India’s 7th National Report to CBD: Strengthening Biodiversity Conservation and Community Participation

India has officially submitted its 7th National Report (NR 7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), providing a comprehensive update on the country’s progress in biodiversity conservation. This report is significant as it marks the first major assessment since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2022.

A primary highlight of the report is the substantial expansion of India’s Protected Area (PA) network. The network now comprises 1,134 sites, including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves, covering approximately 5.27% of the country's total geographical area. This expansion is a critical step toward achieving the global '30x30' target, which aims to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030. India is increasingly utilizing 'Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures' (OECMs) to supplement formal protected areas, recognizing the conservation value of landscapes managed by various stakeholders.

The report also emphasizes India’s unique decentralized model of biodiversity governance. Under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, India has established over 2.77 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local body level. These committees are tasked with documenting local biological resources and traditional knowledge through People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs). This community-led approach ensures that conservation efforts are inclusive and that the benefits arising from the use of biological resources are shared equitably with local communities.

Furthermore, the NR 7 details the alignment of India’s National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) with the 23 global targets set under the KMGBF. These targets cover a wide spectrum, including habitat restoration, management of invasive alien species, and sustainable agricultural practices. By synchronizing domestic policy with international frameworks, India reinforces its commitment to global environmental stewardship while addressing local ecological challenges.