Convention on Biological Diversity — Prelims Strategy
Prelims Strategy
For Prelims, a meticulous approach to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is essential, focusing on factual accuracy and key distinctions. Aspirants must first master the core elements: the year of its signing (1992, Rio Earth Summit) and entry into force (1993), and its three fundamental objectives (conservation, sustainable use, benefit-sharing).
Pay close attention to the two main protocols: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (year, primary focus on LMOs/GMOs) and Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (year, primary focus on ABS and traditional knowledge).
Understand the institutional bodies like the Conference of the Parties (COP) and SBSTTA. Crucially, memorize the key outcomes of recent COPs, especially COP15 in Montreal, which adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Specific targets like the '30x30' goal, the agreement on Digital Sequence Information (DSI), and financial mobilization targets are high-priority facts. For India's context, remember the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the roles of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), including the People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
Distinguish CBD from other conventions like CITES and Ramsar, focusing on their respective scopes and mechanisms. Use mnemonics like 'CBD-CAN' for protocols and 'RING' for chronology to aid recall. Practice MCQs that test specific dates, article numbers (e.
g., Article 8 for in-situ conservation, Article 15 for ABS), and the correct pairing of conventions with their objectives.