Biodiversity Conservation International Efforts
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global agreement aimed at protecting the many different types of life on Earth. It was agreed upon during a meeting called the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and officially started in 1993.
• The treaty strongly encourages all countries to take action to protect biodiversity and use it wisely.
• It has three main goals: conserving biodiversity, using genetic resources sustainably, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits from these resources.
• Considered a crucial tool in sustainable development, the Convention legally binds its parties to follow its requirements.
• 195 countries and the European Union have agreed to the convention, with the exception of the US.
• Also, the Nagoya Protocol, which ensures fair and respectful use of genetic resources, was approved during the 10th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010.
Cartagena Protocol
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an important addition to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), focusing on issues related to benefit-sharing, technological development, transfer, and biosafety concerns, particularly in the field of biotechnology.
• It was adopted in 2000 in Cartagena, Colombia, as an additional agreement to the CBD and became effective in 2003.
• The main aim of the Biosafety Protocol is to protect biodiversity from potential risks associated with living modified organisms generated by modern biotechnology.
Nagoya Protocol
• The Nagoya Protocol is an important part of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and focuses on one of the CBD’s key goals: ensuring fair access to genetic resources and sharing the benefits that come from using them.
• It officially came into effect in 2014 and is the second protocol to the CBD, with the first being the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which was established in 2000.
• Simply put, the Nagoya Protocol helps make sure that when scientists or companies use genetic resources from
plants, animals, or other organisms, they do it fairly and share any benefits that result from using those resources with the countries or communities where the resources came from.
Aichi Biodiversity Targets
The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are a set of goals agreed upon by countries that are part of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). They were discussed at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP 12) in 2014, with the aim of implementing them alongside the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
These targets were needed to be achieved by 2020 and were divided into five strategic goals:
Mainstreaming biodiversity: This means integrating the protection of biodiversity into all aspects of society and government to tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss.
Sustainable usage: Encouraging the use of natural resources in a way that doesn’t harm biodiversity.
Enhancing biodiversity: Protecting species, habitats, and genetic diversity to boost overall biodiversity.
Increasing benefits: Making sure everyone benefits from ecosystem services and biodiversity.
Strengthening implementation: Improving how we manage knowledge, build capacity, and involve people in planning to better implement biodiversity conservation efforts.
COP-15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP-15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a significant gathering where representatives from
countries around the world come together to discuss and make decisions regarding biodiversity conservation.
Date Change due to COVID-19: Originally scheduled for October 15–28, 2020, in Kunming, China, the dates were changed to October 11–24, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review of Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020: COP-15 would assess the progress made in implementing the CBD’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, which includes the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Meeting of the Parties to Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols: In addition to being a platform for discussions on the CBD’s strategic plan, COP-15 would also serve as the 10th Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing. These
protocols are essential supplementary agreements to the CBD, focusing on biosafety and fair access to genetic resources, respectively.
Decision on Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: One of the key agendas of COP-15 is to finalize the post- 2020 global biodiversity framework. This framework will outline the goals, targets, and actions to be taken by countries worldwide to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity in the coming years.
Edinburgh Process
The Edinburgh Process emerged during the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as a preparatory step towards developing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) for the period following 2020.
The Edinburgh Declaration, a significant outcome of the Edinburgh Process, outlines the political objectives of local and subnational governments concerning the GBF beyond 2020. It expresses their collective goals and commitments towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development on a global scale. Through the Edinburgh Declaration, local and subnational governments contribute their perspectives and aspirations to the development of the GBF, ensuring that their voices are heard and integrated into the global biodiversity agenda.
Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is a United Nations-led initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. It is comparable in significance to the Paris Agreement, which addresses climate change.
Under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are currently ongoing to establish this framework for the post-2020 era. The GBF will set out goals and strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for the next decade and beyond.
To achieve the objectives of the GBF, governments are expected to meet 10 milestones and 21 objectives by the end of the decade.
COP26 and Panchamrit goals
Panchamrit goals were launched in Glasgow at the COP26 summit refers to India's five objectives to reduce climate change. These are-
500 GW Non-Fossil Energy: Increase non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
50% Renewable Energy: Ensure 50% of the country's energy requirements are met by renewable sources by 2030.
1 billion Tonnes Emission Reduction: Reduce total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from 2021 through 2030.
45% Carbon Intensity Reduction: Reduce the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
Net Zero Emissions: Achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
30x30 target
“Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF) was adopted on COP-15 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Objective-
• Restore and recovery of 30% of the ecosystems that has been degraded
• Conserve and manage the 30% of total area of the earth including land and water by 2030.
• Stop the accelerating extinction of plant and animal species
• Utilize natural ecosystems to absorb carbon emissions and reduce global warming.
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), also known as the International Seed Treaty, is a global agreement created to support the Convention on Biological Diversity. It started in Madrid on June 29, 2004.
This treaty aims to ensure food security by preserving, exchanging, and sustainably using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) worldwide. It also focuses on fair and equitable sharing of the benefits that come from using these resources.
The treaty acknowledges the rights of farmers. It says that they should be able to keep their traditional knowledge about plant genetic resources, get a fair share of the benefits from using these resources, and have a say in decisions about how to use and conserve them.
To make it easier for countries to share plant germplasm and benefits, the treaty set up something called the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing (SMTA). This system uses Standard Material Transfer Agreements to manage exchanges and ensure fairness for everyone involved.
Multilateral system
The Multilateral System (MLS) is a way for countries that have ratified the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to share access to and benefits from a list of 64 important food and forage crops. This list is essential for ensuring food security and mutual reliance among nations. The treaty’s Annex 1 contains this list of crops.
The treaty was developed through negotiations by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Since 2006, the FAO has overseen the treaty as the Governing Body. This body’s main job is to encourage the full implementation of the treaty, including providing guidelines for its implementation. It consists of members from each of the countries that have agreed to the treaty.
Experts believe that this treaty could be a good example of responsible global governance because it helps preserve plant genetic resources that are crucial for both current and future food security for farmers and the general population.
List of crops covered in Annex 1
The list of crops covered in Annex 1 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture includes important food crops and forage crops. These crops have been consumed by societies for thousands of years and are often native to different regions of the world. This widespread distribution demonstrates how farmers and communities have historically traded or exchanged seeds and genetic resources with each other.
The Treaty acknowledges that no single nation can be completely self-sufficient in terms of relying only on crops native to its own borders. Therefore, the Treaty aims to facilitate the free exchange of food crops and their genetic material in the future.
The main categories of crops covered in Annex 1 are:
Food crops: These are crops grown primarily for human consumption, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Forage crops: These are crops grown to feed livestock, including grasses and legumes.
The selection of crops for inclusion in Annex 1 was based on the understanding of the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of food security for all. This list ensures that essential crops and their genetic resources are protected and can be shared among countries to support global food security.
World Heritage Sites
A World Heritage Site is a place or monument recognized for its cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value and granted legal protection by the UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
These sites must have specific cultural or physical importance, be recognized geographically and historically, and be unique in some way to be chosen as World Heritage Sites. They can include historical buildings, towns, deserts, forests, islands, lakes, monuments, mountains, or wilderness regions.
There are currently 1,157 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries (as of September 2023), categorized as 900 cultural, 218 natural, and 39 mixed properties. Italy leads with 58 sites, followed by China with 56 and Germany with 51.
World Heritage Sites serve as conservation areas for future generations, protecting them from threats like neglect, unregulated access, or trespassing. UNESCO designates these locations as protected areas.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, consisting of 21 member states, oversees the World Heritage Program, maintaining the list of sites and ensuring their protection.
The World Heritage Program was established by the “Convention Concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage” in 1972. It has been ratified by 194 governments, making it one of the most popular cultural programs worldwide.
Recognized sites receive legal protection, international recognition, and sometimes funding for conservation efforts.
Nations can propose changes to listed sites, such as altering the name or boundaries. Major changes require a new nomination process.
Sites facing threats such as war, environmental disasters, poaching, or urbanization may be added to the List of World Heritage in Danger to raise awareness and encourage action.
The Committee regularly reviews the conservation status of sites on the danger list and may take action to address threats or remove them from the list if conditions improve.
The nomination process for World Heritage Sites involves several steps:
Tentative List: A nation creates a Tentative List of its important natural and cultural landmarks. Only sites from this list are eligible for nomination.
Nomination File: Sites selected from the Tentative List are included in a Nomination File. This file is reviewed by two international organizations: the World Conservation Union and the International Council on Monuments and Sites.
World Heritage Committee Review: The World Heritage Committee receives suggestions for additional designations from these organizations. At its annual meeting, the Committee decides which submitted sites to add to the World Heritage List. Sometimes, decisions are postponed, or further details are requested from the nation that nominated the site.
Selection Criteria: To be included in the list, a location must meet at least one of the 10 selection criteria, which cover cultural, natural, and mixed properties. These criteria assess the site’s significance and value to humanity.
Cultural
The criteria for cultural sites to be considered for inclusion as World Heritage Sites are as follows:
Human Creativity: The site should exemplify human creativity, showcasing exceptional achievements in areas
such as architecture, arts, technology, town planning, or landscape design.
Exchange of Human Values: It should demonstrate significant exchanges of human values over time or within a specific cultural region, reflecting advancements in various fields.
Cultural Traditions or Civilizations: The site should provide a unique or remarkable testament to a living or extinct cultural tradition or civilization, offering insights into their way of life.
Historical Significance: It must be an outstanding example of a particular type of structure, group of buildings, technical advancement, or landscape that represents a key period of human history.
Human Settlement or Land Use: Being a prime illustration of a historic human settlement, land use, or marine usage that embodies a culture (or cultures), or
human engagement with the environment, especially when the ecosystem is endangered due to irreversible change.
Connection to Living Traditions: The site should have a tangible or immediate connection to live customs, ideas, beliefs, as well as literary and creative creations of exceptional global value, reflecting ongoing cultural practices and traditions.
Natural
The criteria for natural sites to be considered for inclusion as World Heritage Sites are as follows:
Outstanding Natural Beauty and Significance: The site should exhibit exceptional natural beauty or artistic significance, or contain remarkable natural occurrences that are aesthetically and culturally valuable.
Illustration of Earth’s History: It should serve as an exceptional illustration of important epochs in the history of the planet, such as the record of life, significant
ongoing geological processes, or notable geomorphic and physiographic characteristics.
Illustration of Ecological and Biological Processes:
The site should exemplify important ongoing ecological and biological processes in the formation of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems, as well as communities of flora and fauna.
Preservation of Biodiversity: It should be home to vital and significant natural habitats that preserve biological diversity in-situ, especially those housing threatened species of exceptional universal significance from scientific or conservation perspectives.
Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
The Decade from 2021 to 2030 has been declared by the UN General Assembly for Ecosystem Restoration in response to a request for action made by more than 70 nations from all latitudes.
The UNEP, FAO, and several global partners will strive to restore ecosystems by 2021–2030.
The goal of this worldwide coordinated response to habitat degradation is to work together to rebuild damaged ecosystems, which will support global efforts to fight climate change and protect biodiversity, food security, and water supplies.
The work slated for 2021–2030 will help accomplish goals established by global accords and conventions including the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2020 and Aichi Biodiversity Targets,
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,
Paris Agreement,
UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation Neutrality, the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) target setting programme,
Ramsar Convention,
Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR),
Global Restoration Council and the UN Strategic
Plan for Forests 2017– 2030.
Man and Biosphere Programme
The Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB), launched by UNESCO in 1971 and introduced in India in 1986, aims to study the impacts of pollution and human activities on ecosystems to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The MAB program originated from UNESCO’s 1968 Biosphere Conference, where the concept of sustainable development was first proposed. The conference explored ways to balance resource use and conservation, leading to the introduction of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program in 1970. One of the initial programs under MAB was the establishment of a coordinated World Network of locations representing major ecosystems. These locations, called Biosphere Reserves, serve as centers for genetic resource conservation, ecological research, monitoring, and training.
The primary goals of the MAB program include preserving representative ecosystem samples, conserving genetic diversity in situ, providing educational and training opportunities, promoting sustainable management of living resources, and encouraging international cooperation. Through these efforts, the MAB program aims to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustainable development worldwide.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A biosphere reserve is an area of land and coastal ecosystems designated to support strategies that balance biodiversity protection with sustainable usage. These reserves are recognized on a global scale, designated by national administrations, and governed by the states where they are located. Biosphere reserves serve as “living laboratories” where integrated management of land, water, and biodiversity can be tested and demonstrated. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is an international network consisting of all biosphere reserves. This network facilitates exchanges of individuals, expertise, and information among the reserves. Currently, there are over 500 biosphere reserves in more than 100 countries worldwide.
What are the Functions of Biosphere Reserves?
The functions of biosphere reserves can be summarized as follows:
Conservation Function: Biospherereserves aim to support the preservation of ecosystems, species, landscapes, and genetic variation. This involves conserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources to maintain ecological balance and ensure the long-term health of ecosystems.
Development Function: Biosphere reserves promote sustainable human and economic development that takes into account both cultural and ecological aspects. This involves finding ways to meet human needs while minimizing negative impacts on the environment, fostering local livelihoods, and promoting equitable and inclusive development.
Logistic Function: Biosphere reserves provide support for research, monitoring, education, and information sharing related to local, national, and international conservation and development issues. This includes facilitating scientific research, monitoring changes in biodiversity and ecosystems, educating the public about environmental conservation, and sharing knowledge and best practices with other reserves and stakeholders.
What are the Biosphere Reserve Zones?
Biosphere reserves are divided into three zones: the core area, the buffer zone, and the transition or outer zone.
The core area is the most strictly protected part of the reserve, similar to a national park. It aims to safeguard the most sensitive ecosystems and species.
The buffer zone surrounds the core area and acts as a
protective barrier, allowing for limited human activity. It helps to minimize human impact on the core area while promoting sustainable land use practices.
The outer zone, also known as the transition zone, lies outside the buffer zone and is where most human activities take place. It serves as a transition between the protected core and buffer zones and the surrounding areas.
The zoning plan can vary depending on local factors such as cultural traditions, geographical constraints, and existing legal protections. The flexibility of the biosphere reserve concept allows for tailored approaches to conservation and sustainable development, integrating protected areas with their surrounding landscapes and communities more effectively.
What are the Benefits of Biosphere Reserves?
The concept of biosphere reserves can be a cornerstone for programs aimed at improving people’s lives and protecting the environment. These initiatives can receive recognition from UNESCO.
Being designated as a biosphere reserve can raise awareness about environmental and development issues among locals, residents, and government officials, potentially attracting more funding. Biosphere reserves can serve as learning centers or pilot projects at the national level, demonstrating sustainable development and conservation methods that can be replicated elsewhere.
Also, they offer practical ways for countries to implement various international agreements and goals related to sustainability and biodiversity conservation. In cases where natural areas span multiple countries, transboundary biosphere reserves can be established through collaborative efforts between nations.
Who is In-Charge?
Each biosphere reserve operates under its own governance structure, and UNESCO does not impose changes to legislation or ownership. The management structure of a biosphere reserve must be adaptable and inclusive, allowing the local community to respond effectively to external political, social, and economic pressures that may affect the region’s ecological and cultural assets. Therefore, an appropriate governance body, such as a committee or board, is established to organize and coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders within their respective mandates and competencies. The coordinator of the biosphere reserve is typically the designated point of contact for any issues related to the reserve.
Who Pays?
Funding for biosphere reserves comes from various sources, including governments, businesses, travel agencies, philanthropic foundations, research funding organizations, and local governments. The amount of funding depends on the type and scope of initiatives and activities undertaken within the reserve. In many cases,
existing budgets can be aligned to achieve common objectives without requiring additional expenditure.
Government support, whether financial or in the form of technical and moral assistance, is crucial for establishing positive relationships with national policies and global sustainable development initiatives. UNESCO may also provide guidance and seed funding to support local efforts, helping to kickstart projects or establish sustainable financing systems in the long term. Ultimately, everyone plays a role in contributing to the funding of biosphere reserves, ensuring their continued success and conservation efforts.
What is the difference between a biosphere reserve and a natural World Heritage site?
The main difference between a biosphere reserve and a natural World Heritage site lies in their primary purposes and focus areas:
Biosphere Reserve:
A biosphere reserve serves three interrelated roles: conservation, sustainable development, and logistical support for scientific research and teaching.
It is an exemplary natural region designated to balance conservation with sustainable human activities.
Biosphere reserves are part of a World Network connected through knowledge and experience exchanges, governed by the Statutory Framework, which oversees a scientific program at UNESCO.
Natural World Heritage Site:
Natural World Heritage sites must be of great universal importance, as stipulated by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972).
These sites focus on protecting exceptional natural features or areas of significant ecological or geological value.
While biosphere reserves emphasize sustainable development and scientific research alongside conservation, natural World Heritage sites prioritize the preservation and promotion of scientific understanding and local development.
In some cases, the core area of a biosphere reserve may meet the requirements for designation as a natural World Heritage site. In such instances, the biosphere reserve, often larger in size, can complement the World Heritage site by providing additional protection and management measures to preserve its integrity.
Can a biosphere reserve be “de-designated”?
Yes, a biosphere reserve can be “de-designated” under certain circumstances.
Every ten years, a periodic review is conducted according to the Statutory Framework governing biosphere reserves. During this review, the relevant authority prepares periodic evaluation reports, which are then submitted to the
UNESCO Secretariat for assessment. These reports undergo a predetermined evaluation process.
If a biosphere reserve is found to not meet the required standards during the periodic review, it may be referred to as a “World Network biosphere reserve” after a fair amount of time. This means it may no longer carry the full designation of a biosphere reserve.
Although this process has never been fully enacted, some countries have voluntarily removed “non-functional” sites from the biosphere reserve list. In such cases, the MAB International Coordination Council has commended these countries for their actions.
How does UNESCO ensure that biosphere reserves function properly?
The Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves governs these reserves as a “soft law” established by the UNESCO General Conference. This framework is not a legally binding international convention or treaty, but rather a set of
guidelines that all nations are expected to follow. Therefore, the UNESCO Secretariat does not have enforcement powers, and each nation is responsible for ensuring that biosphere reserves meet the required standards through its MAB National Committee or Focal Point.
Most countries find that existing legal frameworks for land and water management, as well as environmental conservation, are sufficient for overseeing biosphere reserves. However, an increasing number of countries are granting biosphere reserves unique legal status to enhance their effectiveness.
When issues arise, such as proposals to develop sensitive areas like building an oil refinery within a biosphere reserve, the biosphere reserve designation serves as a starting point for discussions to find the best solution. In such cases, the MAB Secretariat reminds the relevant national committee or focal point of its obligations to ensure the protection and proper management of the reserve.
To be designated as a Biosphere Reserve (BR) by UNESCO, certain requirements must be met:
The site must have a core area that is minimally damaged and well-preserved.
The core area should be large enough to support sustainable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem and characteristics of a specific bio- geographical unit.
The location should be significant for preserving biological diversity, including rare, endangered, and endemic species.
The site should have the capacity to conserve traditional tribal or rural ways of life, promoting balanced environmental use.
The location must fulfill the three purposes of a biosphere reserve or be of an appropriate size.
Nations nominate potential sites for designation to the MAB Secretariat. These nominations are then reviewed by the Biosphere Reserve Advisory Group, which makes recommendations to the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB Program. The ICC is responsible for making the final decision regarding the designation of biosphere reserves.
Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR)
The Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR) is an international network initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It brings together governments, organizations, communities, and individuals who share a common
vision of restoring damaged and destroyed forests and the surrounding environments.
The GPFLR aims to actively engage stakeholders in restoring forests and landscapes worldwide through a landscape approach. It encourages volunteer action and offers various experiences to support local communities and the environment. The Partnership was launched in 2003 by a small group of governments and organizations with similar restoration goals.
In addition to restoration efforts, the Partnership promotes political commitments on forest and landscape restoration, aligning with initiatives such as the Bonn Challenge and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Bonn Challenge
The Bonn Challenge, initiated in 2011 by the German government and IUCN, aims to restore 150 million hectares of degraded land globally by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030. This commitment was reinforced during the 2014 UN Climate Summit under the New York Declaration on Forests, which increased the target to 350 million hectares by 2030. The NYDF is a voluntary international commitment to halt deforestation.
In 2015, at the UNFCCC in Paris, India pledged to restore 26 million hectares of land by 2030 as part of the Bonn Challenge. To oversee progress and fulfill commitments, a Bonn Challenge Consultative Committee was established by IUCN India and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. This committee aims to clarify the definition of landscapes and restoration efforts in India.
One concern is establishing a baseline for Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) projects to measure progress accurately. The Bonn Challenge began in 2011, but India committed in 2015, raising questions about the baseline year. Clarity on this baseline is essential for evaluating the success of FLR initiatives effectively.
United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030
The United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 was established during a special session of the UN Forum on Forests in 2017. It’s the first-ever comprehensive plan for global forests approved by the UN General Assembly. The plan sets ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, including 26 optional and voluntary Global Forest Goals along with associated targets.
One of the goals outlined in the plan is to increase global forest area by adding 120 million hectares, equivalent to a 3% increase, by 2030.