Revision summary
• Adopted at CBD COP15, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. • It outlines a 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature, supported by four long-term goals and 23 actionable targets. • Key global targets include the "30x30" initiative (conserving 30% of land and oceans), restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, and cutting harmful subsidies. • India aligns its national policies by updating its National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) to match the framework's 23 targets. • India supports the 30x30 goal through an extensive network of over 990 protected areas covering roughly 5.3% of its landmass. • Flagship species conservation efforts like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and cheetah introductions drive direct ecosystem restoration. • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 empowers grassroots conservation via local Biodiversity Management Committees and People's Biodiversity Registers.
Model answer
Copper italics in this answer — like this — are the key facts. Each one is unpacked in the Facts & figures rail.
Introduction
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), provides a historic roadmap to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It sets clear, measurable targets to transition humanity towards living in harmony with nature.
Body
Aims and Goals of the Framework
- Core Aim: Halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 to put nature on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and planet.
- 2050 Vision: Living in harmony with nature where biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored, and wisely used.
- Four Long-Term Goals: Focus on maintaining ecosystem integrity, sustainable use of biodiversity, fair sharing of genetic resource benefits, and adequate means of implementation including finance.
- 23 Action Targets: Key targets include conserving 30 percent of land and oceans (30x30), restoring 30 percent of degraded ecosystems, and reducing harmful subsidies by at least 500 billion dollars per year.
India's Commitments and Initiatives
- Policy Alignment: India updates its National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) to align with the 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal framework, integrating biodiversity across all economic sectors.
- Protected Area Network: India meets the spirit of the 30x30 target through an extensive network of over 990 protected areas, covering nearly 5.3 percent of its geographical area.
- Species Recovery Programmes: Flagship conservation initiatives like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the recent introduction of cheetahs demonstrate direct action on ecosystem restoration.
- Community Participation: Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 empowers local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) and People's Biodiversity Registers (PBR) to conserve local genetic resources.
Flow diagram
flowchart TD A[COP15 Adoption] --> B[Aim: Halt Loss by 2030] B --> C[4 Long-Term 2050 Goals] B --> D[23 Global Targets] D --> E[India NBAP Alignment] E --> F[Protected Areas & 30x30] E --> G[Species Projects] E --> H[Local BMCs & PBRs]
Conclusion
The Kunming-Montreal framework marks a vital shift from voluntary pledges to accountable global targets for nature conservation. For India, balancing rapid developmental needs with stringent ecological safeguards remains the primary challenge. Fulfilling these commitments requires mobilising domestic resources, enhancing community-led conservation, and securing fair international climate and biodiversity finance.
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What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?
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What is the main aim of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?
The main aim is to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and protect indigenous rights, setting a clear path to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
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How is India implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?
India is implementing the framework by updating its National Biodiversity Action Plan, expanding protected areas, running species recovery programs like Project Tiger, and empowering local Biodiversity Management Committees.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2018 · Q17 · GS III · 15 marks
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks). -
2026 · Q7 · GS III · 10 marks
Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster-risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples. -
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