India’s 7th National Report On Biodiversity Progress

India submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2026. This report assesses India’s progress towards the global biodiversity goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted in 2022. It marks achievements and challenges in conserving biodiversity by 2030.

Global Biodiversity Framework and India’s Commitments

The KMGBF sets 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. These include conserving 30% of land and seas, restoring ecosystems, reducing pollution, and halting species extinction. India’s report aligns 23 national targets with these global goals. India is a megadiverse country, making its progress crucial for global biodiversity outcomes.

Preparation and Data Collection Process

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change led the report preparation. It involved 33 ministries, the National Biodiversity Authority, UNDP, and the Wildlife Institute of India. A digital portal compiled data from 142 national indicators. Stakeholder consultations included Indigenous groups, women, youth, NGOs, and private sector representatives. Challenges include inconsistent data collection and lack of standardised protocols.

Key Findings on Biodiversity Targets

– Land and sea-use planning (NBT1) – Forest and tree cover is 25.17% of India’s area. Wetland inventories and coastal management plans are in place. Digital approvals have improved. – Ecosystem restoration (NBT2) – 24.1 million hectares restored against a 26 million hectare target. However, nearly 30% of land is still degraded. – Conservation (NBT3) – Protected areas cover about 5% of India’s land. Marine protected areas are expanding but 30% target remains uncertain. – Species recovery (NBT4) – Tiger population is 3,167. Asiatic lions and one-horned rhinos are stable or growing. Snow leopard populations assessed for the first time.

Challenges and Outlook

Biodiversity data remains scattered and inconsistent. Financial and technical resources are limited. Climate change impacts like floods and droughts threaten ecosystems. Only two targets (land-use planning and restoration) are clearly on track. Others need stronger implementation to meet 2030 goals.

Topics for Prelims:

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

1. Adopted in 2022 for global biodiversity goals by 2030.
2. Includes 23 targets like conserving 30% land and seas.
3. Focuses on ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction.
4. India aligns national targets with KMGBF.
5. Monitored through national reports every few years.

India’s Biodiversity Monitoring System

1. Coordinated by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
2. Uses 142 national indicators across 23 targets.
3. Involves multiple ministries and stakeholders.
4. Includes digital data portal NR7 for information compilation.
5. Challenges include data inconsistency and limited protocols.

Key Biodiversity Targets (NBT1 to NBT4)

1. NBT1 – Biodiversity-inclusive land and sea-use planning.
2. NBT2 – Ecosystem restoration with a 26 million hectare target.
3. NBT3 – Conservation of protected areas aiming for 30% coverage.
4. NBT4 – Species recovery focusing on flagship species like tigers.
5. Progress varied; only NBT1 and NBT2 clearly on track.

Questions for Mains:

1. Critically discuss the role of international frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in shaping national biodiversity policies. How effective are such frameworks in ensuring implementation? [GS-II-International Relations]
2. Examine the challenges of biodiversity data collection and monitoring in India. Analyse how technological advancements can address these challenges. [GS-III-Science & Technology]
3. Estimate the impact of ecosystem degradation on India’s agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Point out measures to integrate biodiversity conservation in agriculture. [GS-III-Economic Development]
4. Analyse the significance of protected areas and species recovery programmes in India’s biodiversity conservation strategy. Discuss the limitations of focusing mainly on flagship species. [GS-I-Indian Society]

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the role of international frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in shaping national biodiversity policies. How effective are such frameworks in ensuring implementation? [GS-II-International Relations]

1. KMGBF (2022) sets 23 global biodiversity targets to be achieved by 2030, providing a comprehensive roadmap for biodiversity conservation worldwide.
2. India aligns its 23 national biodiversity targets with KMGBF, showing the framework’s influence on national policy formulation.
3. International frameworks facilitate coordination, data sharing, and reporting through mechanisms like periodic national reports (e.g., India’s 7th National Report).
4. Effectiveness depends on national institutional capacity, stakeholder involvement, and political will; alignment alone does not guarantee implementation success.
5. Challenges include data inconsistency, resource limitations, and varying national priorities that affect uniform implementation.
6. Frameworks raise global awareness and accountability but require stronger domestic enforcement, monitoring systems, and financial support to ensure tangible outcomes.

2. Examine the challenges of biodiversity data collection and monitoring in India. Analyse how technological advancements can address these challenges. [GS-III-Science & Technology]

1. Biodiversity data in India is scattered across 33 ministries and departments, lacking standardised protocols and uniform data collection intervals.
2. Complexity and high costs of monitoring biodiversity limit comprehensive and consistent data availability.
3. Rapid technological changes, especially in satellite remote sensing, complicate longitudinal data comparisons.
4. Digital platforms like NR7 data portal and PARIVESH 2.0 improve data compilation, integration, and regulatory approvals.
5. Emerging technologies such as AI, drones, GIS mapping, and remote sensing can enhance real-time monitoring, data accuracy, and ecosystem mapping.
6. Capacity building and standardized methodologies are essential to fully leverage technology for consistent long-term biodiversity monitoring.

3. Estimate the impact of ecosystem degradation on India’s agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Point out measures to integrate biodiversity conservation in agriculture. [GS-III-Economic Development]

1. Approximately 29.77% of India’s land is under degradation, affecting soil fertility, water availability, and crop yields, thereby threatening rural livelihoods.
2. Land degradation leads to reduced agricultural productivity, increased vulnerability to climate events, and diminished ecosystem services.
3. Integration of biodiversity through agroforestry (covering 8.65% of geographical area) and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) supports soil health and resilience.
4. Promotion of organic farming, reduction in pesticide and nutrient runoff can mitigate biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes.
5. Policy support for ecosystem restoration (NBT2) and biodiversity-inclusive land-use planning (NBT1) can enhance sustainable agriculture.
6. Engagement of local communities, Indigenous knowledge, and diversified cropping systems strengthen biodiversity conservation in farming.

4. Analyse the significance of protected areas and species recovery programmes in India’s biodiversity conservation strategy. Discuss the limitations of focusing mainly on flagship species. [GS-I-Indian Society]

1. Protected areas cover about 5% of India’s land, contributing to habitat protection and ecosystem conservation aligned with the global 30×30 goal.
2. Species recovery programmes have led to successes in flagship species like tigers (3,167 population), Asiatic lions, and one-horned rhinoceros.
3. Protected marine areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) are expanding but may not yet meet conservation coverage targets.
4. Focusing mainly on flagship species may overlook lesser-known taxa, leading to incomplete biodiversity assessments and conservation gaps.
5. Flagship species attract funding and public attention but may divert resources from broader ecosystem and species diversity conservation.
6. Holistic strategies integrating habitat connectivity, lesser-known species, and ecosystem functions are crucial for comprehensive biodiversity conservation.