India’s Commitment to Global Biodiversity
Kirti Vardhan Singh at UNCBD COP16
In Cali, Colombia, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, emphasized India’s dedication to preserving biodiversity both domestically and globally. Speaking at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) COP16, he highlighted India’s approach of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ inspired by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Singh announced the release of India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) in Cali, which aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). He noted India’s ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach in updating these plans.
India, known for its rich biodiversity, is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries, housing four of the 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots. Singh highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, promoting tree planting to honor Mother Earth.
India’s cultural heritage, dating back to the Vedic age, promotes peace with nature, aligning with the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ initiative. Singh also mentioned the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for protecting major big cat species and the ‘Namami Gange’ mission, recognized by the UN for river restoration.
India’s Ramsar sites have increased from 26 to 85 since 2014, with plans to reach 100 soon.
Doubts Revealed
Kirti Vardhan Singh -: Kirti Vardhan Singh is a Union Minister in India. Union Ministers are important people in the government who help make decisions for the country.
UNCBD COP16 -: UNCBD COP16 stands for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It’s a big meeting where countries talk about how to protect plants, animals, and nature.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase meaning ‘the world is one family’. It shows the idea that everyone and everything on Earth is connected.
National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans -: These are plans made by a country to protect and take care of its plants, animals, and natural places. They help make sure that nature is safe for the future.
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam -: This is a campaign started by Prime Minister Modi in India. It encourages people to plant a tree in honor of their mother, helping the environment.
International Big Cat Alliance -: This is a group that works to protect big cats like tigers and lions. They try to make sure these animals have safe places to live.
Namami Gange -: Namami Gange is a mission in India to clean and protect the Ganga River. The Ganga is a very important river in India, both for nature and for people.
Ramsar sites -: Ramsar sites are special places that are protected because they are important for water birds and other wildlife. They are named after the Ramsar Convention, an international agreement to protect wetlands.