Classification and Explanation of Key Conventions, Protocols, and Initiatives for Biodiversity:

Question 1

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)Established:

Answer 1

1992, Rio Earth Summit.Goals:Conservation of biological diversity.Sustainable use of biodiversity components.Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.Parties: 196 countries (excluding the U.S.).

Question 2

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000)

Answer 2

Focus: Safe handling and transport of living modified organisms (LMOs) from biotechnology.Entry into force: 2003.India: A party to the protocol.

Question 3

Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (2010)

Answer 3

Focus: Access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits.Entry into force: 2014.Parties: 137 (including India).

Question 4

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)

Answer 4

Also known as: International Seed Treaty.Aim: Ensures food security through conservation, sustainable use, and fair sharing of plant genetic resources.

Question 5

Aichi Biodiversity TargetsAgreed upon:

Answer 5

CBD COP 12 (2014).Goals: Address causes of biodiversity loss, safeguard ecosystems, and promote participatory biodiversity management.Result: None of the 20 targets were met by 2020.

Question 6

Sharm El Sheikh Declaration (New Deal for Nature)

Answer 6

Adopted at: COP 14 (2018), Egypt.Aim: Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework for achieving biodiversity goals by 2050.

Question 7

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP-15, 2022)

Answer 7

Goals: By 2050, reduce extinction rates, ensure sustainable biodiversity use, fair benefit-sharing, and bridge biodiversity finance gaps.India’s Stance: Called for a dedicated fund for developing countries and emphasized “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.”

Question 8

Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Answer 8

Targets by 2030: Reduce species extinction risks, promote sustainable biodiversity use, ensure adequate financing.

Question 9

Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR)

Answer 9

Initiated by: IUCN.Aim: Restore 150 million hectares by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.

Question 10

Bonn Challenge (2011)

Answer 10

Target: Restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.India: Pledged to restore 26 million hectares by 2030.

Question 11

Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR)2000

Answer 11

Coined by: IUCN and WWF.Aim: Restore ecological integrity and improve human well-being in degraded landscapes.

Question 12

XV World Forestry Congress (Seoul Declaration) 2022

Answer 12

Theme: Green, healthy, resilient forests.Focus: Transition to a circular bioeconomy, achieving climate neutrality.

Question 13

UN Initiatives for Forests and Ecosystems

Answer 13

Strategic Plan for Forests (2017–2030): Increase global forest cover by 3% by 2030.Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030): Aims to restore ecosystems globally.

Question 14

Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

Answer 14

Launched by: UNDP (2012).Aim: Address biodiversity finance gaps at the national level.

Question 15

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
1972

Answer 15

Focus: Protection of cultural and natural heritage with outstanding universal value.Criteria: Sites must meet at least one of the ten UNESCO criteria for inscription.