India Reaffirms Biodiversity Commitment at CBD COP-17 in Armenia
In a significant address at the High-Level Segment of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-17) in Yerevan, Armenia, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, reiterated India’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation. He commended the government of Armenia for hosting this vital meeting, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in preserving the planet’s biological resources.
During his address, Shri Yadav underscored that the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework must align with national interests and legal frameworks. He called for improved financial support, capacity-building, and technology transfers from developed nations to facilitate effective action plans. Moreover, he expressed India’s support for equitable sharing of benefits arising from digital sequence information on genetic resources through established multilateral mechanisms, including the Cali Fund.
The Minister advocated for a science-based and precautionary approach concerning synthetic biology and biosafety. He pointed out that India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan effectively translates the Global Biodiversity Framework into 23 specific national biodiversity targets along with 142 indicators.
Shri Yadav highlighted India’s advancements in biodiversity conservation efforts, noting that the country has established 1,134 Protected Areas, 103 Ramsar Sites, 57 Biodiversity Heritage Sites, and 18 Biosphere Reserves, 13 of which are part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Network. He mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the International Big Cat Alliance is enhancing international collaboration for the protection of the world’s seven big cat species and their habitats. He also introduced initiatives like Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and collective societal actions for biodiversity conservation.
The Minister detailed several innovative initiatives taken by India to advance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, including the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), which focuses on mangrove restoration, and the Amrit Dharohar initiative for wetland conservation. Furthermore, the Soil Health Card Scheme is part of efforts to manage soil sustainably and maintain its fertility.
Reiterating India’s dedication to global cooperation, Shri Yadav affirmed that India will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to advance the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in line with the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The emphasis on a cohesive and cooperative global strategy highlights India’s pivotal role in the continuing efforts of biodiversity preservation around the world.
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