India’s Commitment to Global Biodiversity
Kirti Vardhan Singh at UNCBD COP16
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, emphasized India’s dedication to preserving biodiversity at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) COP16 in Cali, Colombia. He highlighted India’s approach of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and announced the release of updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP).
Singh noted India’s ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach in updating the NBSAP, aligning with the KMGBF targets. He celebrated India’s cultural heritage of living in harmony with nature, mentioning the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree plantation campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day.
India’s ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ initiative promotes eco-friendly living, resonating with the country’s ancient Vedic traditions. Singh also discussed 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 significantly, showcasing its commitment to environmental conservation.
Doubts Revealed
Kirti Vardhan Singh -: Kirti Vardhan Singh is a Union Minister in India. He represents the government and speaks about India’s plans and actions on important topics like biodiversity.
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 discuss how to protect nature and biodiversity.
Cali, Colombia -: Cali is a city in Colombia, a country in South America. It’s where the UNCBD COP16 meeting took place.
National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans -: These are plans made by countries like India to protect and manage their natural resources and wildlife. They help ensure that nature is preserved for future generations.
‘Whole of Government’ approach -: This means that all parts of the government work together to achieve a common goal, like protecting biodiversity. It involves cooperation between different departments and agencies.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign -: This is a campaign in India that encourages people to plant trees in honor of their mothers. It helps increase greenery and protect the environment.
‘Lifestyle for the Environment’ initiative -: This initiative encourages people to adopt habits that are good for the environment, like saving water and reducing waste. It’s about living in a way that helps protect nature.
International Big Cat Alliance -: This is a group that works to protect big cats like tigers and lions around the world. They focus on conservation efforts to ensure these animals don’t go extinct.
‘Namami Gange’ mission -: This is a project in India aimed at cleaning and protecting the Ganga River. It’s important because the river is sacred and provides water to millions of people.
UN -: UN stands for the United Nations, an international organization that works to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. They also focus on global issues like the environment.