Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, highlighted that the updated plan provides a comprehensive overview of India’s biodiversity, current trends, policy frameworks, and financial solutions for conservation efforts.

In a significant step towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, India has updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Submitted on October 31, 2024, during the 16^th Conference of Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia, the revised plan aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

The updated NBSAP addresses critical areas such as species conservation, sustainable utilisation of wild species, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity threat mitigation. With a focus on terrestrial and marine protection, pollution control, and invasive species management, the plan aims to achieve the four goals and 23 targets of the KMGBF, tailored to India’s national circumstances and priorities.

Key priorities of the NBSAP include enhancing ecosystem services, improving access to green spaces in urban areas, and developing wildlife corridors to combat habitat fragmentation. Recognizing the importance of community participation, the strategy emphasizes inclusive governance, engaging women, youth, and marginalized communities to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. A Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach guided the plan’s formulation, involving consultations with 23 central ministries, state organizations, and local stakeholders.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, highlighted that the updated plan provides a comprehensive overview of India’s biodiversity, current trends, policy frameworks, and financial solutions for conservation efforts. It identifies gaps and sets actionable targets to ensure the sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity.

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

India’s commitment to wildlife conservation is further underscored by financial assistance provided under the Centrally Sponsored Umbrella Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’. This scheme encompasses the development of wildlife habitats and flagship initiatives like ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, aimed at habitat conservation and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

During the current financial year, significant funds have been disbursed to states and Union Territories (UTs). Kerala emerged as one of the key beneficiaries, receiving ₹909.64 lakh under the ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ component and ₹221.37 lakh under ‘Project Tiger and Elephant’. Other major allocations include:

• Development of Wildlife Habitats: Assam (₹1234.46 lakh), Nagaland (₹1044.06 lakh), and Karnataka (₹800.82 lakh).
• Project Tiger and Elephant: Madhya Pradesh (₹2213.97 lakh), Maharashtra (₹1726.12 lakh), and Assam (₹2043.60 lakh).

The cumulative funds disbursed under these initiatives amount to ₹10,455.46 lakh for wildlife habitats and ₹14,757.48 lakh for tiger and elephant conservation projects.

Kirti Vardhan Singh noted that these funds support critical conservation activities, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and conflict resolution. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich biodiversity and wildlife heritage through strategic investments and community-driven approaches.

The minister said that India’s proactive measures in biodiversity conservation and wildlife management reflect its dedication to sustainable development and global environmental goals. As the country advances its strategies through robust frameworks and financial support, the collaborative efforts of government bodies, local communities, and stakeholders will be instrumental in achieving long-term ecological balance and resilience.