Introduction
Against the backdrop of a 68% decline in global fauna since 1970 (WWF Living Planet Report 2022), the 30×30 initiative was launched during the UN biodiversity conference COP-15 in Montreal. It aims to protect 30% of Earth’s terrestrial and marine habitats as Protected Areas (PAs) by 2030, addressing threats posed by habitat loss and over-exploitation.
Impact on Biodiversity Conservation:
- Preserving Natural Habitats: The initiative safeguards natural habitats, addressing the 85% of global species facing threats from habitat loss, such as protecting the Amazon Rainforest under 30×30.
- Increasing Protected Areas: 30×30 expands PAs, reducing encroachment and facilitating gene flow protection.
- Species Protection: With 37% of species facing extinction (IUCN RedList), the initiative protects habitats for endangered species, like the hawksbill sea turtle in the Pacific Ocean.
- Ecosystem Resilience: Safeguarded PAs, such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, enhance ecological resilience.
- Migration Corridors: 30×30 ensures protection of key connectivity corridors for species threatened by edge habitats.
- Genetic Diversity: The initiative safeguards gene pool reservoirs and biodiversity hotspots, preserving genetic diversity and adaptability to changing environments.
Impact on Climate Change Mitigation:
- Carbon Sequestration: Protecting natural habitats helps sequester carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change.
- Reduced Deforestation: The initiative curbs deforestation, preserving existing forests and maintaining carbon sinks.
- Sustainable Land Use: It promotes sustainable land use, preventing transformation into urban or agricultural zones.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protection of natural areas preserves diverse species crucial for ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation.
- Ecosystem Support: 30×30 safeguards ecosystems providing essential services like clean water, pollination, and flood protection.
- Climate Resilience: Preserving intact natural areas enhances resilience to climate impacts and acts as a buffer against consequences.
- Mitigation of Environmental Degradation: The initiative reduces human-induced environmental harm by halting habitat destruction.
Obstacles faced by India:
- Climate Laws Amendments: Favorable debt and developmental models, as seen in projects like Polavaram and Ken Betwa link, result in forest submersion.
- Lack of Local Participation: Indigenous tribes often lack consent in conservation efforts.
- Poor Regulatory Mechanisms & Monitoring: Inadequate systems to regulate and monitor conservation activities.
- Impact of Climate Change: Challenges such as fossil fuel dependence, marine heatwaves, and lightning strikes.
- Financial Constraints: Unutilized CAMPA funds due to financial limitations.
- Coordination Issues: Challenges in coordination and cooperation between state and central authorities.
- Poverty and Resource Dependency: Dependence on forests for resources and livelihood, exacerbates poverty.
- Illegal Activities: Rampant illegal activities like deforestation for timber and illegal sand mining.
Conclusion:
The 30×30 initiative is pivotal for global biodiversity and climate mitigation. India’s success in achieving the 30% conservation goal necessitates a holistic approach, integrating conservation with sustainable development. The initiative will not only benefit India’s natural heritage but also make a significant contribution to global biodiversity and climate mitigation efforts.
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