Current Affairs 5 November 2024

GS Paper 3: 16th COP Outcomes
Syllabus: Environment

Context:

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in Cali, Colombia, with 190 countries discussing global biodiversity goals, including the ambitious 30-by-30 target.

About COP-16:

COP-16 focused on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets established in 2022. The conference emphasized ensuring biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction, and the creation of fair benefit-sharing mechanisms, especially for Digital Sequence Information (DSI). The discussions also underscored the integration of biodiversity into national policies and the alignment of climate actions with biodiversity goals.

About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

• Origin: Signed in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit and entered into force on December 29, 1993.
• Aim: To conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and ensure the equitable sharing of genetic resources.
• Features:
  • Ratified by 196 countries, excluding the United States.
  • Three primary objectives: Conservation, Sustainable Use, and Equitable Benefit-Sharing.
  • Supplementary protocols: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing.

Key Outcomes from COP-16:

1. 30-by-30 Commitment:
   • The goal is to conserve 30% of global land and ocean areas by 2030 and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.
2. Inclusion of Indigenous Voices:
   • A body was established to ensure indigenous groups are included in biodiversity discussions.
3. Digital Sequence Information (DSI):
   • Ongoing debates about fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic data. Plans for a multilateral mechanism remain unresolved.
4. Implementation Support:
   • An agreement was reached on technical support for biodiversity mainstreaming, managing invasive species, and improving the biodiversity-climate synergy.

India’s Contribution at COP-16:

1. Financial Commitment:
   • India presented an updated biodiversity plan, allocating ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity and conservation from 2025-2030, building on the ₹32,207 crore spent between 2018-2022.
2. Call for International Funding:
   • India stressed the need for international finance, as per KMGBF’s Target 19, to support biodiversity goals beyond domestic funds.
3. National Biodiversity Strategy:
   • India showcased its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), reinforcing its commitment to conservation through targeted actions.
4. Initiatives in Conservation:
   • India introduced the International Big Cat Alliance to protect big cats globally, highlighting its role in wildlife conservation.
5. Expansion of Ramsar Sites:
   • India increased its Ramsar sites (wetlands of international importance) from 26 in 2014 to 85, aiming for 100, demonstrating commitment to wetland conservation.

Drawbacks of COP-16:

1. Funding Gaps:
   • Only a fraction of the estimated $200 billion needed annually for biodiversity goals has been pledged.
2. Unresolved Issues:
   • No consensus was reached on contributions to the DSI fund or the mechanisms for financial and technical resource allocation.
3. Non-Binding Framework:
   • The KMGBF targets remain non-binding, which could undermine global commitment to achieving these goals.

Way Forward:

1. Securing Financing:
   • Mobilizing international funds, as emphasized in KMGBF’s Target 19, is crucial to bridge the biodiversity financing gap.
2. Strengthening Implementation:
   • Improving monitoring frameworks for 30-by-30 targets and ensuring adherence to biodiversity policies will be key to success.
3. Enhancing Collaborative Action:
   • Building stronger partnerships with indigenous communities and local governments will promote sustainable biodiversity practices.

Conclusion:

COP-16 underscored the urgent need for global cooperation and substantial financial support to address the biodiversity crisis. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG Goal 15 (Life on Land), and align with initiatives like NITI Aayog’s focus on sustainability, nations must collectively work towards ensuring the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.

Previous Year Question:

1. “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (UPSC-2018)
   (a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
   (b) The UNEP Secretariat
   (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
   (d) The World Meteorological Organisation

Answer: (c)

1. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC-2019)