Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change C.L. John pointed out that since the lion’s share of State’s biological resources (88.3%) was owned by individuals and communities, they could play a major role in biodiversity conservation as compared to other stakeholders.
The minister’s message was on the the eve of International Day for Biodiversity where he also urged upon village communities, civil society organisations, government organisations, teachers and student community, NGOs and individuals to take part in Mission LIFE to contribute to “Building Back Biodiversity” for the present and the future generation.
John also acknowledged the roles played by various organisations g in conservation of biodiversity and protection of environment. He further stressed that biodiversity was the foundation of human existence, providing food, shelter and all ecosystem services.
The minister reiterated that interconnectedness of all living organisms and their habitats that helped ecosystem function harmoniously, which help create a suitable environment and ensuring sustainability.
He however lamented that humankind today was faced with unprecedented challenges that threatened the delicate ecosystems due to alarming rate of biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change. He attributed these to habitat destruction, pollution and over exploitation of natural resources.
Taking into account the importance of biodiversity for survival and wellness of human being, the minister said world leaders signed the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which came into force on December 29, 1993. He mentioned that India was one of 175 countries that were signatories to it.
He also mentioned that in December 2000 the UN General Assembly had adopted May 22 as the International Day of Biodiversity to increase understanding and awareness on biodiversity issues. Hence, the global community celebrated the day every year with specific themes. The minister stated that this year’s “From Agreement to Action- Build Back Biodiversity” was in sync with the adoption of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15).
He explained that the theme “From Agreement to Action- Build Back Biodiversity” encouraged and called upon all parties to launch their actions to implement the GBF. He said the International Biodiversity Day called for accelerating action in biodiversity conservation.
“Today, India is celebrating the International Biodiversity Day nationwide in conjunction with Mission LiFE and the upcoming World Environment Day as an action to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework. Mission LIFE is an Indian-led global mass movement introduced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to nudge individual and community for a mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption, to protect and preserve the environment,” the minister stated.
Keeping this in mind, he said all must come together and work across borders, sectors and disciplines to protect, conserve and sustainably utilise biodiversity, which would result in restoring ecosystem and restore the balance of nature.
