International Day For Biodiversity, 2025

Theme: "Harmony with nature and sustainable development".

This day is observed globally to raise awareness and promote action for the conservation of biodiversity — the variety of life on Earth, essential for sustaining life systems.

Historical Background of Biodiversity and the Day

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms — plants, animals, microorganisms — and the ecosystems they form.
• The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and came into force in 1993.
• The International Day for Biological Diversity was initially celebrated on 29 December (the day the CBD came into force) but was later shifted to 22 May in 2000, marking the date the CBD was adopted in 1992.
• The CBD has three main objectives:
  • Conservation of biological diversity
  • Sustainable use of its components
  • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources

Global Biodiversity Trends

• The world has nearly 7 million species, but 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation.
• Top biodiverse countries:
  • Brazil – Hosts the Amazon rainforest; richest biodiversity.
  • Indonesia – Rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
  • Colombia – High in bird and amphibian species.
  • China – Rich flora and fauna across varied ecosystems.
  • Mexico – Large number of endemic species.

India’s Position in Global Biodiversity

• India is one of the 17 "megadiverse" countries of the world, home to about 7–8% of the world’s recorded species.
• It has four global biodiversity hotspots:
  • The Himalayas
  • The Indo-Burma region
  • The Western Ghats
  • The Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)
• India has over 47,000 plant species and 100,000 animal species.
• Endemism is high — especially among flowering plants, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.
• India ranks 10th in plant diversity and 4th in Asia.

Top Biodiversity-Rich Regions in India

• Western Ghats – Known for endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr.
• Eastern Himalayas – Rich in orchids and rhododendrons.
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
• Sundarbans (West Bengal) – World's largest mangrove ecosystem.
• North-East India – High floral and faunal diversity.

Biosphere Reserves in India (as of 2025)

India has a total of 18 Biosphere Reserves declared by the Government of India under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, out of which 12 are recognized by UNESCO.

Remaining Biosphere Reserves:

Major Acts Protecting Biodiversity in India

• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
  • Implements the objectives of the CBD.
  • Establishes the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
  • Promotes Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Umbrella legislation for environmental protection.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides for the creation of protected areas like National Parks and Sanctuaries.
• Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Regulates deforestation and conversion of forest lands.
• Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act (2006): Recognizes forest rights of indigenous communities.

Constitutional and Policy Support

• Article 48A – Directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 51A(g) – Fundamental duty of citizens to protect natural environment.
• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) – India's strategic framework for biodiversity conservation.

Steps Taken by India to Conserve Biodiversity

• Establishment of Protected Areas:
  • Over 100 National Parks and 500+ Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992) for flagship species.
• Eco-sensitive zones around protected areas.
• People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) to record traditional knowledge.
• State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees.
• In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation strategies:
  • Botanical gardens, seed banks, gene banks (ex-situ).
  • Biosphere reserves and sanctuaries (in-situ).

Challenges to Biodiversity in India

• Deforestation and habitat loss
• Invasive alien species
• Pollution of air, water, and soil
• Climate change and global warming
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade
• Overexploitation of natural resources

Practical Measures to Protect Biodiversity

• Afforestation and reforestation of degraded lands.
• Community-led conservation programs (e.g., Bishnoi and Chipko Movements).
• Promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism.
• Strict enforcement of environmental laws.
• Environmental education and awareness, especially among youth.
• Integrating biodiversity in urban planning and infrastructure.
• Adoption of traditional and indigenous knowledge in conservation.