The Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) in its endeavor to promote Non Timber Forest based Handicrafts, Herbal/Health/Cosmetic Medicinal & Food items (Forest/Argo/Biodiversity food) is organising 15 Days program: “GREEN HAAT” with primary objective of “Connecting nature with our lives”. The event would be organized at DILLI HAAT, Opp. INA market, New Delhi from 16th January 2013. It will continue till 31st January 2013 (Green Haat will be closed on 26th January 2013 on the occasion of Republic Day).
Green Haat is an initiative of Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), Govt. of India to raise awareness on the rich forest and bio diverse heritage of the country among the growing urban population often living far off from the forests. The initiative is to showcase various value added forest based products developed by Rural Artisans, Community Self Help Groups, NGOs, and State Federations and thus provide support to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
The first Green Haat was organized on the eve of World Environment Day 2011 where India played as a Global Host. Encouraged by the response received a decision was taken to make it an annual event. This year, the event is providing platform for the exhibition of Forest based Handicraft, and Bio diverse and Organic Food & Herbal Remedies under different categories of value added forest products. Through Green Haat the Ministry of environment & Forest intends to build and capitalize upon the rich traditional knowledge of the local communities to augment their forest based livelihood and generate awareness about the economic significance of forests among all sections of the society. Green Haat 2013 will be showcasing an array of bio diverse and forest based products from 10 States involving 55 partner organizations.
Eco Clubs from various schools will participate in activities like painting, nukad natak, writing, dancing, singing, etc. on “Green Haat” theme. In the evening cultural performances by Indian folk, forest songs and dances, ethnic dancers will also be organized.
Showing posts with label ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Government of Madhya Pradesh identified and declared 17 Eco-Sensitive Zones in the State
The Government of Madhya Pradesh in the first week of January 2013 declared that it has identified 17 eco-sensitive zones across the wildlife sanctuaries and parks of the state. It also cleared that illegal mining and commercial activities around these eco-sensitive zones would be prohibited. The move of identifying the eco-sensitive zones across the state came up in response to the last-chance offered to the State Government by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for identification of such zones and provide a site specific proposal before 15 February 2013. The notice was issued to the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 11 December 2012, which directed the state government to submit the proposal within the stipulated timeframe. If there would have been any delay in identification and declaration of these Zones, then the Ministry would have declared an area of 10 kilometers as eco-sensitive zones of the National Parks and Sanctuaries and this declaration would have barred the commercial and associated activities which had an impact on the environment. All these things would have happened following the norms of the ministry.
Madhya Pradesh at present has twenty-five wildlife Sanctuaries and eight National Parks. The state Forest Department identified and approved the eco-sensitive zones across Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Panna National Park and Kuno Palpur sanctuary, Bandhavgarh National Park and others.
Madhya Pradesh at present has twenty-five wildlife Sanctuaries and eight National Parks. The state Forest Department identified and approved the eco-sensitive zones across Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Panna National Park and Kuno Palpur sanctuary, Bandhavgarh National Park and others.
Monday, 3 December 2012
Indian forests face threat from illegal encroachment: Govt
India's forests are not only facing threat from mining, they are also being ravaged due to illegal human encroachment.
According to a new government document, nearly 1.25 million hectares of ecologically fragile areas have been illegally occupied by humans.
Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chhattisgarh are the worst culprits in this regard, the document says.
In Assam, 2,59,700 hectares of forest areas are under encroachment, while around 2,56,000 hectares of forest land in Andhra Pradesh has been illegally occupied by humans, it says.
An estimated 1,18,494 hectares of forest areas are under encroachment in Chhattisgarh where Maoist insurgents and legal and illegal mining in biodiversity hotspots are very active.
Forests in the Western Ghat region states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are also under threat of encroachment.
Over 85,388 hectares of forests in Maharashtra have been illegally occupied, the document says.
Forest areas in Karnataka (96,014 hectares), Kerala (44,420 hectares), Gujarat (34,791 hectares) and Tamil Nadu (14,352 hectares) have been occupied by violators, it says.
Large-scale such violation of forests has been reported from many other states including Jammu and Kashmir (13,360 hectares), Odisha (78,505 hectares), Tripura (47,758 hectares), Arunachal Pradesh (58,553 hectares) and Uttar Pradesh (26,795 hectares).
Interestingly, not a single case of violation has been reported from Bihar. The data is prepared based on the information provided by the state governments in 2010 and 2011 and 2012.
The disclosure of violation of forest areas came at a time when the government is taking several steps to increase forest cover in 20 million hectares of land in 10 years under an ambitious programme called Green India Mission.
The Forest Survey conducted last year had revealed that India's forest cover has declined, with the maximum loss recorded in Andhra Pradesh. The reduction was to the tune of 367 square km in comparison to the 2009 assessment.
According to the biennial survey, the total forest and tree cover of the country is 78.29 million hectares, which is 23.81 per cent of the geographical area of the country.
According to a new government document, nearly 1.25 million hectares of ecologically fragile areas have been illegally occupied by humans.
Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chhattisgarh are the worst culprits in this regard, the document says.
In Assam, 2,59,700 hectares of forest areas are under encroachment, while around 2,56,000 hectares of forest land in Andhra Pradesh has been illegally occupied by humans, it says.
An estimated 1,18,494 hectares of forest areas are under encroachment in Chhattisgarh where Maoist insurgents and legal and illegal mining in biodiversity hotspots are very active.
Forests in the Western Ghat region states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are also under threat of encroachment.
Over 85,388 hectares of forests in Maharashtra have been illegally occupied, the document says.
Forest areas in Karnataka (96,014 hectares), Kerala (44,420 hectares), Gujarat (34,791 hectares) and Tamil Nadu (14,352 hectares) have been occupied by violators, it says.
Large-scale such violation of forests has been reported from many other states including Jammu and Kashmir (13,360 hectares), Odisha (78,505 hectares), Tripura (47,758 hectares), Arunachal Pradesh (58,553 hectares) and Uttar Pradesh (26,795 hectares).
Interestingly, not a single case of violation has been reported from Bihar. The data is prepared based on the information provided by the state governments in 2010 and 2011 and 2012.
The disclosure of violation of forest areas came at a time when the government is taking several steps to increase forest cover in 20 million hectares of land in 10 years under an ambitious programme called Green India Mission.
The Forest Survey conducted last year had revealed that India's forest cover has declined, with the maximum loss recorded in Andhra Pradesh. The reduction was to the tune of 367 square km in comparison to the 2009 assessment.
According to the biennial survey, the total forest and tree cover of the country is 78.29 million hectares, which is 23.81 per cent of the geographical area of the country.
Green pigeon in Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The orange-breasted green pigeon was spotted in Sanjay Gandhi National Park for the first time in Maharashtra during the on-going bird survey. The forest-dwelling pigeon is usually found in the Western Ghats.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
National Bear Conservation and Welfare Action Plan
The Minister for Environment and Forests, Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan has released the National Bear Conservation and Welfare Action Plan.
India is home to four of the eight species of bears found worldwide – making it one of the only two countries with this diversity, the other being China.
The Indian bears include the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus). Sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and have gone extinct fairly recently from Pakistan and Bangladesh, underscoring the threats to the species of habitat loss and increasing human interface. The black bears and brown bears inhabit the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions, while the sun bears are found in very small numbers along the northeast Indian border. The bears have an almost pan-India distribution, being found in 26 of the 28 Indian states.
The national plan summarises the threats faced by bears in India, and outlines management actions to be undertaken by the bear range states for their conservation and welfare. It was an outcome of over a year of collaborative work by the MoEF, WII, state Forest Departments and NGOs including WTI, WSPA and IFAW.
India is home to four of the eight species of bears found worldwide – making it one of the only two countries with this diversity, the other being China.
The Indian bears include the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus). Sloth bears are endemic to the Indian sub-continent and have gone extinct fairly recently from Pakistan and Bangladesh, underscoring the threats to the species of habitat loss and increasing human interface. The black bears and brown bears inhabit the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions, while the sun bears are found in very small numbers along the northeast Indian border. The bears have an almost pan-India distribution, being found in 26 of the 28 Indian states.
The national plan summarises the threats faced by bears in India, and outlines management actions to be undertaken by the bear range states for their conservation and welfare. It was an outcome of over a year of collaborative work by the MoEF, WII, state Forest Departments and NGOs including WTI, WSPA and IFAW.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Australia Created World’s Largest Marine Reserve
Australia on 16 November 2012 created the world's largest network of marine reserves, protecting more than 2.3 million square kilometres of ocean environment.
The announcement came after years of planning and consultation. The Marine reserve created is going to expand the protection of creatures such as the blue whale, green turtle and the critically endangered populations of grey nurse sharks, and dugongs.
The plan extension cover six marine regions and it was first made public in June 2012.
Australia is home to some incredible marine environments which include the Perth Canyon in the south-west and the stunning reefs of the Coral Sea and by creating World’s largest Marine Reserve is becoming a world leader on environmental protection.
The announcement came after years of planning and consultation. The Marine reserve created is going to expand the protection of creatures such as the blue whale, green turtle and the critically endangered populations of grey nurse sharks, and dugongs.
The plan extension cover six marine regions and it was first made public in June 2012.
Australia is home to some incredible marine environments which include the Perth Canyon in the south-west and the stunning reefs of the Coral Sea and by creating World’s largest Marine Reserve is becoming a world leader on environmental protection.
Friday, 9 November 2012
India among top 5 countries in new and renewable energy usage
India is among the top five countries in terms of usage of new and renewable energy and the sector is attracting FDI worth over USD 10 billion every year.
"India stands among the top five countries of the world in terms of renewable energy installed capacity and at present renewable power," new and renewable energy minister Farooq Abdullah said.
Addressing the first ASEAN-India renewable energy meeting, he said, "Investment in renewable energy in India has now exceeded USD 10 billion per year."
Abdullah said the meeting provided a unique opportunity to catalyse the India-ASEAN Renewable Energy family and underlined the importance of new energy sources in India's energy security for achieving its goal of providing reliable energy supply and access through a diverse and sustainable energy mix.
"India stands among the top five countries of the world in terms of renewable energy installed capacity and at present renewable power," new and renewable energy minister Farooq Abdullah said.
Addressing the first ASEAN-India renewable energy meeting, he said, "Investment in renewable energy in India has now exceeded USD 10 billion per year."
Abdullah said the meeting provided a unique opportunity to catalyse the India-ASEAN Renewable Energy family and underlined the importance of new energy sources in India's energy security for achieving its goal of providing reliable energy supply and access through a diverse and sustainable energy mix.
India making efforts towards environmental sustainability
UNESCO on November 9 lauded India's efforts towards environmental sustainability and said a multi- dimensional approach in this regard is the need of the hour globally.
"We are testing the capacity of our planet to sustain us. At a time of global economic crises, at a time when challenges are complex and in many respect I would say, yet unknown," UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said at the launch of the UNESCO chair on 'Climate Science and Policy' at TERI University at New Delhi.
According to Bokova, the full potential of human ingenuity needed to be explored and UNESCO was leading the UN secretary general's call to create an International Scientific Advisory Board.
She also said that India was making efforts towards environmental sustainability having set up a separate Environment and Forest Ministry in 1972 and also making environmental studies a subject in school.
Bokova also said that UNESCO was also a partner with the World Meteorological Organisation in creating the global framework for climate services to bring scientific knowledge about climate change to different working groups.
"We are testing the capacity of our planet to sustain us. At a time of global economic crises, at a time when challenges are complex and in many respect I would say, yet unknown," UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said at the launch of the UNESCO chair on 'Climate Science and Policy' at TERI University at New Delhi.
According to Bokova, the full potential of human ingenuity needed to be explored and UNESCO was leading the UN secretary general's call to create an International Scientific Advisory Board.
She also said that India was making efforts towards environmental sustainability having set up a separate Environment and Forest Ministry in 1972 and also making environmental studies a subject in school.
Bokova also said that UNESCO was also a partner with the World Meteorological Organisation in creating the global framework for climate services to bring scientific knowledge about climate change to different working groups.
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
World's rarest whale spotted in Pacific
The world's rarest whale species - the spade toothed beaked whale has been spotted for the first time by scientists of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.
"This is the first time a spade-toothed beaked whale has been seen as a complete specimen, and we were lucky enough to find two of them," says Rochelle Constantine, from the University of Auckland, who led the study.
The scientists used DNA evidence to prove that a mother and her male calf which stranded in New Zealand in late 2010 were the first animals of their kind ever seen, according to an Auckland statement.
Since the two animals are the only intact members of their species sighted, the spade-toothed beaked whale is the world's rarest whale. Until now the only evidence for the species' existence came from three skull and jaw fragments found around New Zealand and Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile.
The spade-toothed beaked whale was discovered on Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands in 1872, but it wasn't until 2002 that scientists from The University of Auckland analysed DNA from the three skull fragments, recovered from museum archives, and realised that their genetic profiles were the same and did not correspond to any other known species.
"This is the first time a spade-toothed beaked whale has been seen as a complete specimen, and we were lucky enough to find two of them," says Rochelle Constantine, from the University of Auckland, who led the study.
The scientists used DNA evidence to prove that a mother and her male calf which stranded in New Zealand in late 2010 were the first animals of their kind ever seen, according to an Auckland statement.
Since the two animals are the only intact members of their species sighted, the spade-toothed beaked whale is the world's rarest whale. Until now the only evidence for the species' existence came from three skull and jaw fragments found around New Zealand and Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile.
The spade-toothed beaked whale was discovered on Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands in 1872, but it wasn't until 2002 that scientists from The University of Auckland analysed DNA from the three skull fragments, recovered from museum archives, and realised that their genetic profiles were the same and did not correspond to any other known species.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
World's first family tree for all living birds unveiled
British scientists have created the world's first family tree linking all living birds, revealing when and where they evolved and diversified since dinosaurs walked the earth.
Experts used the family tree to map out where the almost 10,000 species of birds live to show where the most diversification has taken place in the world.
Researchers, from the University of Sheffield, Yale University, University of Tasmania and Simon Fraser University, said the creation of new species has speeded-up over the last 50 million years. Surprisingly, species formation is not faster in the species rich tropics, but was found to be faster in the Western Hemisphere compared to the Eastern Hemisphere as well as on islands.
As well as being the first time scientists have created a family tree for birds, it is hoped the research could help prioritise conservation efforts in a bid to save the most diverse species from extinction.
Experts used the family tree to map out where the almost 10,000 species of birds live to show where the most diversification has taken place in the world.
Researchers, from the University of Sheffield, Yale University, University of Tasmania and Simon Fraser University, said the creation of new species has speeded-up over the last 50 million years. Surprisingly, species formation is not faster in the species rich tropics, but was found to be faster in the Western Hemisphere compared to the Eastern Hemisphere as well as on islands.
As well as being the first time scientists have created a family tree for birds, it is hoped the research could help prioritise conservation efforts in a bid to save the most diverse species from extinction.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Uttarakhand Named best Performing States in terms of Environmental standards
The state of Uttarakhand on 29 October 2012 tops the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) list of being best-performing States and Union territories in terms of environmental well-being released by Planning Commission.
Uttarakhand is followed by Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh on the Planning Commission’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) list. Environmental well-being is one of the considerations for decentralization of funds to the States under the Gadgil formula.
The State of Uttarakhand was given a cumulative score point of 0.8123 which is followed by Himachal Pradesh with score point of 0.7316, Chandigarh with 0.7270, Sikkim (0.7149), and Andhra Pradesh with 0.7147 of Score point.
Mizoram, Kerala, Goa, Sikkim, Tripura, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar, with an average score of 1, were ranked as the best States in terms of air quality.
Amazingly, except for Uttarakhand, all the States met the prescribed national ambient air quality standard in respect of the sulphur dioxide which is of 20 micrograms per cubic metre.
Uttarakhand is followed by Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh on the Planning Commission’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) list. Environmental well-being is one of the considerations for decentralization of funds to the States under the Gadgil formula.
The State of Uttarakhand was given a cumulative score point of 0.8123 which is followed by Himachal Pradesh with score point of 0.7316, Chandigarh with 0.7270, Sikkim (0.7149), and Andhra Pradesh with 0.7147 of Score point.
Mizoram, Kerala, Goa, Sikkim, Tripura, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar, with an average score of 1, were ranked as the best States in terms of air quality.
Amazingly, except for Uttarakhand, all the States met the prescribed national ambient air quality standard in respect of the sulphur dioxide which is of 20 micrograms per cubic metre.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Successful CoP - Leading the Way Forward
Following are the highlights of the CoP-11 Conference on Biodiversity concluded in Hyderabad on 19 October, 2012:
• Largest ever such conference organised in India. 170 countries participated. The number of pre registered delegates around 15000. Minister/Vice Minister level participation around 80. More than 400 side events – many organised by the World Bank, UNDP, GEF, other countries and International and national NGOs.
• The elements of successful CoP were flawless logistics, strategic thinking in the development of Agenda’s content, participation of a large number of stakeholders and persuasive yet effective negotiations.
• One of the most important outcomes of the CoP is the commitment of the Parties to double the international financial flows for Bio Diversity by 2015. This will translate into additional financial flows to the developing countries to the tune of about US $ 30 billion equivalent to about Rs. 1,50,000 crore over the next 8 years. This is a major achievement especially in the context of .
1. Global economic downturn
2. Contentious stands regarding the robust baseline and the reporting mechanism
3. Absence of any such target in the recommendation sent to the CoP by WGRI
4. With no proposal from Working Group on Review of Implementation (WGRI) the Parties would not have come with the required clearance from the respective Finance Ministries.
India rectified the situation by her initiatives
1. Suggested a two track solution envisaging a preliminary target and a road map.
2. Co sponsored informal dialogue to promote better Understanding among the parties of the issues involved.
3. Co sponsored India UK High Level Panel to assess the requirement of funds.
4. Worked closely with the Bureau to introduce a specific element of preliminary target, so that the parties come prepared with mandates from their Finance Ministries.
5. During the CoP India led the efforts of the Parties to find a satisfactory outcome
• Way Forward India will like to play its leadership role during India’s Presidency by supporting and hosting capacity building in the developing countries to help them prepare project proposals to avail the additional funding now envisaged.
• India will now be working closely with all the member countries to make a success of the Hyderabad Road Map. India will also share its experience with other countries to help them establish a robust baseline, so that the target for resources fixed now is further refined by CoP 12. India has already set apart a sum of Rs. 50 crores towards South South cooperation.
• India has launched the initiative of Hyderabad Pledge which is now available on the web site of CBD. All the countries are requested to pledge money for the cause of bio diversity. MEF will now write to all the Ministers the world over requesting them to pledge additional resources for Biodiversity.
• India has already ratified Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit sharing. India during its Presidency will work tirelessly for the ratification of the Protocol by 50 countries so that it comes into force during the Presidency of India. Towards this end, India will offer to host the meeting of the Inter Governmental Committee of Nagoya Protocol. India will also host capacity building workshops of developing Countries to help them take legislative / administrative measures. India has already offered to meet part of the cost of the meeting of the Working Group on Art. 8j on Traditional Knowledge.
• After the resounding success of the Science Express Biodiversity Special. The Government will take special efforts to increase the reach of this Express to even more remote corners of the country to increase the awareness about Biodiversity.
• Many delegates who visited the Biodiversity express in Hyderabad wanted something similar done in their country. India will explore ways of replicating this wonderful success of Biodiversity Express in other countries by providing them appropriate support.
• In Hyderabad, a commemorative Pylon and a Biodiversity Garden have been established. The Prime Minister of India had planted the first tree on behalf of India, representatives of the participating countries have also planted trees. It has been decided to establish a Biodiversity Museum on this site. This will be a token of gratitude to the people of Hyderabad whose hospitality had won the heart of every international delegate. Hyderabad is the first host city of CBD CoP to establish commemorative Pylon, garden and museum.
• During its Presidency India will take special steps to strengthen the State Biodiversity Boards and to prepare Peoples Biodiversity Registers at the village level. A sum of about Rs.250 crores has been approved for this purpose.
• India will substantially increase its allocation for Biodiversity by working closely with other Ministries for mainstreaming of Biodiversity.
• India has instituted together with UNDP Biodiversity Governance Awards. The first such awards were given during the CoP 11. It is now proposed to institute Rajiv Gandhi International Award for Harnessing Biodiversity for Livelihood.
• Largest ever such conference organised in India. 170 countries participated. The number of pre registered delegates around 15000. Minister/Vice Minister level participation around 80. More than 400 side events – many organised by the World Bank, UNDP, GEF, other countries and International and national NGOs.
• The elements of successful CoP were flawless logistics, strategic thinking in the development of Agenda’s content, participation of a large number of stakeholders and persuasive yet effective negotiations.
• One of the most important outcomes of the CoP is the commitment of the Parties to double the international financial flows for Bio Diversity by 2015. This will translate into additional financial flows to the developing countries to the tune of about US $ 30 billion equivalent to about Rs. 1,50,000 crore over the next 8 years. This is a major achievement especially in the context of .
1. Global economic downturn
2. Contentious stands regarding the robust baseline and the reporting mechanism
3. Absence of any such target in the recommendation sent to the CoP by WGRI
4. With no proposal from Working Group on Review of Implementation (WGRI) the Parties would not have come with the required clearance from the respective Finance Ministries.
India rectified the situation by her initiatives
1. Suggested a two track solution envisaging a preliminary target and a road map.
2. Co sponsored informal dialogue to promote better Understanding among the parties of the issues involved.
3. Co sponsored India UK High Level Panel to assess the requirement of funds.
4. Worked closely with the Bureau to introduce a specific element of preliminary target, so that the parties come prepared with mandates from their Finance Ministries.
5. During the CoP India led the efforts of the Parties to find a satisfactory outcome
• Way Forward India will like to play its leadership role during India’s Presidency by supporting and hosting capacity building in the developing countries to help them prepare project proposals to avail the additional funding now envisaged.
• India will now be working closely with all the member countries to make a success of the Hyderabad Road Map. India will also share its experience with other countries to help them establish a robust baseline, so that the target for resources fixed now is further refined by CoP 12. India has already set apart a sum of Rs. 50 crores towards South South cooperation.
• India has launched the initiative of Hyderabad Pledge which is now available on the web site of CBD. All the countries are requested to pledge money for the cause of bio diversity. MEF will now write to all the Ministers the world over requesting them to pledge additional resources for Biodiversity.
• India has already ratified Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit sharing. India during its Presidency will work tirelessly for the ratification of the Protocol by 50 countries so that it comes into force during the Presidency of India. Towards this end, India will offer to host the meeting of the Inter Governmental Committee of Nagoya Protocol. India will also host capacity building workshops of developing Countries to help them take legislative / administrative measures. India has already offered to meet part of the cost of the meeting of the Working Group on Art. 8j on Traditional Knowledge.
• After the resounding success of the Science Express Biodiversity Special. The Government will take special efforts to increase the reach of this Express to even more remote corners of the country to increase the awareness about Biodiversity.
• Many delegates who visited the Biodiversity express in Hyderabad wanted something similar done in their country. India will explore ways of replicating this wonderful success of Biodiversity Express in other countries by providing them appropriate support.
• In Hyderabad, a commemorative Pylon and a Biodiversity Garden have been established. The Prime Minister of India had planted the first tree on behalf of India, representatives of the participating countries have also planted trees. It has been decided to establish a Biodiversity Museum on this site. This will be a token of gratitude to the people of Hyderabad whose hospitality had won the heart of every international delegate. Hyderabad is the first host city of CBD CoP to establish commemorative Pylon, garden and museum.
• During its Presidency India will take special steps to strengthen the State Biodiversity Boards and to prepare Peoples Biodiversity Registers at the village level. A sum of about Rs.250 crores has been approved for this purpose.
• India will substantially increase its allocation for Biodiversity by working closely with other Ministries for mainstreaming of Biodiversity.
• India has instituted together with UNDP Biodiversity Governance Awards. The first such awards were given during the CoP 11. It is now proposed to institute Rajiv Gandhi International Award for Harnessing Biodiversity for Livelihood.
Countries Agree to Double Resources for Biodiversity Protection by 2015
The world’s governments have agreed to increase funding in support of actions to halt the rate of loss of biodiversity at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
Developed countries agreed to double funding to support efforts in developing states towards meeting the internationally-agreed Biodiversity Targets, and the main goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
The Saragasso Sea, the Tonga archipelago and key corals sites off the coast of Brazil are among a range of marine areas to receive special attention by governments as part of renewed efforts to sustainably manage the world`s oceans agreed in Hyderabad. Many of the areas are beyond national jurisdictions and, as such, receive little or no protection at present.
Other key decisions taken at the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 11) include new measures to factor biodiversity into environmental impact assessments linked to infrastructure and other development projects in marine and coastal areas.
Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said: “These results, coming in a period of economic crisis, demonstrate that the world is committed to implementing the CBD. We see that governments are moving forward in implementation and seeing biodiversity as an opportunity to be realized more than a problem to be solved.”
“We now need to move forward in the next two years, under the able leadership of India, the COP 11 president, to consolidate this work and to advance further. I look forward to other pledges in support of the Hyderabad call for Biodiversity Champions that will allow us to realize our goals” he said.
Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment and Forests for India, and President of the COP said: “The present economic crisis should not deter us, but on the contrary encourage us to invest more towards amelioration of the natural capital for ensuring uninterrupted ecosystem services, on which all life on earth depends."
"The UN biodiversity conference in Hyderabad has taken forward the renewed momentum, forged two years ago in Nagoya," said United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UN Environment Programme Executive Director Achim Steiner.
"Countries have sent a clear signal and delivered additional commitments underlining the fact that biodiversity and ecosystems are a development priority and central to a transition to an inclusive Green Economy," added Mr. Steiner.
"Mobilizing the necessary financial resources from the public and private sector needed to ensure achievement of the 2020 targets remains a challenge - but here in India, many nations including developing economies have signalled their determination and sense of urgency to seize the opportunities by providing much needed additional support,” said Mr. Steiner.
Agreements on Funding
Developed countries agreed at the conference to increase funding to support efforts in developing states towards meeting the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Using a baseline figure of the average annual national spending on biodiversity between 2006 and 2010, developed countries said they would double biodiversity-related international financial flows by 2015. The COP also set targets to increase the number of countries that have included biodiversity in their national development plans, and prepared national financial plans for biodiversity, by 2015.
All Parties agreed to substantially increase domestic expenditures for biodiversity protection over the same period. These targets, and progress towards them, will be reviewed in 2014.
For the first time, developing countries at COP 11, including India and several African states, pledged additional funds above and beyond their core funding towards the work of the CBD.
The conference also saw the launch of the Hyderabad Call for Biodiversity Champions. The programme will accept pledges from governments and organizations in support of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. The government of India this week committed over US$ 50 million as part of the programme.
The Global Environment Facility, the financial mechanism of the Convention, for the first time, was provided with an assessment of the financial resources required to meet the needs of developing countries for implementing the Convention.
Marine Biodiversity
The 193 Parties to the CBD agreed to classify a diverse list of marine areas, some renowned for containing ‘hidden treasures’ of the plant and animal world, as ecologically or biologically significant.
Earlier this week, UNEP launched its Protected Planet 2012 report which found that half of the world`s richest biodiversity zones remain entirely unprotected - despite a 60 per cent increase in the number of protected areas since 1990.
To meet the Aichi Biodiversity Target of ensuring that 10 per cent of marine areas are protected by 2020, says the UNEP report, an additional 8 million square kilometres of marine and coastal areas would need to be recognized as protected - an area just over the size of Australia.
COP agreed to transmit the results of this classification work to the United Nations General Assembly so that they can be considered by relevant UN processes linked to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, in particular the United Nations General Assembly Working Group which is considering the development of an international agreement for biodiversity conservation in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Parties to the Convention also called for more research into the potential adverse effects of underwater noise from ships on marine and coastal biodiversity, and highlighted the growing concern on the adverse effects of marine litter. It also recognized the growing challenge of climate change impacts on coral reefs, which, Parties agreed, will require significant investment to overcome.
There was also a call to fisheries management bodies to play a stronger role in addressing the impacts of fisheries on biodiversity.
The series of agreements at COP 11 on oceans and coasts builds on the commitment of countries made at the United Nations Rio+20 summit in June to protect and restore marine ecosystems and to maintain their biodiversity.
National Biodiversity Plans
Much of the COP 11 negotiations revolved around practical and financial support for countries in implementing national biodiversity plans to meet the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
In reviewing global progress in implementing such measures, the COP reaffirmed the need for enhanced technical and scientific cooperation among countries, while underlining the potential for enhanced cooperation among developing countries. To support such efforts, a new National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Forum (NBSAP Forum) was launch at COP11 by UNEP, CBD, The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The online forum provides easy-to-access, targeted information such as best practices, guidelines and learning tools for countries.
UNEP’s Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Initiative also presented a series of practical guides for governments at COP 11 for integrating the economic, social and cultural value of ecosystems into national biodiversity plans.
COP 11 also agreed to a number of measures to engage the main economic sectors, such as business and development organizations, to integrate biodiversity objectives in their plans and programmes.
COP 11 developed new work in support of achieving Aichi Target 15 which calls for the restoration of 15% of degraded lands. This work was supported by a call, in the margins of the meeting, by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and other bodies for concerted action in support of the decision.
A decision on climate change and biodiversity called for enhanced collaboration between the CBD and UN climate change initiatives including Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
Given that forests are home to more than half of all terrestrial species, initiatives such as REDD+, where developing countries can receive payments for carbon offsets for their standing forests, can potentially help achieve international biodiversity targets, as well as those concerned with cutting carbon emissions.
The decision covers technical advice on the conservation of forests, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
However the COP also noted discussions around the need for biodiversity safeguards relating to REDD+ and similar incentives. Actions such as afforestation in areas of high biodiversity value, or the conversion of natural forests to plantations, for example, may have adverse impacts on biodiversity.
The COP adopted recommendations for improving the sustainable use and management of species hunted for `bushmeat` in tropical and sub-tropical regions, where large-scale hunting and trade of animals has led to `empty forest syndrome`, and is increasingly threatens food security, and the ecological stability of forests and other ecosystems. Together with FAO and other organizations, the CBD Secretariat will establish a global `Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management` to support developing countries in the implementation of relevant CBD provisions.
COP 11 adopted a decision on protected areas that provides a framework for achieving Aichi target 11. It calls for integration of national action plans for Protected Areas into revised National Biodiversity Strategies and action Plans.
A parallel summit of Cities and Local Authorities was convened with the support of ICLEI. Participants adopted the Hyderabad Declaration on Subnational Governments, Cities and other Local Authorities for Biodiversity, which supports the work of cities to achieve the Global Strategy for Biodiversity and calls for greater coordination between levels of government.
Developed countries agreed to double funding to support efforts in developing states towards meeting the internationally-agreed Biodiversity Targets, and the main goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
The Saragasso Sea, the Tonga archipelago and key corals sites off the coast of Brazil are among a range of marine areas to receive special attention by governments as part of renewed efforts to sustainably manage the world`s oceans agreed in Hyderabad. Many of the areas are beyond national jurisdictions and, as such, receive little or no protection at present.
Other key decisions taken at the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 11) include new measures to factor biodiversity into environmental impact assessments linked to infrastructure and other development projects in marine and coastal areas.
Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said: “These results, coming in a period of economic crisis, demonstrate that the world is committed to implementing the CBD. We see that governments are moving forward in implementation and seeing biodiversity as an opportunity to be realized more than a problem to be solved.”
“We now need to move forward in the next two years, under the able leadership of India, the COP 11 president, to consolidate this work and to advance further. I look forward to other pledges in support of the Hyderabad call for Biodiversity Champions that will allow us to realize our goals” he said.
Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment and Forests for India, and President of the COP said: “The present economic crisis should not deter us, but on the contrary encourage us to invest more towards amelioration of the natural capital for ensuring uninterrupted ecosystem services, on which all life on earth depends."
"The UN biodiversity conference in Hyderabad has taken forward the renewed momentum, forged two years ago in Nagoya," said United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UN Environment Programme Executive Director Achim Steiner.
"Countries have sent a clear signal and delivered additional commitments underlining the fact that biodiversity and ecosystems are a development priority and central to a transition to an inclusive Green Economy," added Mr. Steiner.
"Mobilizing the necessary financial resources from the public and private sector needed to ensure achievement of the 2020 targets remains a challenge - but here in India, many nations including developing economies have signalled their determination and sense of urgency to seize the opportunities by providing much needed additional support,” said Mr. Steiner.
Agreements on Funding
Developed countries agreed at the conference to increase funding to support efforts in developing states towards meeting the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Using a baseline figure of the average annual national spending on biodiversity between 2006 and 2010, developed countries said they would double biodiversity-related international financial flows by 2015. The COP also set targets to increase the number of countries that have included biodiversity in their national development plans, and prepared national financial plans for biodiversity, by 2015.
All Parties agreed to substantially increase domestic expenditures for biodiversity protection over the same period. These targets, and progress towards them, will be reviewed in 2014.
For the first time, developing countries at COP 11, including India and several African states, pledged additional funds above and beyond their core funding towards the work of the CBD.
The conference also saw the launch of the Hyderabad Call for Biodiversity Champions. The programme will accept pledges from governments and organizations in support of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. The government of India this week committed over US$ 50 million as part of the programme.
The Global Environment Facility, the financial mechanism of the Convention, for the first time, was provided with an assessment of the financial resources required to meet the needs of developing countries for implementing the Convention.
Marine Biodiversity
The 193 Parties to the CBD agreed to classify a diverse list of marine areas, some renowned for containing ‘hidden treasures’ of the plant and animal world, as ecologically or biologically significant.
Earlier this week, UNEP launched its Protected Planet 2012 report which found that half of the world`s richest biodiversity zones remain entirely unprotected - despite a 60 per cent increase in the number of protected areas since 1990.
To meet the Aichi Biodiversity Target of ensuring that 10 per cent of marine areas are protected by 2020, says the UNEP report, an additional 8 million square kilometres of marine and coastal areas would need to be recognized as protected - an area just over the size of Australia.
COP agreed to transmit the results of this classification work to the United Nations General Assembly so that they can be considered by relevant UN processes linked to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, in particular the United Nations General Assembly Working Group which is considering the development of an international agreement for biodiversity conservation in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Parties to the Convention also called for more research into the potential adverse effects of underwater noise from ships on marine and coastal biodiversity, and highlighted the growing concern on the adverse effects of marine litter. It also recognized the growing challenge of climate change impacts on coral reefs, which, Parties agreed, will require significant investment to overcome.
There was also a call to fisheries management bodies to play a stronger role in addressing the impacts of fisheries on biodiversity.
The series of agreements at COP 11 on oceans and coasts builds on the commitment of countries made at the United Nations Rio+20 summit in June to protect and restore marine ecosystems and to maintain their biodiversity.
National Biodiversity Plans
Much of the COP 11 negotiations revolved around practical and financial support for countries in implementing national biodiversity plans to meet the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
In reviewing global progress in implementing such measures, the COP reaffirmed the need for enhanced technical and scientific cooperation among countries, while underlining the potential for enhanced cooperation among developing countries. To support such efforts, a new National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Forum (NBSAP Forum) was launch at COP11 by UNEP, CBD, The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The online forum provides easy-to-access, targeted information such as best practices, guidelines and learning tools for countries.
UNEP’s Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Initiative also presented a series of practical guides for governments at COP 11 for integrating the economic, social and cultural value of ecosystems into national biodiversity plans.
COP 11 also agreed to a number of measures to engage the main economic sectors, such as business and development organizations, to integrate biodiversity objectives in their plans and programmes.
COP 11 developed new work in support of achieving Aichi Target 15 which calls for the restoration of 15% of degraded lands. This work was supported by a call, in the margins of the meeting, by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and other bodies for concerted action in support of the decision.
A decision on climate change and biodiversity called for enhanced collaboration between the CBD and UN climate change initiatives including Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
Given that forests are home to more than half of all terrestrial species, initiatives such as REDD+, where developing countries can receive payments for carbon offsets for their standing forests, can potentially help achieve international biodiversity targets, as well as those concerned with cutting carbon emissions.
The decision covers technical advice on the conservation of forests, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
However the COP also noted discussions around the need for biodiversity safeguards relating to REDD+ and similar incentives. Actions such as afforestation in areas of high biodiversity value, or the conversion of natural forests to plantations, for example, may have adverse impacts on biodiversity.
The COP adopted recommendations for improving the sustainable use and management of species hunted for `bushmeat` in tropical and sub-tropical regions, where large-scale hunting and trade of animals has led to `empty forest syndrome`, and is increasingly threatens food security, and the ecological stability of forests and other ecosystems. Together with FAO and other organizations, the CBD Secretariat will establish a global `Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management` to support developing countries in the implementation of relevant CBD provisions.
COP 11 adopted a decision on protected areas that provides a framework for achieving Aichi target 11. It calls for integration of national action plans for Protected Areas into revised National Biodiversity Strategies and action Plans.
A parallel summit of Cities and Local Authorities was convened with the support of ICLEI. Participants adopted the Hyderabad Declaration on Subnational Governments, Cities and other Local Authorities for Biodiversity, which supports the work of cities to achieve the Global Strategy for Biodiversity and calls for greater coordination between levels of government.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
India convinces rich nations to commit $12 billion biodiversity conservation
India, backed by vociferous developing countries, ultimately convinced the rich world to double the international funds for conserving biodiversity in the developing world by 2015. The decision was taken at the annual meeting of the UN Convention on Biodiversity, after hard-nosed negotiations with the European Union and some other countries drew the meeting into extra time.
The gathered representatives of 193 countries decided that the developed countries would double the biodiversity-related international funds by 2015, using a baseline figure of the average annual national spending on biodiversity between 2006 and 2010. Back-of-the-envelope calculations peg it to be around $12 billion.
The decision took a long-drawn argument with the UK, EU and Canada besides some other developed countries, Indian negotiators said. Union environment and forests minister Jayanthi Natarjan was engaged in several closed-door parleys to convince the developed nations to give into the demand.
In a meeting that saw the North-South cleave get deepen, the rich countries demanded that the developing world first make a firmer assessment of needs and also develop elaborate reporting framework before funds are committed. The African nations, particularly, along with several other developing countries like Brazil saw this as a delaying tactic after promises were made last year that rich countries would pledge money at Hyderabad.
The last-minute deal also included the decision that greater number of countries would incorporate biodiversity-related concerns in their financial and development plans. All parties agreed to substantially increase domestic expenditures for biodiversity protection over the same period. These targets are not to be reviewed in 2014.
In another significant decision, the countries decided to classify marine areas on basis of their ecological or biological significance. This classification is expected to feed into the larger UN process of creating a new global treaty for conservation of biodiversity in international waters.
The meet also decided to keep track of and follow the precautionary principle in studying the impact of the new emerging science of synthetic biology — an advancement over the existing genetically modified technologies.
The gathered representatives of 193 countries decided that the developed countries would double the biodiversity-related international funds by 2015, using a baseline figure of the average annual national spending on biodiversity between 2006 and 2010. Back-of-the-envelope calculations peg it to be around $12 billion.
The decision took a long-drawn argument with the UK, EU and Canada besides some other developed countries, Indian negotiators said. Union environment and forests minister Jayanthi Natarjan was engaged in several closed-door parleys to convince the developed nations to give into the demand.
In a meeting that saw the North-South cleave get deepen, the rich countries demanded that the developing world first make a firmer assessment of needs and also develop elaborate reporting framework before funds are committed. The African nations, particularly, along with several other developing countries like Brazil saw this as a delaying tactic after promises were made last year that rich countries would pledge money at Hyderabad.
The last-minute deal also included the decision that greater number of countries would incorporate biodiversity-related concerns in their financial and development plans. All parties agreed to substantially increase domestic expenditures for biodiversity protection over the same period. These targets are not to be reviewed in 2014.
In another significant decision, the countries decided to classify marine areas on basis of their ecological or biological significance. This classification is expected to feed into the larger UN process of creating a new global treaty for conservation of biodiversity in international waters.
The meet also decided to keep track of and follow the precautionary principle in studying the impact of the new emerging science of synthetic biology — an advancement over the existing genetically modified technologies.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
e-Atlas of marine bird areas launched
An e-Atlas of Marine-Important Bird Areas, was launched by the BirdLife International at the ongoing 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The inventory, covering 3000 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) worldwide, was described as a major contribution to marine conservation and a vital resource for meeting the CBD target of protecting 10% of marine and coastal areas by 2020.
It will also be crucial to the process of describing Ecologically or Biologically Significant marine Areas (EBSAs) and will have significant input into the siting of offshore energy infrastructure, according to a note circulated at the COP11.
The e-Atlas will be available exclusively online. Like Google Map, it will be dynamically updated as new sites are identified and new data about them become available. It will be linked to other BirdLife data resources.
Seabirds are now the most threatened group of birds. They present unique conservation problems, since many species travel thousands of kilometres across international waters and multiple exclusive economic zones, and only returning to land to breed.
Monday, 8 October 2012
A rare glimpse of fauna found at Siachen Glacier
16 Rajput Battalion organized a trip to Siachen Glacier including 16 civilian adventurers and environmentalists to have a check on the life conditions of the army person on this highest battle ground.
During the trip, a rare glimpse of fauna at nearly 22,000 feet high and 76.4 kilometer long Siachen Glacier was witnessed by a group of environmentalists and adventurers. During this trip, the group also saw some of the birds and other animals including white wagtail, great rosefinch, raven, red-billed and yellow-billed crow, hill pigeon, accentor and white winged river chat, who survive in the severe cold weather conditions on this highest battle field of the world.
The expedition with this team of 16 civilians that included a 62 year old member started on 7 September 2012 from Leh to reach the Siachen base camp. To reach there the team managed to pass from Khardungla at 18,380 feet, the highest motorable pass of the world. The team in its journey to Siachen was successful to have a look on the bio-diversity of the area that included more than 20 different species of alpine flora.
During the trip, a rare glimpse of fauna at nearly 22,000 feet high and 76.4 kilometer long Siachen Glacier was witnessed by a group of environmentalists and adventurers. During this trip, the group also saw some of the birds and other animals including white wagtail, great rosefinch, raven, red-billed and yellow-billed crow, hill pigeon, accentor and white winged river chat, who survive in the severe cold weather conditions on this highest battle field of the world.
The expedition with this team of 16 civilians that included a 62 year old member started on 7 September 2012 from Leh to reach the Siachen base camp. To reach there the team managed to pass from Khardungla at 18,380 feet, the highest motorable pass of the world. The team in its journey to Siachen was successful to have a look on the bio-diversity of the area that included more than 20 different species of alpine flora.
5 October observed as Dolphin Day in Bihar
Bihar on 5 October 2012 observed Dolphin Day. This day was observed in wake of spreading awareness for conservation of the Gangetic Dolphins the rare and endangered species that is found only in the Gangetic River System and its Tributaries.
Bihar that observed the World Wildlife Week from 2 to 8 October 2012, decided to observe 5 October as Dolphin Day every year. Sushil Kumar Modi, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state on this occasion declared that the state will come up with a Dolphin Watch Center at places where these rare aquatic species are seen.
Bihar that observed the World Wildlife Week from 2 to 8 October 2012, decided to observe 5 October as Dolphin Day every year. Sushil Kumar Modi, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state on this occasion declared that the state will come up with a Dolphin Watch Center at places where these rare aquatic species are seen.
campaign observed in Uttar Pradesh to Save Gangetic Dolphins
A three day campaign named Save Ganga, Save Dolphin started on 5 October 2012 in Uttar Pradesh. 18 boats were flagged off by the Transport Minister of the State Raja Mahendra Aridaman Singh on this day to have a check on the population of the dolphins in the Gangetic River System in the state.
The World Wild Life Fund (WWF) in association with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and some of the local volunteers including 16 NGOs started the campaign in the 2800 kilometer long Ganga and its tributaries. Save Ganga Save Dolhpin was initiated with an aim of spreading awareness about the Riverine species the Gangetic Dolphins and its protection. This campaign was called off on 7 October 2012 by the Chief Minister of the state Akhilesh Yadav.
The World Wild Life Fund (WWF) in association with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and some of the local volunteers including 16 NGOs started the campaign in the 2800 kilometer long Ganga and its tributaries. Save Ganga Save Dolhpin was initiated with an aim of spreading awareness about the Riverine species the Gangetic Dolphins and its protection. This campaign was called off on 7 October 2012 by the Chief Minister of the state Akhilesh Yadav.
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