International Day for Biodiversity
Context: International Day for Biodiversity was observed on May 22 to raise awareness about the critical state of global biodiversity as 25% of species face extinction and to promote harmony with nature and sustainable development under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Important Pointers:
Theme 2025: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” stresses integrating ecological protection with development goals.
International Day: Celebrated on May 22 to mark the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992.
Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF): Aims to conserve 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030 through 4 goals and 23 targets.
Target 12 of GBF: Focuses on increasing green and blue spaces in urban areas to improve human well-being and biodiversity.
Biodiversity Threat: About 25% of species globally are at risk of extinction due to human-induced pressures.
Urban Ecosystem Services: Urban greenery reduces heat, prevents flooding, and supports recreational and spiritual well-being.
Pollution and Climate Control: Trees help reduce temperatures by 3.5°C, increase humidity by 5%, and cut noise by 5 decibels.
Economic Valuation: Megacity trees provide ecosystem services worth ₹8 crores per square kilometre annually.
Urban Green Cover Status: Average forest cover in Indian cities is just 10.26%, with many cities losing green areas.
Forest Cover Loss: Chennai and Hyderabad lost 2.6 km² and 1.6 km² of forest area between 2021 and 2023.
3-30-300 Principle (UN Habitat): Every home should see 3 trees, live in areas with 30% tree canopy, and have a green space within 300 metres.
City Biodiversity Index: Evaluates biodiversity based on native species, ecosystem services, and governance using 23 indicators.
ICLEI Asia Index/ International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (now known as ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability): Biodiversity index developed for cities like Kochi, Gangtok, and Nagpur to guide urban planning.
Koyambedu Model (Chennai): Greening project regenerated 141 plant species and attracted 35 birds and 27 butterfly species in 2 years.
Million Trees Plan: Care Earth Trust and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) aim to plant 1 million native trees across Chennai in 5 years.
Wetland Restoration: Pallikaranai Marsh was restored from a dump yard to a Ramsar site and declared a reserved forest.