National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) – India
1. Introduction
The National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
is India’s primary policy framework for the conservation of biological
diversity. It is a mandatory requirement for all parties to the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD), which India ratified in 1994.
●
Objective: To provide a roadmap for the conservation of ecosystems,
species, and genetic diversity while ensuring sustainable use and equitable
sharing of benefits.
●
Alignment: It aligns with the National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006,
and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
2. Evolution of NBAP
India has periodically updated its action plan to
align with shifting global targets:
●
1999: First National Policy and Macro-level Action Strategy.
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2008: Comprehensive NBAP formulated (post-Biological Diversity Act).
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2014 Addendum: Introduced 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) to
align with the global Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020).
●
2024 Update (Current): Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework (KMGBF), focusing on 23 targets for 2030 and a vision for 2050.
3. The Three Pillars (CBD
Objectives)
The NBAP is built on the three fundamental goals
of the CBD:
1.
Conservation: Protecting the richness of species and ecosystems.
2.
Sustainable Use: Using biological resources in a way that does not lead to
long-term decline.
3.
Fair and Equitable
Sharing: Ensuring that benefits from genetic resources and
traditional knowledge are shared fairly with local communities.
4. Key Strategies and
Action Points
The plan identifies several "thrust
areas" for immediate and long-term action:
|
Strategy |
Key Actions |
|
Strengthening Protected Areas |
Expanding the network of National Parks,
Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves. |
|
Sustainable Management |
Integrating biodiversity into sectors like
agriculture (Agrobiodiversity), fisheries, and forestry. |
|
Pollution Control |
Reducing the impact of chemical runoff and waste
on aquatic and terrestrial life. |
|
Invasive Species |
Implementing measures to prevent and manage
Invasive Alien Species (IAS). |
|
Traditional Knowledge |
Strengthening the People's Biodiversity
Registers (PBRs) to document local knowledge. |
|
Climate Resilience |
Using biodiversity as a buffer against climate
change impacts. |
5. National Biodiversity
Targets (NBTs)
Under the current framework, India focuses on
specific measurable goals, including:
●
Target 1: Awareness of biodiversity values and the steps people can take
to conserve it.
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Target 5: Reducing the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including
forests and wetlands.
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Target 6: Managing and controlling invasive alien species.
●
Target 11: Conserving at least 17% of terrestrial and 10% of
coastal/marine areas through effectively managed protected areas.
6. Institutional Framework
for Implementation
The NBAP is implemented through a decentralized,
three-tier system:
1.
National Level: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) – Chennai.
2.
State Level: State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs).
3.
Local Level: Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the
Panchayat/Municipal level.
7. Significance for
Research and Academia
For researchers and students, the NBAP serves as:
●
A legal guideline
for accessing biological resources for research (requiring NBA/SBB approval).
●
A funding roadmap,
as many government grants (like PMMSY for fisheries) are designed to fulfill
NBAP targets.
●
A priority list for
conservation studies, particularly in "hotspots" like the Northeast
and the Western Ghats.
Summary Note: The NBAP is not a static
document but a "living" strategy that adapts to emerging threats like
habitat fragmentation and climate change, ensuring that India remains a global
leader in megadiversity conservation.
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