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L. Kapoor and S. Usha
et al. 2019). Along with its umpteen number of other benefits, biodiversity nurtures ecosystem services and promotes sustainable development. It is an asset to a
country’s economy as several components of biodiversity like fisheries, agriculture,
genetic diversity among floral and faunal species, medicinal plants and traditional
knowledge contribute to the green economic development therefore conservation of
biodiversity is essential for achieving sustainable development.
2 Mega Diverse Countries
World’ s biologically rich and wealthiest nations have been recognized by Conservation International, 1998 as “Megadiverse” based on the criteria of having a minimum
of 5000 species of endemic plants and encompassing marine ecosystems. The list of
megadiverse countries ranges from industrialized countries like Australia and United
States of America to emerging countries like China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia,
South Africa, Philippines and developing nations like Congo, Ecuador, Colombia,
Madagascar, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Venezuela and Peru. However most of
these nations are facing several threats (Tilman et al. 2017) as the escalating population rates and the resultant human activity, climatic changes, pollution, industrialization, urbanization, land degradation and invasive species affect the natural habitat
and lead to misuse and exploitation of ecosystems (terrestrial, aquatic and marine
ecosystems). Therefore action at this point is critical as the ecosystems on Earth are
facing a blow by 6th mass extinction of its species. As per the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) report,
2019, more than a million floral and faunal species are at the risk of being extinct.
Effective policies and strategies under the umbrella of CBD in line with its Aichi
targets 2011–2020 promotes several initiatives and policies for biodiversity conservation globally. As a continuous effort towards protecting our ecosystems, CBD plans
to initiate a post-2020 global biodiversity framework in its efforts towards achieving
the vision for 2050: “Living in harmony with Nature”.
3 India’s Biodiversity Framework
India, being a megadiverse country, has immense diversification in species and
ecosystems contributing to its biological wealth along with its dynamic cultural
heritage consisting of 4635 ethnic communities who are in harmony with nature and
have protected it for centuries. Conservation of biodiversity is a national priority for
India as it provides a plethora of raw material, produce and amenities essential for
survival and support the livelihood of millions of people, thereby improving their
socio-economic status and leading to sustainable development.
L. Kapoor and S. Usha
et al. 2019). Along with its umpteen number of other benefits, biodiversity nurtures ecosystem services and promotes sustainable development. It is an asset to a
country’s economy as several components of biodiversity like fisheries, agriculture,
genetic diversity among floral and faunal species, medicinal plants and traditional
knowledge contribute to the green economic development therefore conservation of
biodiversity is essential for achieving sustainable development.
2 Mega Diverse Countries
World’ s biologically rich and wealthiest nations have been recognized by Conservation International, 1998 as “Megadiverse” based on the criteria of having a minimum
of 5000 species of endemic plants and encompassing marine ecosystems. The list of
megadiverse countries ranges from industrialized countries like Australia and United
States of America to emerging countries like China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia,
South Africa, Philippines and developing nations like Congo, Ecuador, Colombia,
Madagascar, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Venezuela and Peru. However most of
these nations are facing several threats (Tilman et al. 2017) as the escalating population rates and the resultant human activity, climatic changes, pollution, industrialization, urbanization, land degradation and invasive species affect the natural habitat
and lead to misuse and exploitation of ecosystems (terrestrial, aquatic and marine
ecosystems). Therefore action at this point is critical as the ecosystems on Earth are
facing a blow by 6th mass extinction of its species. As per the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) report,
2019, more than a million floral and faunal species are at the risk of being extinct.
Effective policies and strategies under the umbrella of CBD in line with its Aichi
targets 2011–2020 promotes several initiatives and policies for biodiversity conservation globally. As a continuous effort towards protecting our ecosystems, CBD plans
to initiate a post-2020 global biodiversity framework in its efforts towards achieving
the vision for 2050: “Living in harmony with Nature”.
3 India’s Biodiversity Framework
India, being a megadiverse country, has immense diversification in species and
ecosystems contributing to its biological wealth along with its dynamic cultural
heritage consisting of 4635 ethnic communities who are in harmony with nature and
have protected it for centuries. Conservation of biodiversity is a national priority for
India as it provides a plethora of raw material, produce and amenities essential for
survival and support the livelihood of millions of people, thereby improving their
socio-economic status and leading to sustainable development.