India Submits 23 Targets for National Biodiversity Strategy

In October 2024, as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), India outlined 23 biodiversity targets to strengthen its conservation efforts and meet international biodiversity goals.

Key Points

Alignment with KM-GBF Themes: India’s targets are structured around the three main KM-GBF themes: reducing biodiversity threats, sustainable use and benefit-sharing, and solutions for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation.
Restoration Commitments: India aims to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems, including terrestrial, water, and coastal areas, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Biodiversity in India: With nearly 8% of the world’s known species, including 3,532 fish species and 1,346 bird species, India’s biodiversity strategy reflects its commitment to preserving its rich ecosystem.
NBSAP’s Broader Objectives: India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) addresses issues like water scarcity, food security, and human-wildlife conflicts, aiming to support both national and global conservation goals.
Focus on Reducing Biodiversity Threats: Eight of the 23 targets focus on mitigating threats like habitat change, pollution, overexploitation, climate impact, and managing invasive species.
Action against Invasive Species: Plans to mitigate the impact of invasive alien species include managing introduction pathways, establishing quarantine measures, and creating a national database for monitoring.
Financial Needs for Biodiversity Goals: India estimates a need for Rs 81,664.88 crore annually from 2024-25 to 2029-30 to achieve its targets, with current biodiversity expenditure averaging Rs 32,207.13 crore.