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Subject: Environment

  • New Marine Species: Parhyale Odian from Chilika Lake

    Introduction

    • Researchers at Berhampur University in Odisha have made a remarkable discovery, unveiling a new species of marine amphipod from Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon on India’s east coast.

    About Parhyale Odian

    • Parhyale odian is a newly discovered species of marine amphipod.
    • It belongs to the genus Parhyale and was found in Chilika Lake, Odisha, India.
    • The species was named after the native language of Odisha, Odia.
    • Its discovery raises the global species count within the genus Parhyale to 16.
    • It is approximately eight millimeters in length and brown in color.
    • Parhyale odian possesses 13 pairs of legs.
    • Its distinguishing feature is a stout robust seta on the surface of the propodus of the male gnathopod.

  • Kerala seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act

    wild

    Introduction

    • The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 aiming to tackle the escalating human-animal conflict in the state.

    What is Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972?

    • WPA provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security.
    • It provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds and plants, and also for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.
    • It provides for various types of protected areas such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks etc.

    There are six schedules provided in the WPA for the protection of wildlife species which can be concisely summarized as under:

    Schedule I
    • Species need rigorous protection
    • Harshest penalties for violation of the law are for species under this Schedule.
    Schedule II
    • Animals under this list are accorded high protection.
    • Cannot be hunted except under threat to human life.
    Schedule III & IV
    • Species that are not endangered.
    • Includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules.
    Schedule V Contains animals which can be hunted.
    Schedule VI Plants that are forbidden from cultivation.

    Kerala’s Demands for Amendment

    • Section 11 Amendment: Kerala proposes amending Section 11(1)(A) to empower Chief Conservators of Forests (CCF) instead of Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWLW) to permit hunting of Schedule I mammals. This seeks to expedite decision-making at the local level in handling human-wildlife conflicts.
    • Declaration of Wild Boar as Vermin: Kerala urges the Centre to declare wild boars as vermin under Section 62, allowing controlled culling to mitigate threats to life and livelihoods.

    Major Reason: Escalating Human-Animal Conflict

    • Rising Incidents: Kerala has witnessed a surge in human-animal conflicts, particularly involving elephants and wild boars, causing extensive damage to lives and crops.
    • Government Data: In 2022-23, there were 8,873 wild animal attacks, including 4,193 by elephants and 1,524 by wild boars. These incidents resulted in 98 deaths and significant crop loss.
    • Wild Boar Menace: Wild boars, in particular, are notorious for ravaging farmlands, with 20,957 incidents of crop damage recorded from 2017 to 2023.

    Challenges and Implications

    • Urgent Action Needed: Kerala’s plea for amendments highlights the pressing need for effective measures to address the human-animal conflict.
    • Local Empowerment: Empowering local forest authorities can lead to quicker responses to wildlife threats, ensuring both human safety and wildlife conservation.
    • Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods: Striking a balance between conservation and livelihood concerns is crucial for sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

    Conclusion

    • Kerala’s proactive stance in advocating for amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act underscores its commitment to confronting the challenges posed by the human-animal conflict.
    • These proposed changes aim to protect both citizens and biodiversity, reflecting a holistic approach towards environmental and socio-economic well-being.

  • Why fashion industry’s ‘recycling’ methods are not saving the planet?

    fashion

    Introduction

    • From fast-fashion giants to luxury brands, many have embraced recycled fabrics and eco-friendly messaging as part of their marketing strategies.
    • However, a closer look reveals that these recycling methods often fall short of delivering meaningful environmental benefits.

    Challenges in Fashion Industry Recycling

    [1] Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

    • Polyester, a ubiquitous fabric, contributes substantially to emissions, with 28.2 million tonnes used in 2016 alone, emitting nearly triple the CO2 compared to cotton.
    • Nylon production generates nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating climate change.

    [2] Water Intensity:

    • Cotton cultivation, vital for clothing production, consumes vast amounts of water, with estimates suggesting up to 20,000 liters required for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
    • Predictions indicate potential water crises by 2030 due to escalating water consumption in clothing production.

    [3] Water Pollution:

    • Chemical dyeing, essential for vibrant textiles, ranks as the second-largest polluter of clean water globally, introducing harmful substances into waterways.
    • Cotton cultivation’s heavy reliance on chemicals poses health risks and environmental degradation.

    [4] Plastics and Microfibers:

    • Polyester clothing sheds microfibers during washing, contaminating oceans and endangering marine life, with significant quantities entering waterways annually.
    • Non-biodegradable microfibers pose risks to human health and ecosystems, persisting in the environment indefinitely.

    [5] Landfill Waste:

    • The fashion industry contributes substantially to landfill waste, with discarded clothing doubling over the past two decades due to fast fashion trends.
    • Limited textile recycling exacerbates the landfill problem, with less than 1% of clothing material being reused.

    [6] Inability to Recycle:

    • Complex fabric blends and non-biodegradable materials like polyester and nylon present challenges to recycling technologies, hindering effective reuse.
    • China’s ban on recycled textile imports exacerbates recycling issues, limiting disposal options.

    [7] Economic and Ethical Considerations:

    • Economic incentives often prioritize short-term profits over sustainability, perpetuating greenwashing tactics and undermining genuine recycling efforts.
    • Unethical labor practices compound sustainability challenges, highlighting systemic issues in the fashion industry’s supply chain.

    Methods for Recycling

    • Mechanical recycling: It breaks down textiles into fibers without altering their chemical composition, suitable for natural fibers like cotton.
    • Chemical recycling: It breaks down textiles into basic chemical components, ideal for synthetic fibers like polyester.
    • Steps involved: Both methods involve sorting, shredding, cleaning, processing, and quality control to produce new fabrics or products, reducing waste in the fashion industry.

    Moving Towards True Sustainability

    • Research and Development: Invest in innovative recycling technologies capable of processing complex fabric blends.
    • Transparency and Standards: Implement transparent supply chains and rigorous recycling standards to ensure accountability.
    • Consumer Education: Educate consumers about the true environmental and ethical impact of their clothing choices.
    • Regulation and Accountability: Enforce regulations and industry standards to hold fashion brands accountable for sustainability commitments.
    • Circular Economy Promotion: Embrace circular economy principles, such as extended producer responsibility and product lifecycle management, to minimize waste and resource consumption.

    Conclusion

    • While recycling initiatives in the fashion industry offer some benefits, they fall short of addressing the sector’s overarching environmental and ethical challenges.
    • Achieving true sustainability demands systemic changes, including technological innovation, transparent practices, consumer awareness, regulatory enforcement, and circular economy promotion.
    • By embracing these principles, the fashion industry can pave the way towards a genuinely sustainable and equitable future.

  • Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) COP14 begins in Uzbekistan

    Introduction

    • The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14) will be hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, in Samarkand from 12-17 February 2024
    • CMS COP is a Triennial Event.

    About Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

    Information
    About
    • Intergovernmental treaty under UNEP, known as the Bonn Convention
    • Signed in 1979, in force since 1983
    • 133 Parties as of March 2022, including India since 1983
    Aim
    • Conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species
    • Lay legal foundation for global conservation measures
    Legal Instruments under CMS Range from legally binding Agreements to less formal MoUs
    Appendices
    1. Appendix I: Threatened Migratory Species
    2. Appendix II: Migratory Species requiring international cooperation
    India and the CMS
    • Signed non-legally binding MoUs with CMS for various species conservation (Siberian Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Raptors)
    • Hosts several migratory species
    • India hosted the last COP 13 of CMS in February 2020 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
    Migratory Species Wild animals whose populations cyclically and predictably cross national boundaries
    Efforts made by India  
    • National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds (2018-2023)
    • Marine Turtle Policy and Marine Stranding Management Policy
    • Project Snow Leopard
    • Dugong Conservation Reserve

  • Horseshoe Crab: Living Fossils of the Sea

    Horseshoe Crab

    Introduction

    • Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. government to grant endangered species protection to the American horseshoe crab.
    • Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have existed since before the age of dinosaurs.

    About Horseshoe Crab

    Description
    Habitat Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy or muddy bottoms;

    Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches during summer-spring high tides.
    Taxonomic Division Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, comprising spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, mites, and ticks; characterized by segmented body and limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
    Status Referred to as a marine “living fossil” due to minimal evolutionary changes over time.
    Geographic Range American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico.

    Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal, Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.
    Habitat in India Odisha serves as the largest habitat for horseshoe crabs in India.
    Conservation Status Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    IUCN Status American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable.

    Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered.

    Other two are not listed yet.

  • Invasive Species:  Cuscuta Dodder

    Cuscuta Dodder

    Introduction

    • An invasive weed, Cuscuta dodder, is gradually strangling the Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, posing a severe threat to local vegetation, ecology, and the habitat of migratory birds.

    About Cuscuta Dodder

    • Parasitic Nature: It is a parasitic vine devoid of roots, already infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and beginning to spread within India’s oldest bird sanctuary.
    • Origin: Native to North America.
    • Modus Operandi: As a holoparasitic plant, it forms a canopy on the host plant and extends thousands of tendrils, eventually forming a dense spectacle before strangling and killing the host.

    Persistence and Germination

    • Seed Characteristics: Cuscuta seeds are spheroid with a hard coat, enabling them to survive up to 50 years in dry storage and at least 10 years in the field.
    • Germination: Unlike root parasites, Cuscuta seeds do not require a specific stimulant to induce germination, enhancing their ability to spread rapidly.

    Impact and Spread

    • India: According to a technical paper by the National Research Centre for Weed Science, Cuscuta poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops across various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Orissa, West Bengal, and parts of Madhya Pradesh under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions.
    • Global Legislation: It is listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries, with seeds and plant material restricted from entry. In the United States, it is the only weed seed whose movement is prohibited in every state.

  • Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary Notification: Implications for Forest Communities

    Introduction

    • Triggering Concerns: Recently, the notification about the Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district worried nearby forest communities.
    • Potential Rights Denial: Residents fear losing their rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA) due to the sanctuary’s establishment.

    About Forest Rights Act, 2006

    Description
    Purpose Recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD).
    Recognition Criteria
    • Forest rights can be claimed by FDST and OTFD who have been residing in forest land for generations.
    • Members or communities must have resided in forest land for at least three generations (75 years) prior to December 13, 2005.
    Types of Forest Rights Recognized
    • Title rights: Ownership rights to land farmed by them, subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.
    • Use rights: Rights to extract Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas, etc.
    • Relief and development rights: Provides for rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and access to basic amenities.
    • Forest management rights: Includes the right to protect, regenerate, conserve, or manage any community forest resource traditionally protected and conserved for sustainable use.
    Authority
    • Gram Sabha
    • It is responsible for initiating the process for determining Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR).
    Empowerment
    • Aims to strengthen the conservation regime of forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of FDST and OTFD.
    Historical Injustices Addressed
    • Recognition of historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities
    • Empowerment of forest-dwellers for sustainable resource use and livelihood security
    Issues
    • Predominant focus on individual rights, neglecting community rights
    • Poor recognition of Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) and Community Forest Rights (CFRs)

     

    What are Forest Villages?

    • Definition: Forest villages are settlements located within forest areas, inhabited predominantly by tribal and indigenous communities.
    • Historical Context: These villages have often existed for generations, with residents relying on forest resources for their livelihoods.
    • Conversion Mandate: In 1990, the government ordered all forest villages to become revenue villages, aiming to formalize their status and grant them legal recognition.
    • Incomplete Conversion: Despite these orders, the conversion process remains unfinished in many areas, leaving forest dwellers without essential rights and facilities.

    Rights Admitted in the Sanctuary

    • Continuation of Rights: The notification recognizes rights granted under previous laws and the FRA, ensuring some rights for individuals.
    • Implementation Challenges: Tamil Nadu has struggled to enforce the FRA effectively, casting doubt on its implementation within the sanctuary.

    Impact on Forest Communities

    • Grazing Restrictions: The ban on cattle grazing within the sanctuary could affect the traditional grazing practices of forest-dwelling communities.
    • Legal Discrepancies: Prohibiting grazing conflicts with the FRA’s recognition of grazing rights, highlighting inconsistencies in policy.

    Legal Framework and Challenges

    • WLPA Provisions: Sanctuaries and national parks are governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) 1972, which mandates protecting rights within them.
    • FRA Supremacy: The FRA overrides conflicting provisions of the WLPA, emphasizing the need to balance conservation with community rights.
    • Implementation Gaps: Despite legal frameworks, inadequate enforcement of the FRA persists, undermining the rights of forest communities.

    Tamil Nadu’s FRA Implementation

    • Low Recognition Rate: Tamil Nadu has a poor record in recognizing forest rights, with only a fraction of entitled areas acknowledged under the FRA.
    • National Context: Similar challenges exist nationwide, indicating systemic failures in upholding forest rights and conservation mandates.

    Conclusion

    • Urgent Action Needed: Addressing the concerns of forest-dwelling communities and ensuring compliance with legal provisions are crucial for sustainable forest management.
    • Harmonizing Conservation and Rights: Balancing conservation goals with the rights of forest communities is essential for fair and effective forest governance.
    • Call for Accountability: Authorities must prioritize implementing laws and policies that protect both forests and the rights of those dependent on them, promoting environmental justice and social equity.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. As per the recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas
    2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce
    3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”hjmzv064hb” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • India set to transition to Hyperlocal Extreme Weather Forecasting

    India set to transition to Hyperlocal Extreme Weather Forecasting

    Introduction

    • Weather forecasting is vital for disaster management and decision-making in India, where extreme weather events like rain, cyclones, heatwaves, and droughts pose significant challenges.
    • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) specializes in predicting weather patterns using sophisticated observation, modelling, and interpretation techniques.

    About the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

    Details
    About
    • National Meteorological Service of India;
    • Principal government agency for meteorology and allied subjects
    Ministry Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India
    Objectives
    1. Provide meteorological observations and forecasts
    2. Warn against severe weather phenomena
    3. Provide meteorological statistics
    4. Conduct and promote research in meteorology
    Evolution
    • Established in 1875 after devastating cyclones;
    • Started with just one individual
    Advancements
    • Significant progress in understanding monsoons;
    • Enhanced cyclone forecasting post-1999 Odisha super cyclone
    Diversified Roles
    • Expanded services beyond weather forecasting;
    • Provides specialized services for various sectors
    Global Recognition
    • Recognized as Regional Climate Centre for South Asia;
    • Contributes to UN’s ‘Early Warning for All’ programme
    Major Initiatives
    1. National Monsoon Mission (NMM)
    2. Mausam App
    3. Doppler Weather Radars

    Challenges in Weather Forecasting

    • Variability in Tropical Regions: Tropical countries like India face inherently higher weather variability.
    • Hurdles: Despite advancements, IMD forecasts still encounter inaccuracies, particularly during winter and summer monsoons.
    • Insufficient Ground Stations: The limited number of ground stations hinders accurate monitoring, with only around 800 automatic weather stations (AWS) and 37 doppler weather radars (DWR) against the required thousands.

    Transition to Modern Technologies

    • Prediction Software: Current forecasting software relies on global forecasting and weather research models, which are not the most modern.
    • Emerging Technologies: Start-ups are adopting artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) for predictions, necessitating an integrated data system to fill existing gaps.

    Initiatives for Improvement

    • WINDS Program: The Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS) aim to install over 200,000 ground stations (AWS and ARG) to enhance weather data utilization and promote wider applications in agriculture and other sectors.
    • Air Quality Monitoring: Make in India initiatives facilitate the production of low-cost, reliable sensor-based air quality monitoring systems, aiding in quick installations, particularly in urban areas.

    Addressing Air Pollution Challenges

    • Fog and Air Pollution: Dense fog exacerbates air pollution issues, trapping pollutants and posing health risks. Initiatives to manufacture affordable air quality sensors and establish nationwide networks are underway.
    • Role of AI/ML: Integrated AI/ML-based models leveraging data from new sensors can improve fog prediction and aid in timely decision-making regarding transportation and health impacts.

    Towards a Comprehensive Infrastructure

    • Advancements: India is on track to establish a robust air quality and weather information network.
    • Integration and Collaboration: Seamless data sharing and system integration among stakeholders are crucial for achieving this national infrastructure.
    • Potential Impact: A unified information gateway will play a vital role in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

    Conclusion

    • India’s strides in weather forecasting and air quality monitoring underscore its commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability.
    • With concerted efforts and technological advancements, India is poised to establish a world-class infrastructure crucial for tackling climate-related issues.

  • Renewable power, when it isn’t sunny or windy

    India pledges new climate crisis goal: Net zero by 2070 | Latest News India - Hindustan Times

     

    Central Idea:

    India aims to achieve its goal of becoming greenhouse gas (GHG) neutral by 2070 through the addition of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030. However, to address the challenges of intermittency and peak demand, there is a need for robust storage capacities, deeper power exchanges, and innovative bidding processes.

     

    Key Highlights:

    • India targets RE capacity by 2030 to achieve GHG neutrality by 2070.
    • The country has made significant progress with solar and wind energy added.
    • Long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with state discoms have facilitated RE growth.
    • Favorable policies and reduction in capital costs have spurred competition and foreign investment.
    • Peak power deficits are growing, necessitating innovative solutions to match demand patterns.
    • Bids for renewable projects now require hourly demand matching, akin to traditional power sources.
    • Storage solutions, such as pumped hydro and battery storage, are crucial for grid stability.
    • Excess power generated can be sold to commercial consumers or on power exchanges.

     

    Key Challenges:

    • Meeting peak demand and demand patterns poses a challenge for intermittent renewable sources.
    • Reluctance of discoms to accept must-run renewable energy hampers adoption.
    • Capital costs of storage solutions, like battery storage, remain relatively high.
    • Lack of vibrant power exchange markets limits opportunities for excess power sales.
    • High merchant sales may impact project bankability, requiring guaranteed floor prices.

     

    Main Terms:

    • GHG Neutrality: Achieving a balance between emitted greenhouse gases and those removed from the atmosphere.
    • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Contracts between electricity generators and buyers, often discoms, for the sale of electricity.
    • Renewable Purchase Obligations: Mandates requiring power utilities to purchase a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.
    • Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE): Renewable energy sources capable of meeting demand fluctuations, akin to traditional power sources.
    • Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE): The average cost of generating electricity from a particular source over its lifetime.

     

    Important Phrases:

    • Must-Run Status: Requirement for uninterrupted operation of renewable energy projects, except for safety reasons.
    • Intermittencies: Variations in energy production from renewable sources due to weather conditions.
    • Peak Deficits: Shortages in electricity supply during periods of highest demand.
    • Round-the-Clock Demand: Consistent electricity supply matching consumer demand throughout the day.
    • Merchant Sales: Selling excess electricity generated beyond contractual obligations on the open market.

     

    Useful Statements:

    • “Storage capacities are central to maintaining grid stability as we expand renewable energy capacities.”
    • “Innovative bidding processes now require renewable generators to match demand patterns akin to traditional power sources.”
    • “Reluctance of discoms to accept must-run renewable energy hampers India’s renewable energy goals.”

     

    Facts and Data:

    • India aims to add renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • Peak demand is expected to grow in the coming years.
    • India’s power exchanges have witnessed increased trading activity but still lag behind developed economies.
    • Battery storage costs are currently estimated, compared to for pumped hydro.

     

    Critical Analysis:

    The article underscores India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and the challenges associated with intermittency and peak demand. It highlights the importance of storage solutions and innovative bidding processes in ensuring the viability of renewable energy projects. However, challenges such as the reluctance of discoms and high capital costs of storage solutions need to be addressed to accelerate India’s transition to a greener energy landscape.

     

    Way Forward:

    • Implement policies to incentivize discoms to accept must-run renewable energy.
    • Invest in research and development to reduce the capital costs of storage solutions.
    • Enhance power exchange markets to facilitate the sale of excess renewable energy.
    • Provide guaranteed floor prices for excess power sales to improve project bankability.
    • Continue to innovate bidding processes to better match renewable energy supply with demand patterns.

  • Cameroon adopts Nagoya Protocol

    Introduction

    • Cameroon’s recent adoption of the Nagoya Protocol marks a significant step towards harnessing its rich biodiversity for sustainable development.

    Cameroon’s Biodiversity Wealth

    • Biodiversity Hotspot: Cameroon hosts approximately 11,000 species, offering immense genetic resources for research and development.
    • Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous communities possess invaluable traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity, contributing to bioprospecting (search for useful products derived from bioresources including plants, microorganisms, animals, etc.).
    • Bioprospecting Potential: Bioprospecting projects, such as those focusing on species like Irvingia wombulu, present opportunities for sustainable resource utilization.

    About Nagoya Protocol

    Details
    Purpose Implements access and benefit-sharing obligations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    Adoption October 2010
    Entry into Force October 12, 2014
    Legal Status Legally binding global agreement
    Objective Ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources
    Membership India is a member
    Benefits
    • Establishes a framework for accessing genetic resources for research
    • Provides certainty for investment in biodiversity-based research
    • Ensures fair sharing of benefits from resource use
    • Recognizes the value of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources
    Scope
    • Genetic resources covered by the CBD
    • Benefits arising from their utilization
    • Traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources covered by the CBD and benefits from their utilization

     

    Key Facts about Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

    Description
    Adoption Date Opened for signing in 1992 at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro
    Objectives Conservation of biological diversity,

    Sustainable use of biological diversity,

    Fair and equitable benefit sharing
    Membership 196 contracting parties
    Scope Covers biodiversity conservation at all levels:

    Ecosystems, Species, and Genetic resources
    Decision-Making Body Conference of the Parties (COP)
    Secretariat Based in Montreal, Canada
    Supporting Agreements
    • Cartagena Protocol (2000) for regulating LMOs movement,
    • Nagoya Protocol (2010) for access and benefit sharing