Levels of Biodiversity — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
India's Role in Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
December 2022 (Framework adopted), Ongoing (Implementation)The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at COP15 in December 2022 set ambitious global targets for biodiversity conservation, including the '30x30' target to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. India, as a megadiverse country and a signatory, is actively involved in aligning its national policies, including the forthcoming updated National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP), with these global goals. This framework directly addresses the conservation of biodiversity at all three levels: genetic (e.g., target 6 on sustainable management of wild species, target 9 on benefit sharing from genetic resources), species (e.g., target 4 on reducing extinction risk, target 5 on sustainable harvest), and ecosystem (e.g., target 2 on restoration, target 3 on protected areas). UPSC aspirants should analyze how India's existing and proposed conservation strategies contribute to these global targets and the challenges in their implementation.
UPSC Angle: Analyze India's commitments under the GBF, its alignment with national policies like the Biological Diversity Act, and specific initiatives (e.g., Project Tiger, MISHTI) that contribute to achieving the 30x30 target. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors. (Mains GS-III: Environment, International Relations)
Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and its Implications for Genetic Diversity Access and Benefit Sharing
Ongoing discussions, intensified post-COP15 (2022-2024)The concept of Digital Sequence Information (DSI), also referred to as genetic sequence data, has become a contentious issue in international biodiversity negotiations. DSI refers to genetic information derived from biological resources that is shared digitally, often without physical access to the original biological material. The Kunming-Montreal GBF includes a decision to establish a multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from DSI. This has significant implications for genetic diversity, as countries rich in biodiversity (like India) advocate for fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of DSI, which often originates from their genetic resources. The debate centers on how to track the origin of DSI, ensure benefit sharing, and prevent biopiracy, directly impacting the conservation and sustainable use of genetic diversity globally.
UPSC Angle: Explain DSI, its relevance to genetic diversity, and the ongoing international debate on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Discuss India's stance and the potential impact on its biodiversity sovereignty and traditional knowledge. Connect to the Biological Diversity Act and its amendments. (Mains GS-III: Environment, Science & Technology, International Relations)
India's Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) Scheme
Union Budget 2023-24 announcement, ongoing implementationThe MISHTI scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, aims to promote mangrove plantations along India's coastline and on salt pan lands. Mangroves are unique and highly productive intertidal ecosystems that provide critical ecosystem services, including coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and nurseries for marine life. This initiative directly addresses ecosystem diversity by focusing on the restoration and expansion of a vital coastal ecosystem. By enhancing mangrove cover, MISHTI contributes to the conservation of species diversity (as mangroves support unique flora and fauna) and genetic diversity (of mangrove species and associated organisms). It also aligns with India's climate action goals and the Kunming-Montreal GBF's targets on ecosystem restoration.
UPSC Angle: Analyze MISHTI as an example of ecosystem-level conservation strategy. Discuss its multi-faceted benefits, including climate change mitigation, coastal resilience, livelihood generation, and biodiversity enhancement. Compare it with other ecosystem restoration initiatives. (Mains GS-III: Environment, Economy, Disaster Management)