India's 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity

India has submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), marking a significant assessment of its progress on national biodiversity targets. This report is crucial for the UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 3 on Environment and Biodiversity. Last Updated: 07-03-2026

Key Facts About India's 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity

• This is India's first full progress assessment since the adoption of the KMGBF in 2022, serving as a "reality check" on the nation's commitment to halting biodiversity loss by 2030.
• The report was prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with inputs from 33 central ministries, the Wildlife Institute of India, the National Biodiversity Authority, and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• India's performance is critical to global biodiversity outcomes as one of the world's megadiverse countries. The report's data will contribute to international assessments tracking progress toward the KMGBF's 23 global targets, including the "30x30" goal.
• Progress is tracked using 142 national indicators compiled through a digital NR7 data portal.
• NBT1 (Biodiversity-inclusive planning): Forest and tree cover now at 25.17% (827,357 sq km), with an increase of 1,445.81 sq km between 2021 and 2023.
• NBT2 (Ecosystem Restoration): India has restored or placed under restoration 24.1 million hectares against its Bonn Challenge pledge of 26 million hectares.

India's Biodiversity and Global Commitments

India's biodiversity efforts are pivotal in achieving global conservation goals, particularly under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). As a megadiverse country, India's strategies align with its economic and strategic goals, contributing to international biodiversity targets like the "30x30" initiative. This commitment enhances India's global standing and fosters sustainable development.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Environment and Biodiversity - India's biodiversity strategies and international commitments.
• Prelims: Questions on India's biodiversity targets, KMGBF, and specific national indicators.
• Mains: Analytical themes on biodiversity conservation, international agreements, and India's role in global biodiversity frameworks.
• Essay Paper: Topics on environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

FAQ Section

• What is the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)? It is a global agreement adopted at CBD COP15 (2022) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, built around 23 targets for 2030 and four long-term goals for 2050.
• What is the “30x30 Target” under the KMGBF? It aims to conserve at least 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2030 through protected areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
• Which biodiversity targets are currently on track in India according to the 7th National Report? NBT1 (Biodiversity-inclusive land and sea-use planning) and NBT2 (Ecosystem restoration) are identified as being on track among the 23 national biodiversity targets.