The 16th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) concluded in Cali, Colombia, with India launching its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Introduction
The 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Cali, Colombia, marks a critical step forward in global biodiversity conservation efforts. At the conference, India unveiled its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). This new framework and the decisions made at COP 16 highlight the global commitment to halting biodiversity loss and emphasize the importance of equitable sharing of resources, inclusive participation of local communities, and sustainable management practices. This article outlines the key highlights of COP 16 and examines the significance of India’s updated NBSAP in ensuring sustainable biodiversity conservation.
Key Highlights of COP-16 to the CBD
Operationalization of the Cali Fund
The Cali Fund was launched to promote the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources.
At least 50% of the Cali Fund’s resources will be dedicated to addressing the needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, with a special focus on women and youth.
DSI, which refers to genomic data, is essential for advancing environmental and biological research.
The fund is crucial in ensuring that developing countries and indigenous communities benefit from the use of genetic resources in scientific research.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of promoting sustainable and equitable biodiversity management.
Establishment of a Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8j
A new permanent subsidiary body was established to focus on the preservation and maintenance of indigenous knowledge, innovations, and practices.
The body will facilitate the active participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts.
A new Programme of Work on indigenous peoples and local communities was adopted to ensure their meaningful involvement in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
This decision underscores the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern biodiversity conservation practices.
Resource Mobilization and Financing Biodiversity Initiatives
Parties agreed to develop a strategy for securing USD 200 billion annually by 2030 to support global biodiversity initiatives.
The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) was launched at COP 16 with an initial contribution of USD 200 million from China.
Another key goal is to redirect USD 500 billion annually from subsidies that negatively impact biodiversity by 2030.
These financial mechanisms are essential to achieving the ambitious biodiversity conservation targets set globally.
National Biodiversity Targets
119 countries out of 196 CBD Parties submitted their national biodiversity targets to help achieve the 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
To date, 44 countries have submitted their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to support the implementation of these targets.
These targets focus on reducing biodiversity threats, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and promoting sustainable resource use.
Addressing Synthetic Biology and Invasive Species
COP-16 introduced a thematic action plan on synthetic biology, focusing on capacity-building, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing among developing countries.
The conference also focused on managing invasive alien species, with proposals for improved databases and cross-border trade regulations to curb their spread.
Enhanced coordination with e-commerce platforms is also a part of the strategy to mitigate the risks posed by invasive species.
Sustainable Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation
COP-16 emphasized the need for sustainable wildlife management through monitoring, capacity-building, and the active involvement of indigenous communities and women.
The protection of plant species was identified as critical to achieving global biodiversity targets, and progress should be measurable and consistent with these targets.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
About KMGBF
The KMGBF is a multilateral treaty aimed at halting and reversing global biodiversity loss by 2030.
Adopted during the 15th COP in December 2022, it builds on the achievements and lessons from the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020).
The framework is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a roadmap for collective action.
Goals and Targets
A key goal of the framework is to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, including terrestrial, marine, and inland water bodies, by 2030.
The framework includes 23 action-oriented global targets, which focus on urgent biodiversity conservation needs.
Long-Term Vision
The long-term vision of the KMGBF is to ensure that by 2050, humanity lives in harmony with nature, providing a foundational guide for policy and actions related to biodiversity conservation.
India’s Updated NBSAP
Significance of NBSAP
India, as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with over 55,000 plant species and 100,000 animal species, plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation.
The updated NBSAP is essential for aligning India’s conservation efforts with global biodiversity frameworks like the KMGBF.
The plan outlines 23 national biodiversity targets, aiming to reduce biodiversity threats, promote sustainable use, and enhance ecosystem resilience.
Structure and Implementation
The updated NBSAP includes seven chapters addressing contextual analysis, capacity-building, financing, and biodiversity monitoring frameworks.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees its implementation, supported by entities such as the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
Key Targets
India aims to conserve 30% of its areas, effectively reducing biodiversity loss.
The updated NBSAP targets a 50% reduction in invasive alien species and promotes sustainable consumption practices.
The plan also commits to reducing pollution and nutrient loss, contributing to global biodiversity goals.
Conclusion
The 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity set a new course for global biodiversity conservation through initiatives such as the Cali Fund, the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. India's alignment with the KMGBF and its commitment to the updated NBSAP demonstrates its active role in the global effort to conserve biodiversity. These developments underline the importance of equitable resource sharing, sustainable practices, and the inclusion of local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts.
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