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GS Paper: GS3

  • What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

    Why in the News?

    In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area.

    What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

    • Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity.
    • It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal and teak forests.
    • It spans 1,879.6 sq km across the Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh.
      • The Hasdeo River runs through the forest.
    • It is home to nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including:
      • Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and Indian pangolins.
    • It supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 types of snakes, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
    • It hosts 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-yielding species.

    Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?

    • Environmental Impact: Mining threatens to destroy the forest cover, impacting biodiversity and wildlife corridors.
    • Livelihood Concerns: Local communities depend on the forest for farming and forest produce.
    • Displacement Issues: Villagers report inadequate compensation and resettlement offers, which do not match the size of their current homes.
    • Alleged Forgery: Villagers allege that fake gram sabha resolutions were used to secure clearances for mining projects.
    • Demand for Cancellations: Activists want the Parsa coal block cancelled and assurances that the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest will be protected from future mining.

    PYQ:

    [2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:

    1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.

    2. It has over 70% of its area under forest cover.

    3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.

    Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh

    (b) Assam

    (c) Himachal Pradesh

    (d) Uttarakhand

  • How Tardigrades are able to resist high levels of radiation?

    Why in the News?

    • A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.

    About Tardigrades

    • Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
    • They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
      • Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
      • High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
      • Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
      • High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
    • This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.

    How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?

    The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:

    • DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
    • Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
    • Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.

  • Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline?

    Why in the News?

    According to a recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within key protected areas than outside of them.

    What did the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) say?

    • The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a quantitative measure designed to assess the state of terrestrial biodiversity with its natural baseline, before significant human impact.
    • It decreased by 1.88% points globally between 2000 and 2020, indicating a loss in the average natural biodiversity of regions worldwide.
    • Within the 22% of ‘Critical Biodiversity Areas’ that are protected, biodiversity has declined by 2.1 percentage points, while non-protected areas saw a decline of 1.9 percentage points during the same period.

    Why is the decline happening?

    • Inadequate Ecosystem Protection: Many protected areas focus only on specific species rather than the entire ecosystem, failing to prioritize overall biodiversity intactness.
    • Pre-existing Degradation: Some protected areas may have been already degraded before being designated as protected, limiting their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity.
    • External Threats: Activities such as oil, gas, and mining concessions encroach on protected areas, leading to habitat destruction and further biodiversity loss.
    • Climate Crisis Impact: Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and wildfires, has severely affected protected areas, undermining their conservation efforts.

    Steps taken by the Indian Government to conserve biodiversity:

    • Legislative Framework

        • Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Established to conserve biological resources and regulate access to these resources, ensuring equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.
        • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Facilitates the creation of Protected Areas for wildlife conservation and imposes penalties for illegal hunting.

    • Conservation Policies:

        • Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this initiative aims to protect tiger populations across designated reserves.
        • Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, it focuses on the management and protection of wild elephant populations and their habitats.
        • National Biodiversity Mission: A mission mode initiative aimed at documenting and conserving India’s biodiversity.

    • Protected Areas

      • Establishment of a Protected Area Network: This includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves to provide better protection for wildlife and their habitats.
      • Designation of Biosphere Reserves: These reserves are aimed at conserving representative ecosystems.

    What should be done? (Way forward)

    • Ecosystem-Centric Management: Shift focus from individual species to the overall health of ecosystems to ensuring comprehensive protection of habitats and their interdependent species.
    • Strengthened Protection and Regulation: Implement stricter regulations to limit industrial activities (e.g., oil and gas exploration) within and around protected areas, alongside enforcing more robust land-use policies.
    • Community Engagement and Education: Involve local communities in conservation efforts and enhance public awareness about biodiversity’s importance, fostering a collective responsibility for sustainable practices.

  • Fair Trade 

    Why in the News?

    In preparation for the 29th edition of the COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, next month, there is renewed momentum within government circles to expedite the transition of Indian industry to carbon markets.

    What is meant by the Carbon Trade Policy?

    • It is a market-based approach to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
    • It sets a quantitative limit on emissions, by allowing member countries with lower emissions to sell rights to emit carbon to higher-emitting entities, promoting cost-effective carbon reduction.

    Why India must develop a transparent Carbon Trade Policy?

    • A clear and transparent policy will boost investor confidence, attracting both domestic and foreign investments in green technologies and carbon-reduction projects.
    • Establishing robust verification and reporting mechanisms will enhance the integrity of carbon credits, preventing issues like double counting and greenwashing, and fostering trust among stakeholders.
    • A transparent policy will help align India’s efforts with global climate commitments, enabling effective tracking of emissions reductions and promoting sustainable economic growth.

    How effective is ‘Fair Trade’ in achieving its Goals?

    • Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Just as Fair Trade supports environmentally sustainable agriculture practices, carbon markets incentivize companies to adopt greener technologies and reduce emissions. Both aim to create a more sustainable future.
    • Empowerment of Stakeholders: Fair Trade empowers marginalized producers by providing fair prices and market access, similar to how carbon markets can benefit developing countries like India by enabling them to sell carbon credits generated from emissions reductions.
    • Economic Benefits: Fair Trade aims to create economic stability for producers, while carbon markets can generate revenue for countries that invest in carbon-reduction projects, creating a financial incentive for participating in emissions trading.
    • Global Impact Awareness: Both Fair Trade and carbon markets raise awareness about global issues—Fair Trade regarding trade equity and carbon markets regarding climate change, fostering a sense of responsibility among consumers and companies.

    What are the limitations and challenges facing Fair Trade certification?

    • Certification Costs: The financial burden of obtaining Fair Trade certification can be a significant barrier for small producers. Similarly, transitioning to carbon markets may involve high initial costs for companies to implement the necessary technologies and processes.
    • Market Accessibility: Fair Trade products may not have guaranteed market access, mirroring potential challenges in carbon markets where the demand for carbon credits may fluctuate based on regulations and market conditions.
    • Complex Standards: Just as Fair Trade certification has varying standards, the guidelines under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement can also lead to confusion about which carbon-reduction activities are eligible for trading.

    How can consumers effectively support Fair Trade initiatives?

    • Support Certified Products: Consumers can choose Fair Trade products, which, like carbon credits, require a conscious decision to support ethical and sustainable practices.
    • Educate and Advocate: Just as consumers can promote Fair Trade awareness, they can also advocate for transparent carbon markets and support policies that foster sustainable practices.
    • Engagement with Companies: Consumers can encourage businesses to participate in Fair Trade and carbon markets by demanding accountability and sustainability in their supply chains.
    • Community Participation: Involvement in local Fair Trade events can parallel participation in climate action initiatives, such as local carbon offset programs or sustainability projects, thereby supporting both movements.
    • Utilizing Social Media: Consumers can leverage social media to share information about Fair Trade and carbon markets, helping to amplify their importance and drive consumer engagement.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Certification Accessibility: Lower the cost and simplify the certification process to make Fair Trade more accessible for small-scale producers, boosting their participation and benefits.
    • Enhance Consumer Education: Increase awareness campaigns about the impact of Fair Trade, encouraging more people to support certified products and promoting ethical consumption habits.

  • [pib] Exercise SIMBEX 2024

    Why in the News?

    The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

    About Exercise SIMBEX:

    Details
    History
    • Initially known as Exercise Lion King.
    • The exercise has been held annually since 1994.
    Evolution Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
    Objectives • Strengthen strategic partnership between India and Singapore
    • Enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness
    • Foster cooperation to tackle shared maritime challenges.
    Phases Harbour Phase:
    • Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) for knowledge sharing
    • Cross-deck visits and sports fixtures
    • Pre-sail briefings between both navies
    Sea Phase:
    • Advanced naval drills including live weapon firings
    • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training
    • Anti-surface and anti-air operations
    • Seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
    Significance
    • SIMBEX-2019 was conducted in the South China Sea and involved various maritime combat exercises.
    • Recognized as the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India conducts with any other country (Indian High Commission statement, 2019).

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 4

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • 21st National Livestock Census 2024, begins

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has launched the 21st National Livestock Census (LC), the five-yearly exercise of counting the country’s livestock.

    Innovations in the 21st Livestock Census:

    • For the first time, data collection is being done via a mobile app, enhancing accuracy and timeliness.
    • The census will cover 15 species of animals (excluding poultry) such as cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, donkey, and elephant.
    • Information on 219 Indigenous breeds and livestock holdings by pastoralists will also be recorded, along with data on the gender of individuals involved in livestock rearing.

    About Livestock Census (LC)

    • The Livestock Census (LC) is a nationwide survey conducted every 5 years to count all domesticated animals across households, enterprises, and institutions in rural and urban areas.
      • The National Livestock Census provides detailed data on the population, breeds, and distribution of livestock like cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, pigs, and others.
    • Conducted by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with State/UT governments since 1919.
    • The 21st Livestock Census (2024) is the latest in the series and includes data collected using a dedicated mobile app for improved accuracy and real-time monitoring.

    Significance of the Livestock Census:

    • Policy Formulation: Helps the government develop policies for livestock sector growth, covering aspects like breed improvement, disease control, and feed management.
    • Rural Economy Support: Provides insights into the role of livestock in enhancing rural incomes, nutrition, and employment.
    • Livestock Development Programs: Data supports initiatives like the National Livestock Mission (NLM), which focuses on breed development, feed and fodder improvement, and innovation in livestock practices.
    • Indigenous Breed Conservation: Tracks indigenous livestock breeds to support breed-specific conservation and sustainable practices.

    Previous Census Observations in India:

    [1] 20th Livestock Census (2019):

    • Total Livestock Population: Recorded at 535.78 million, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous census in 2012.
    • Bovine Population: Counted at 302.79 million (includes cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak).
    • Indigenous vs. Exotic Breeds:
      • Indigenous cattle population declined by 6%, indicating a shift toward crossbred and exotic breeds.
      • Exotic and crossbred cattle increased by 29.3%, driven by rising demand for high milk-yielding breeds.
    • Buffalo Population: Increased by 1% to 109.85 million, contributing significantly to India’s milk production.
    • Sheep and Goat Populations:
      • Sheep population rose by 14.1%, reaching 74.26 million.
      • Goat population grew by 10.1%, totaling 148.88 million.
    • Poultry Population: Experienced a substantial growth of 16.8%, with a total of 851.81 million birds, reflecting the expansion of commercial poultry farming.
    • Female Livestock Population: Increase in female cattle (18%) and female buffaloes (8%), underscoring the focus on dairy production.

    [2] 19th Livestock Census (2012):

    • Highlighted an increase in buffalo populations and decline in indigenous cattle.
    • Marked significant growth in poultry numbers, reflecting changing agricultural and economic patterns.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

    [2012] Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
    (a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
    (b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
    (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
    (d) None of the above

  • US court to decide whether elephants get human rights

    Why in the News?

    Colorado’s highest court recently reviewed whether older African female elephants can legally contest their captivity, as the NonHuman Rights Project claims they are unlawfully confined.

    What is nonhuman?

    • Nonhuman animals are living beings other than humans, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, recognized for their capacity to feel, behave, and interact.

    What is Legal personhood? 

    • Legal personhood is the status granted to an entity, allowing it to hold legal rights and obligations, traditionally applied to humans and some organizations.
    • Example: All human individuals are recognized as legal persons. This allows them to enter into contracts, sue, and be sued in court.

    What Constitutes Legal Personhood for Nonhuman Animals?

    • Legal Personhood Definition: Legal personhood refers to the capacity of an entity to have legal rights and duties. In law, a “person” is not strictly limited to human beings; corporations, for example, are considered legal persons.
    • Application to Nonhuman Animals: Extending legal personhood to nonhuman animals involves granting them certain legal rights, such as the right to not be unlawfully confined or exploited. This would require redefining animals’ status from property to beings with inherent rights.
    • Arguments in Favor: Proponents argue that certain highly intelligent and socially complex animals, such as elephants, dolphins, and great apes, should be granted legal rights because they can experience suffering and possess a degree of autonomy akin to that of humans.
    • Arguments Against: Opponents of legal personhood for animals argue that the legal system is designed for human society and extending personhood to animals could lead to complex legal issues.
      • They contend that animal welfare can be ensured through legislative protections rather than redefining personhood.

    How can societies balance animal welfare with cultural practices that might clash with today’s views on animal rights?

    • Engagement and Dialogue: Encourage conversations between cultural leaders, communities, and animal rights advocates to understand different perspectives and find common ground on how to improve animal welfare while respecting traditions.
    • Education and Awareness: Promote education about animal welfare and the capacity of animals to feel pain and suffering, helping communities to reconsider practices and adopt alternatives that align with both cultural values and humane treatment.
    • Legal Frameworks: Implement laws that protect animal welfare while allowing for cultural practices to continue in a regulated manner, ensuring that such practices do not involve cruelty or inhumane treatment of animals.

    What are the Rights of Animals in the Indian Context?

    • Traditional and Cultural Practices: In India, animals play a significant role in various cultural and religious practices. For instance, cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, while elephants are used in festivals and ceremonies.
    • Legal Framework for Animal Rights: India has several laws aimed at protecting animal rights, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These laws establish standards for animal welfare and criminalize cruelty.
      • However, they stop short of granting legal personhood to animals.
    • Judicial Intervention: The Indian judiciary has taken progressive stances on animal rights in some cases.
      • For example, the Uttarakhand High Court in 2018 declared all animals in the state to be legal entities, with citizens acting as guardians. This ruling emphasized the need to protect animals’ dignity and well-being, though it did not grant full legal personhood.

    Conclusion: India can look toward a framework that balances animal welfare with cultural practices by adopting context-specific policies. This could include creating more robust welfare standards, engaging with communities to find humane alternatives, and fostering a cultural shift toward greater empathy for animals.

  • [pib] Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

    Why in the News?

    • Mormugao Port Authority has gained global recognition as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform.
      • It is the first port in India to implement Green Ship Incentives under the ESI, promoting eco-friendly practices in shipping.
      • The port launched the “Harit Shrey” scheme in October 2023, offering port fee discounts based on ESI ratings of commercial vessels.

    About the Environmental Ship Index (ESI):

    Details
    What is it? A scoring system that measures the environmental performance of ships, specifically their air pollution emissions.
    Establishment Launched in 2011 by the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) under the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
    Scope ESI evaluates emissions of:
    • Sulfur oxides (SOx)
    • Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
    • Particulate matter from seagoing vessels.
    Purpose To encourage ships to adopt technologies and practices that minimize emissions, contributing to air quality improvement and climate change mitigation.

    How effective is ESI to reduce emissions, and what metrics are used to evaluate this effectiveness?

    • The ESI provides a framework for incentivizing ships based on their environmental performance, specifically targeting reductions in air emissions such as CO2, SOx, and NOx.  
    • The effectiveness of the ESI is evaluated using specific metrics, including a ship’s ESI score, which is derived from factors such as engine efficiency, fuel quality, and the implementation of emission reduction technologies.
    • The ESI enables ports to analyze the overall impact of green shipping initiatives through aggregated data on participating vessels.

    What are the future developments planned for the ESI?

    • Future plans include expanding metrics to cover additional pollutants and carbon intensity for a more comprehensive environmental assessment.
    • Enhancements in digital reporting for easier tracking of emissions data and performance analytics.
    • Planned updates will aim to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets, including zero-emission technology.

    How will they align with global maritime regulations aimed at decarbonization?

    • ESI updates will align with IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations on pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
    • ESI’s future adaptations will address carbon intensity targets and promote alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, in line with IMO’s goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
    • The ESI is part of the broader World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), promoting sustainability in port operations and low-carbon maritime trade.
    • ESI aims to further incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient engines, battery systems, and hybrid propulsion to support long-term emission reduction.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:

    1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
    2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Betelgeuse, one of the Brightest Stars predicted to Explode

    Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.

    Why in the News?

    Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.

    About Betelgeuse

    • Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder.
    • It is among the brightest and largest stars visible in the night sky, located about 650 light-years from Earth.
    • The star is nearing the end of its life, and when it dies, its explosion is expected to be visible during the day for several weeks.
    • Betelgeuse is vast, measuring more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) in diameter.
    • Known for its periodic dimming and brightening, Betelgeuse has two distinct pulsation cycles:
      • A short-term cycle of about one year.
      • A longer six-year cycle called a long secondary period.
    • Researchers believe this longer cycle may be caused by Betelbuddy (an unseen companion star) moving through the dust surrounding Betelgeuse.

    Indicators and Scientific Evidence

    • Betelgeuse’s cyclic dimming and brightening patterns indicate it is nearing the end of its life.
    • Its massive size and expansion as a red supergiant suggest it is in a late stellar stage.
    • Cooling surface temperature and mass loss through stellar winds signal increasing instability.
    • Spectral analysis shows heavy elements in Betelgeuse’s layers, typical of late-stage fusion.
    • An unseen companion star, or “Betelbuddy,” may be influencing its brightness and internal structure.

    Potential Effects of Betelgeuse’s Supernova on Earth and Our Solar System

    • Betelgeuse’s supernova will likely be visible in daylight for weeks and brighter than the Moon at night.
    • At 650 light-years away, dangerous radiation would dissipate before reaching Earth, posing no harm.
    • Space missions and satellites may experience minor interference from increased cosmic rays.
    • The explosion will enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, contributing to new star formation.
    • The supernova will provide valuable scientific insights into stellar life cycles and cosmic element formation.

    PYQ:

    [2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe

    (b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses

    (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

    (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

  • Biodiversity COP16

    Why in the News?

    For the upcoming Annual Climate Change meeting set to take place in Baku (Azerbaijan), on November 11, countries are currently gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the biennial UN Biodiversity Conference.

    What is the significance of COP16 in the context of Global biodiversity?

    • Post-Kunming-Montreal Framework Implementation: COP16 is the first meeting after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, which set ambitious targets for biodiversity conservation, including the 30 x 30 initiative (conserving 30% of lands and oceans by 2030).
    • Elevated Focus on Biodiversity: The conference seeks to bring biodiversity discussions to the forefront, similar to climate change negotiations, acknowledging the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate crises.
    • Strengthening Global Commitments: COP16 aims to accelerate actions to halt biodiversity loss and set the stage for tracking the implementation of the GBF’s goals and targets, emphasizing the urgency of reversing ecosystem degradation.

    Key Agendas for COP16:

    • 30 x 30 Targets: A key focus will be expediting progress on the 30 x 30 goals, ensuring protected areas cover at least 30% of lands and oceans, and initiating restoration in at least 30% of degraded ecosystems.
    • National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Countries will discuss and submit their NBSAPs, outlining time-bound actions to achieve GBF targets. Only 32 out of 196 countries have submitted NBSAPs so far.
    • Access and Benefit Sharing (Nagoya Protocol): Negotiations will continue on sharing the benefits from genetic resources, particularly the use of digital genetic information, ensuring fair distribution of profits, especially to indigenous communities.
    • High Seas Treaty Alignment: Discussions will focus on the agreement for the conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, including establishing protected marine areas and equitable sharing of resources.
    • Financing Biodiversity Conservation: Mobilizing $200 billion per year by 2030, including $20-30 billion annually from developed to developing countries, will be a key topic.

    How will countries align their NBSAPs with the Global Biodiversity Framework?

    • Time-Bound Action Plans: NBSAPs will mirror the approach of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, setting national goals aligned with the GBF’s targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
    • Monitoring and Reporting: Countries will have to ensure that their NBSAPs reflect the GBF’s goals and include mechanisms for tracking progress, adapting strategies, and reporting regularly to the CBD Secretariat.
    • Integrating Regional Priorities: The NBSAPs will need to account for country-specific biodiversity challenges and regional ecological characteristics while aligning with the global targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.

    What role do various stakeholders play in achieving the objectives set out at COP16?

    • National Governments: Responsible for formulating and implementing NBSAPs, mobilizing financial resources, and creating policies that align with the GBF’s goals.
    • Indigenous and Local Communities: Vital for implementing conservation initiatives, especially in biodiversity-rich areas, and ensuring the fair sharing of benefits derived from traditional knowledge and resources.
    • Private Sector and Corporations: Expected to contribute to financing biodiversity conservation, adopt sustainable practices, and support the development of biodiversity credits and conservation-related projects.
    • International Organizations and NGOs: Will play a role in monitoring progress, providing technical assistance, advocating for biodiversity-friendly policies, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
    • Scientific and Academic Institutions: Crucial for research, data collection, and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide biodiversity conservation strategies and the sustainable use of natural resources.

    Way forward: India needs to enhance it’s regulatory frameworks and establish robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of biodiversity conservation goals, including the 30 x 30 targets, and prevent the exploitation of ecosystems.

    Previous Years Question:

    Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

     

    Q). Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)