The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect ecosystems, but its focus on expanding protected areas could restrict traditional practices and displace indigenous tribes in India, threatening their livelihoods and well-being.
Tags: {GS – 3 ConservationEnvironmental Pollution & Degradation}
{GS-2 Important International InstitutionsGovernment Policies & Interventions}
For Prelims: Conference of Parties (COP15), Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development Goals.
For Mains: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Outcomes of COP 15, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Indigenous Communities
Context:
- A recent symposium organised by the University of Arizona highlighted concerns about the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its potential impact, particularly on India’s indigenous tribes.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework:
- The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022.
- It is designed to support the attainment of sustainable development goals while building upon previous strategic plans.
- The framework outlines four goals to be achieved by 2050 and sets forth 23 targets to be accomplished by 2030, encompassing aspects such as planning, monitoring, reporting, finance, and capacity development.
- One of the key targets, Target 3 of the GBF, aims to increase the coverage of protected areas to at least 30% of the world’s terrestrial area by 2030, a significant increase from the current level of 16%.
- All participating parties, including India, have pledged to establish national targets to effectively implement the GBF, demonstrating their commitment to biodiversity conservation on a global scale.
India’s Progress:
- India has reported that 22% of its terrestrial area and 5% of marine and coastal areas are now included in the Protected Area Network as part of Target 3, known as the 30×30 initiative.
- Despite progress in expanding protected areas, concerns have emerged regarding legal definitions and potential diversions of these areas for non-conservation purposes in India.
- The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023 in India broadened the definition of forest activities to encompass commercial ventures like zoos and ecotourism, signalling a commitment to sustainable development.
- However, the Supreme Court has mandated that any proposals for establishing zoos and safaris within forest areas (excluding protected areas) must first receive approval from the court.
- India has identified 14 categories of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), which include citizen-led initiatives. However, questions have been raised about the legal protection of these measures due to their voluntary nature.
What Could be the Implication of Forest Expansion on India’s Indigenous Tribes?
- Implications:
- Forest Expansion under GBF targets may restrict traditional land use practices and livelihoods of indigenous communities relying on natural resources, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity among indigenous populations.
- Approximately 84% of India’s national parks were established in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples, and meeting the GBF targets may pose a threat to their existence and way of life.
- Related Recent Instances:
- Initiatives such as the proposed upgrade of the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan to a tiger reserve could potentially displace 162 tribal villages.
- Expansion plans for the Nauradehi Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh have the potential to impact 62 predominantly tribal villages.
- The notification for the establishment of the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam raises concerns for indigenous groups such as the Khasis, Dimasas, and others, potentially affecting their livelihoods and cultural heritage.
How India can Utilise Indigenous Tribes in Biodiversity Conservation?
- Promoting Cultural Heritage Preservation through Ecotourism: Advocating for ecotourism initiatives led by indigenous communities to preserve cultural heritage while generating income.
- Exemplary Case: The Wayanad tribal heritage villages in Kerala serve as a prime example where community-driven eco-tourism projects have not only increased revenue but also safeguarded wildlife and empowered local populations.
- Integration of Traditional and Professional Knowledge: Utilising the traditional knowledge of indigenous tribes such as the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya, who have a deep-rooted tradition of preserving “sacred groves,“ areas of natural vegetation protected through local customs and sanctions.
- Integrating this wisdom with scientific surveys conducted by institutions like the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) can facilitate the development of comprehensive conservation strategies.
- Promotion of Co-Management Models: Advocating for the expansion of co-management models like the West Bengal Joint Forest Management (JFM) program, where indigenous communities collaborate with forest departments to oversee protected areas.
Way Forward:
- Upholding Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): The Indian government should adhere to the mandatory requirement of FPIC before establishing protected areas on tribal lands under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. This ensures that indigenous communities have a voice in decisions affecting their land and resources.
- Conducting Social Impact Assessments: It is essential to conduct thorough social impact assessments to understand the potential implications of expanding protected areas on existing livelihoods. This will help in identifying potential challenges and formulating appropriate mitigation measures.
- Implementing Co-Management Models: Drawing inspiration from Namibia’s Communal Conservancy program, India can establish co-management models for protected areas. These models empower indigenous communities by granting them a stake in wildlife management and incentivizing sustainable practices.
- Aligning Policies with International Standards: India should align its national policies with the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This ensures that indigenous rights and knowledge systems are respected, while sincere conservation efforts are pursued in tandem.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (2018)
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- The UNEP Secretariat
- The UNFCCC Secretariat
- The World Meteorological Organisation
Ans: (c)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and how does it relate to India’s indigenous tribes?
- Answer: The Kunming-Montreal GBF is an international agreement currently being negotiated under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to set ambitious post-2020 goals for safeguarding biodiversity. Indigenous tribes in India have a deep connection to their lands and ecosystems, and the GBF could significantly impact their rights and livelihoods if it includes provisions on issues like access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
2. How could the Kunming-Montreal GBF impact the rights of indigenous tribes in India?
- Answer: The GBF could potentially strengthen the rights of indigenous tribes by recognizing their role as stewards of biodiversity and incorporating their knowledge and practices into conservation efforts. However, it could also lead to increased pressure on tribal lands and resources if not carefully crafted.
3. Are there any specific concerns that indigenous tribes in India have regarding the Kunming-Montreal GBF?
- Answer: Some indigenous tribes in India are concerned that the GBF could lead to the biopiracy of their traditional knowledge and resources. They also worry about being excluded from decision-making processes related to the implementation of the framework.
4. What can be done to ensure that the Kunming-Montreal GBF is inclusive of the concerns of indigenous tribes in India?
- Answer: It is crucial to ensure the active participation of indigenous tribes in the negotiation and implementation of the GBF. This can be done through consultations, workshops, and capacity building programs. Additionally, the GBF should explicitly recognize the rights of indigenous tribes and incorporate their knowledge and practices into its goals and targets.
5. Are there any examples of how indigenous knowledge and practices can contribute to biodiversity conservation?
- Answer: Yes, there are numerous examples of indigenous communities around the world successfully managing their lands and ecosystems for generations. Their traditional knowledge and practices can provide valuable insights for conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
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