7th National Report to the CBD, marking the first full assessment since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2022. The report evaluates progress toward 23 national biodiversity targets (NBT). While significant strides have been made in forest cover and restoration, currently only two targets are officially on track for 2030. NOTE : The report serves as a "reality check" for India’s commitment to halting biodiversity loss. It highlights successes in ecosystem restoration and flagship species recovery (Tigers, Lions, Snow Leopards) but notes critical gaps in quantitative data for lesser-known species, land degradation, and the ambitious global "30x30" target.

KEY FACTS: 7TH NATIONAL REPORT

  • Lead Agency: Prepared by the MoEFCC with technical support from the UNDP and inputs from 33 ministries.
  • Mechanism: Progress is monitored via 142 national indicators through a digital NR7 data portal.
  • Global Context: India is a megadiverse country; its performance is vital to the KMGBF's goal of conserving 30% of land and sea by 2030.

TARGETS ON TRACK

  • NBT 1 (Biodiversity-inclusive Planning): * Forest and tree cover reached 25.17% (827,357 sq km).
    • Increase of 1,445.81 sq km between 2021 and 2023.
    • Implementation of the PARIVESH 2.0 portal for streamlined environmental approvals.
  • NBT 2 (Ecosystem Restoration): * Restored 24.1 million hectares, nearing the Bonn Challenge pledge of 26 million hectares.
    • Forest carbon stock rose to 7,285.5 million tonnes.
    • Expansion of bamboo area (1,540 sq km) and modest increase in mangrove cover.

CRITICAL CHALLENGES & CONCERNS

  • Land Degradation: 29.77% (97 million hectares) of India’s area is undergoing degradation, potentially outpacing restoration.
  • 30x30 Goal Gap: Formal protected areas cover only ~5% of India's land. Reaching 30% by 2030 remains a major hurdle.
  • Species Bias: While data on "flagship" species is robust (e.g., 3,167 tigers), data on lesser-known species remains limited.
  • Data Gaps: Lack of uniform collection methods across departments makes long-term trend analysis difficult.
  • Structural Hurdles: Limited financial resources, technical capacity, and the rising impact of climate change (fires, floods).

KUNMING MONTREAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK

  • Established: Adopted at COP15 in December 2022.
  • Vision: Living in harmony with nature by 2050; halting loss by 2030.
  • Target 3 (30x30): Conserving 30% of terrestrial and marine areas through protected areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

  • Origin: 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
  • Three Core Objectives:
    • Conservation of biological diversity.
    • Sustainable use of its components.
    • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
  • Supplementary Protocols:
    • Cartagena Protocol (2000): Biosafety and Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).
    • Nagoya Protocol (2010): Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS).