Environment ( United nation convention on bio diversity)

Introduction

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) is a landmark international treaty adopted during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It came into force on 29 December 1993 and represents a global commitment to conserve the planet’s biological resources. The Convention acknowledges that biodiversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations.

Objectives of UNCBD

The Convention rests on three main objectives:

1. Conservation of biological diversity – Protection of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
2. Sustainable use of its components – Promoting the responsible and equitable use of biological resources.
3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits – Ensuring that benefits arising from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly, particularly with countries providing these resources.

Key Features of the Convention

• It is a legally binding treaty, unlike previous non-binding declarations on the environment.
• It emphasizes sovereign rights of nations over their biological resources.
• Promotes national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs).
• Recognizes the role of indigenous and local communities in conserving biodiversity.
• Advocates the integration of biodiversity considerations into national decision-making processes.

Institutional Mechanisms

1. Conference of the Parties (COP):
• The supreme governing body of the UNCBD.
• Meets every two years to review progress and adopt decisions.
• Notable COPs include:
• COP-10 (Nagoya, 2010) – Adoption of the Nagoya Protocol.
• COP-11 (Hyderabad, 2012) – Focused on resource mobilization.
• COP-15 (Montreal, 2022) – Adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
2. Subsidiary Bodies:
• SBSTTA (Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice) provides scientific input.
• SBI (Subsidiary Body on Implementation) monitors progress and implementation.
4. Secretariat:
• Based in Montreal, Canada, it facilitates implementation and coordination.

Major Protocols under UNCBD

1. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000):
• Deals with the safe handling and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) that may pose risks to biodiversity.
• Emphasizes the precautionary principle in biotechnology.
3. Nagoya Protocol (2010):
• Focuses on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) related to genetic resources.
• Ensures that countries providing genetic resources receive a fair share of the benefits derived.
5. Nagoya–Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol (2010):
• Addresses liability and redress for damage caused by LMOs.

The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022)

• Replaced the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020).
• Sets 23 global targets for 2030, including:
• Protecting 30% of the planet’s land and sea areas (“30x30 target”).
• Reducing harmful subsidies by at least $500 billion per year.
• Restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• Ensuring equitable participation of indigenous peoples and local communities.

India and UNCBD

• India ratified the UNCBD in 1994 and has been an active participant.
• Implemented through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules, 2004.
• Established National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at Chennai.
• Launched initiatives like:
• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).
• People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local levels.

Significance of UNCBD

• Promotes global cooperation on biodiversity conservation.
• Integrates ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability.
• Encourages scientific research, capacity building, and technology transfer.
• Strengthens international environmental governance.

Challenges

• Limited financial and technological support for developing nations.
• Ineffective implementation of biodiversity targets.
• Continued habitat loss and species extinction.
• Conflicts between conservation goals and economic development.
• Lack of global enforcement mechanisms.

Conclusion

The UNCBD represents humanity’s collective will to protect life on Earth. Despite implementation challenges, its framework continues to guide global biodiversity conservation efforts. The recent Kunming–Montreal Framework has revitalized international commitment, emphasizing that safeguarding biodiversity is essential for sustainable development, climate resilience, and human well-being.

Keywords for UPSC:

UNCBD, Earth Summit 1992, Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol, Kunming–Montreal Framework, Aichi Targets, National Biodiversity Authority, 30x30 target, Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).