Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.

GS310 Marks2026Model answer

Introduction

The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF, 2022) is the post-2020 global pact under the Convention on Biological Diversity aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and put biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2050. It sets high‑level goals (to 2050) and operational targets (23 targets for 2030) to mainstream biodiversity across sectors, reduce direct pressures, improve ecosystem protection and restoration, and ensure fair benefit‑sharing and adequate finance.

Value Addition — GBF at a glance

Core elements of the GBF

Aim and 2050 goals: restore and maintain ecosystem integrity, ensure biodiversity contributes to human well‑being and sustains livelihoods, and uphold equity in benefits.
2030 Targets (selected priorities):
- Target 3 (30x30): conserve and effectively manage at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas.
- Targets to reduce extinction risk, restore degraded ecosystems, cut pollution and harmful subsidies, promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and ensure financial flows and capacity‑building.

India — commitments and initiatives (examples)

Policy & legal framework: Biological Diversity Act (2002), National Biodiversity Action Plan/National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) — updated to align with GBF priorities.
Protected areas & conservation programmes: expansion and management of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Project Tiger, and creation of Conservation Reserves/Community Reserves to strengthen in‑situ conservation (supports 30x30 objective). ★
Community & decentralised action: statutory Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and People’s Biodiversity Registers to implement local conservation and benefit‑sharing (addresses access & benefit‑sharing goals).
Restoration & landscape programmes: Green India Mission, large‑scale afforestation and mangrove restoration efforts, and participation in global restoration pledges support ecosystem restoration targets.
Finance & mainstreaming: use of CAMPA funds, state biodiversity funds, and efforts to integrate biodiversity into agriculture, fisheries and development planning; calls for enhanced international finance for biodiversity.
Monitoring & reporting: regular national reports to CBD and efforts to improve biodiversity monitoring and indicators to measure progress against GBF targets.

Way Forward / Balanced view

Scale up ecological restoration with clear national 2030 milestones, strengthen community rights and benefit sharing through capacity building of BMCs, redirect harmful subsidies (e.g., certain agro‑inputs) and mobilise domestic plus international finance tied to measurable outcomes. Integrate GBF targets into sectoral policies (agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure) with rigorous monitoring.

Conclusion

The GBF provides a time‑bound, outcome‑oriented roadmap. India's existing legal instruments, protected‑area network, restoration programmes and community mechanisms provide a solid base; accelerated implementation, finance, and cross‑sectoral mainstreaming are essential to translate the GBF 2030 targets into on‑ground biodiversity recovery compatible with India’s developmental needs and constitutional values.

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