
10. Biological Diversity Act of 2002:The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 in India establishes a framework for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits, supported by initiatives like the National Biodiversity Authority and local Biodiversity Management Committees

Global level:

1. Global Biodiversity Framework: Adopted in 2022 at COP15 of the CBD, this framework outlines specific targets and goals for biodiversity conservation by 2030, including protecting 30% of the Earth’s land and marine areas.
2. Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Established during COP10 in 2010, these 20 targets aim to address the drivers of biodiversity loss and promote sustainable management of ecosystems by 2020.
3. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): A global organization that focuses on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, providing a platform for conservation efforts and policy advocacy.
4. The Ramsar Convention: An international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, recognizing their ecological importance and role in biodiversity.
5. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): An international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
6. Bonn Challenge: A global effort to restore 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2020, with the aim of promoting ecosystem restoration and enhancing biodiversity.
7. UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): A global initiative aimed at preventing, halting, and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, promoting sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.
8. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 15 specifically addresses life on land, emphasizing the need to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.
9. Partnerships and Networks: Collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and private sectors, such as the Global Partnership for Forest and Landscape Restoration, aim to share knowledge and resources for biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion:

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is essential for global biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices. It addresses urgent threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change through its objectives and protocols. India’s initiatives, including the National Biodiversity Action Plan and protected areas, reflect a commitment to these global goals while valuing local communities and traditional knowledge.Global efforts, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework and Aichi Targets, emphasize collaboration and equitable resource management.

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Prelims Question:

Q. What role does the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) play in biodiversity conservation?
A. Promotes industrial development
B. Focuses on nature conservation and sustainable use of resources
C. Regulates global trade policies
D. Manages urban planning

Answer: B

Ritik singh