On May 22, 2020 Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the following five key initiatives towards conservation of biodiversity during the virtual celebration of “International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)” on the theme “Our solutions are in nature”.
Launch of Samrakshan Internship Programme
The minister launched the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Biodiversity Samrakshan Internship Programme which proposes to engage 20 students with postgraduate degrees for a period of one year through an open, transparent, online competitive process.
- It focuses on those students who are willing to learn about natural resource management and biodiversity conservation and to support the projects of NBA in various states and Union Territories (UTs).
Launch of UNEP Campaign on Illegal Trafficking of Endangered Species
The virtual event also saw the launch of the Campaign on Illegal Trafficking of Endangered Species: ‘Not all Animals Migrate by Choice’ by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).
- Its aim is to address the environmental challenges, raise awareness, and to advocate solutions as illegal trade in wildlife carries the risk of spreading dangerous pandemics.
Launch of WWF Model Conference of Parties (MCoP)
Sh. Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the first-of-its-kind digital Model Conference of Parties 2020 (MCOP-1) to involve the younger generation in conversations around the impact of humanity’s footprint on biodiversity and also the importance of sustenance of biodiversity for our own survival.
- It was conducted by World Wide Fund (WWF) India, in partnership with MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change), NBA, UNEP and UNDP on May 22 and 23, as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity.
- Over 100 young delegates from schools across the country will participate in the MCOP-1, which provided them an orientation and exposure to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The students will also set draft goals and targets for biodiversity conservation at the state and national level.
Launch of awareness campaign
An awareness campaign supported by WWF to highlight the crucial role played by nature providing ecological services to humankind was also launched during the course of the event.
Launch of webinar initiatives
A Webinar Series on Biodiversity Conservation and Biological Diversity Act, 2002′ was also launched.
Key Points:
- It should be noted that India has 2.5% of the world’s land mass, 16% of human as well as cattle population, but the country has still preserved around 8% of the world’s biodiversity. Globally, India has the finest biodiversity.
- India is ready to share its experiences and best practices with the countries who are interested in improving their biodiversity scenarios.
About NBA:
Headquarter– Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chairperson– Dr. V. B. Mathur
About UNDP:
Headquarters– New York, United States (US)
Administrator– Achim Steiner
About UNEP:
Headquarters– Nairobi, Kenya
Executive Director– Inger Andersen
About WCCB:
Headquarters– New Delhi
Additional Director– Tilotama Varma
