Syllabus
GS Paper III – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) concluded in Cali, Colombia, in November 2024.
Outcomes of UNCBD COP 16
Introduction
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) marked a significant milestone in global efforts to conserve biodiversity. Held in Cali, Colombia, in November 2024, the conference brought together nations worldwide to address pressing environmental challenges. The event aimed to strengthen international cooperation, adopt ambitious targets, and accelerate actions to protect ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity. The outcomes of COP 16 will shape the future of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed annually on May 22 to raise awareness about biodiversity issues.
The theme for the 2024 International Day for Biological Diversity was “Be part of the Plan.”
The year 2010 was designated as the International Year of Biodiversity.
The period from 2011 to 2020 was declared the Decade on Biodiversity.
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity
What is the UNCBD?
- The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) is an international treaty that entered into force in 1993.
- It was established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, alongside the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- Currently, 196 countries, including India, have ratified the CBD, making them parties to the Conference of the Parties (COP). Notably, the United States is the only UN member state that has not ratified the treaty.
The Three Main Goals of the UNCBD
- Conservation of Biological Diversity: Protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
- Sustainable Use of Biodiversity Components: Utilizing biological resources in a way that ensures their long-term availability.
- Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Sharing the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
Supplementary Agreements
- Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Ensures the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs).
- Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing: Establishes a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- Adopted at COP 15, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets out four goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.
- This framework aims to halt biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and ensure that biodiversity contributes to sustainable development.
Key Outcomes of COP 16
Financing Biodiversity Conservation
- Cali Fund: This new fund aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information (DSI) derived from genetic resources.
- Kunming Biodiversity Fund: This fund, backed by a significant Chinese investment, will support developing countries in achieving biodiversity goals.
- Global Biodiversity Framework Fund: This fund, established by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will accept contributions from various sources to support global biodiversity efforts.
Strengthening International Cooperation
- National Biodiversity Targets: A large number of countries have submitted national biodiversity targets and action plans, demonstrating a commitment to implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: COP 16 recognized the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation and established a new body to support their efforts.
- Synthetic Biology: A new thematic action plan was launched to address the ethical and environmental implications of synthetic biology and promote equitable access to this technology.
Protecting Ecosystems and Species
- Invasive Alien Species: The conference endorsed guidelines for managing invasive alien species, including improving cross-border trade regulations and collaborating with e-commerce platforms.
- Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): New mechanisms were established to identify and protect EBSAs, which are vital for marine biodiversity.
- Sustainable Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation: COP 16 emphasized the importance of sustainable wildlife management and plant conservation, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Addressing Emerging Challenges
- Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health: This plan aims to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, particularly in the context of emerging diseases.
- Risk Assessment of Gene Drives: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety adopted new guidance for assessing the risks associated with gene drive technology, which has the potential to alter entire populations of organisms.
India’s Commitment to Biodiversity Conservation: A Focus on the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
India has a rich biodiversity heritage and has taken significant steps to conserve it. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a key instrument in this endeavor.
- A Decade of Planning: India’s first NBSAP was formulated in 1999, followed by a significant revision in 2008 to align with global biodiversity targets.
- Aligning with Global Goals: The latest update of the NBSAP is in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, incorporating its 23 global targets into India’s national strategy.
- A Whole-of-Society Approach: India has adopted a comprehensive approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure effective implementation of the NBSAP.
- Prioritizing Ecosystem Restoration and Species Recovery: The plan focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting wetlands, and sustainably managing coastal areas.
- A Bottom-Up Implementation Strategy: The NBSAP emphasizes a grassroots approach to implementation, ensuring that biodiversity considerations are integrated into various sectors and levels of governance.
Shortcomings of COP 16: A Missed Opportunity
While COP 16 made some progress, it fell short in several crucial areas:
- Insufficient Funding: The conference failed to secure the necessary financial commitments to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework. The pledged amount of $407 million for the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund is significantly less than the targeted $200 billion per year.
- Lack of a Clear Funding Strategy: A concrete strategy to mobilize the required $200 billion annually by 2030 was absent from the COP 16 outcomes.
- Delayed Progress on Financial Commitments: Developed countries have not fulfilled their pledge to provide $20 billion annually in international biodiversity financing by 2025.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Challenges: The conference failed to establish a clear consensus on how to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goals and targets.
The Road Ahead for Biodiversity Conservation
To address the pressing challenges of biodiversity loss, the international community must:
- Strengthen Financial Commitments: Increase efforts to mobilize the necessary financial resources to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Foster Global Cooperation: Promote international cooperation and consensus-building to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.
- Accelerate National Action: Countries must prioritize the implementation of their national biodiversity targets and action plans to drive tangible change at the national level.
Conclusion
While COP 16 marked a significant step forward in global biodiversity conservation, it also highlighted the immense challenges that lie ahead. The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a testament to the international community’s commitment to addressing biodiversity loss. However, the lack of concrete progress on financing, monitoring, and implementation raises concerns. To ensure the success of the framework, concerted efforts are needed to mobilize resources, strengthen international cooperation, and accelerate national actions. Only through a collective and sustained approach can we hope to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Reference: HT
Related PYQ
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? [UPSC CSE – 2021 Mains]
Practice Question
Critically examine the role of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in addressing global biodiversity loss. Discuss the key challenges faced by the CBD and suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness. [250 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the CBD, its objectives, and the global biodiversity crisis.
- Role of CBD:
- Conservation of Biodiversity: Highlight the CBD’s efforts in protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
- Sustainable Use of Biodiversity: Discuss the CBD’s role in promoting sustainable practices and resource management.
- Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Explain the CBD’s mechanisms for ensuring equitable access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits.
- Challenges Faced by CBD:
- Lack of Adequate Funding: Discuss the financial constraints hindering the CBD’s implementation.
- Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Highlight the challenges in enforcing international agreements and national regulations.
- Climate Change Impacts: Explain how climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss and poses challenges for the CBD.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade: Discuss the impact of illegal wildlife trade on biodiversity and the CBD’s role in combating it.
- Measures to Enhance CBD’s Effectiveness:
- Strengthened International Cooperation: Advocate for increased collaboration among countries to address transnational biodiversity issues.
- Increased Funding: Emphasize the need for adequate financial resources to support CBD’s implementation.
- Effective Monitoring and Enforcement: Call for robust monitoring systems and strict enforcement of regulations.
- Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Explore innovative financing options, such as biodiversity offsets and payments for ecosystem services.
- Public Awareness and Education: Promote public awareness and education about biodiversity conservation.
- Indigenous Knowledge and Practices: Recognize and integrate indigenous knowledge and practices in biodiversity conservation.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and emphasize the urgent need for effective implementation of the CBD to safeguard global biodiversity.