India updated and submitted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan on 31st October 2024 on the Convention on Biological Diversity Portal during the recently concluded CBD COP-16 at Cali, Colombia. The Action Plan is fully aligned with the 4 goals and 23 targets set under the Kunming Montreal Global Diversity Framework (KMGBF), to be implemented in accordance with the national circumstances, priorities and capabilities.

India's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) comprehensively addresses conservation, sustainable use, benefit sharing and envisages protecting terrestrial and marine areas, restoring degraded ecosystems and reducing biodiversity threats through pollution control and invasive species management. Key priorities include species conservation, sustainable utilization of wild species, enhanced management of ecosystem services, improved access to green spaces in urban areas, and the development of wildlife corridors to reduce habitat fragmentation. Additionally, the plan emphasizes active community participation in biodiversity governance to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

The plan has been updated through a wider consultative process conducted across the country involving 23 central Ministries, several national and state-level organizations, communities, and other stakeholders following a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach. It summarizes the country’s efforts towards conservation of biodiversity, highlighting achievements, identifying gaps and threats, and describes strategies and result- oriented action points to achieve the targets. The plan also provides an insight into the current status of biodiversity across the country and trends therein, existing policy and institutional framework, biodiversity expenditure and potentially possible biodiversity finance solutions.

The NBSAP ensures effective stakeholder participation inclusive of women, youth, marginalized, and vulnerable sections of the society, decentralized responsibilities, devolved power and authority, and intergenerational equity in planning and implementation.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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