MoEFCC Observes International Day for Biological Diversity 2025
To commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) partnered with the National Biodiversity Authority (NAB), the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board to host a national celebration in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The event, themed ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,’ also marked the launch of a fortnight-long campaign leading up to World Environment Day 2025, focusing on ‘Ending Plastic Pollution.’
Event Highlights and Exhibitions
The celebration featured an exhibition showcasing biodiversity and bioresources, inaugurated by Shri Tanmay Kumar, Secretary of MoEFCC. He was joined by notable figures including Shri C. Achalender Reddy, Chairperson of the NBA, and Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests. The exhibition highlighted the efforts of twelve State Biodiversity Boards, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and various NGOs, which displayed indigenous biodiversity products, medicinal plants, and diverse crop varieties. Approximately 350 participants attended the event, including government officials, retired senior forest officers, college students, and representatives from NGOs and community-based organizations. This gathering emphasized the collaborative efforts in promoting biodiversity conservation.
India’s Commitment to Biodiversity
During his address, Shri Tanmay Kumar reflected on India’s proactive role in global biodiversity discussions, particularly during the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP 16) held in Cali, Colombia, in 2024. He noted India’s submission of updated National Biodiversity Targets and a revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Kumar underscored India’s influence in shaping biodiversity conservation policies and highlighted the country’s commitment to expanding wetland protection, with 89 Ramsar sites covering 1.35 million hectares, and the notification of 49 Biodiversity Heritage Sites under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Call for Collective Action
In his concluding remarks, Shri Tanmay Kumar urged for collective action inspired by India’s traditional ethos, emphasizing the principle that “Nature protects if she is protected.” He also mentioned the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant4Mother) campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024, which has led to the planting of 142 crore trees, engaging citizens in biodiversity protection. These initiatives reflect India’s dedication to sustainable development and its commitment to global biodiversity goals, ensuring the preservation of its rich natural heritage for future generations.
Publications and Future Initiatives
The event also featured the screening of a video on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) and the release of several publications, including India’s Updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024-2030). These documents outline a comprehensive roadmap for biodiversity conservation aligned with global commitments. Additionally, a brochure detailing India’s Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity was unveiled, along with a prospectus for a new certificate program in Business & Biodiversity Conservation. These releases reinforce India’s commitment to sustainable development and equitable resource sharing, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation in the country.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
