Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

India has submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, providing a comprehensive assessment of progress toward 23 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) and 142 indicators aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The report highlights that only two out of the 23 targets are currently on track, while others lack quantitative evidence and clear projections for 2030.

Key Facts about the 7th National Report

About the Report

This is India’s first full progress assessment since the adoption of the KMGBF in 2022. It evaluates the country’s readiness to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

Preparation and Scope

The report was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with inputs from:

• 33 central ministries

• Wildlife Institute of India

• National Biodiversity Authority

• Technical support from United Nations Development Programme

Significance of the Report

As one of the world’s megadiverse countries, India’s performance is crucial for global biodiversity outcomes. The findings contribute to global tracking of KMGBF targets, including the “30x30” conservation goal.

Targets on Track

NBT 1: Biodiversity-Inclusive Planning

India has made steady progress in integrating biodiversity into planning:

• Forest and tree cover reached 25.17% (827,357 sq km)

• Increase of 1,445.81 sq km between 2021–2023

• Wetland inventories completed and environmental approvals streamlined

NBT 2: Ecosystem Restoration

• 24.1 million hectares restored or under restoration against the Bonn Challenge target of 26 million hectares

• Forest carbon stock increased significantly

• Expansion of mangroves, bamboo areas, and marine protected areas

Critical Challenges and Concerns

Land Degradation

About 29.77% of India’s geographical area (97 million hectares) is undergoing degradation, indicating that degradation may be outpacing restoration efforts.

Conservation Coverage (30x30 Goal)

Only around 5% of India’s area is under formal protection, raising doubts about achieving the 30% conservation target by 2030.

Species Recovery Bias

While progress is highlighted for flagship species such as tigers, Asiatic lions, and rhinos, there is limited data on lesser-known species.

Data Gaps and Monitoring Issues

Biodiversity data is fragmented across departments, with no uniform methodology, making long-term monitoring difficult.

Financial and Technical Constraints

Limited funding and technical capacity, along with climate change impacts (floods, droughts, forest fires), hinder conservation efforts.

Agriculture and Invasive Species

The report lacks detailed quantitative analysis on:

• Pesticide use

• Nutrient runoff

• Invasive species control

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

About

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at CBD COP15 in 2022 to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve harmony with nature by 2050.

Structure

• 4 long-term goals (2050 vision)

• 23 action-oriented targets (2030 milestones)

30x30 Target

The framework aims to conserve 30% of global land, inland water, and marine areas by 2030, a major increase from current levels.

Implementation

Countries must align national targets, update biodiversity strategies, and establish robust monitoring systems.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

About

The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit for biodiversity conservation.

Core Objectives

• Conservation of biodiversity

• Sustainable use of biological resources

• Fair and equitable sharing of benefits

Scope

The CBD covers biodiversity at all levels—genetic, species, and ecosystem—across terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Key Protocols

• Cartagena Protocol (2000): Focuses on biosafety of genetically modified organisms

• Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources

Conclusion

India’s 7th National Report highlights significant progress in select areas, but also reveals major gaps in achieving biodiversity targets.