temp Flashcards
(214 cards)
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): objectives and protocols? funding? key guidelines for CBD parties?
It is a legally binding treaty adopted at rio summit with three basic goals:
- conservation of BD
- sustainable use of BD , and
- fair and quitable sharing of benefits arising from use of genetic resources.
- Protect biodiversity———->COP meetings, Aichi Targets.
- Safe use of bio-technology———–> Cartagena Biosafety Protocol
- Stop unfair use of Genetic resources————–> Nagoya Genetic Resources Protocol
Funding comes through an organization named as Global Environment Facility (GEF). GEF gets money from world bank, UN, various (rich) nations and trust organization, companies etc. GEF gives that money to finance many environment related activies including CBD and UNFCCC
- CBD acknowledges sovereign rights of states over their own biological resources bt also says that BD is a common concern of humankind.
- Parties of CBD are required to create National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP)
- talks abt in-situ and ex-situ methods
- recognize vital role of women and NGOs in protecting biodiversity.
- talks abt funding and tech support frm developed countries to lower income countries, especially LDCs, small island states and developing countries with arid and semi-arid zones, coastal and mountainous zones.
- covrs BD at all levels- ecosystems, species and genetic resources. also covers Biotech
- It is based upon ecosystem approach
- Convention is based upon precautionary approach i.e. where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of BD, lack of full scientific certainty shud nt be used as a reason fr postponing corrective measures
Cartagena protocol?
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity
- concerns the movement of LMOs (living modified organisms) resulting from modern technology from one nation to another.
- LMOs are defined under the protocol as living organisms that have a novel combination of genetic material secured from the use of modern technology.
- adopted in 2000 and it came into force in 2003. The protocol was adopted in Montreal in 2000 but is named after Cartagena, the original city in Colombia where the protocol was supposed to be adopted.
- Protocol has provisions for an Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure.
- The AIA is for ensuring that countries are given enough information to make informed decisions before agreeing to import LMOs into their country.
- There are four components to the AIA:
- Notification by the exporter (This is a detailed written description of the LMO by the exporter, well in advance of the first shipment)
- Acknowledgement of notification receipt by the importer
- Decision procedure (Approve/prohibit/ask for more information, etc.)
- Review of decisions
- Cartagena Protocol also sets up a Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) to enable information exchange on LMOs between countries.
- India is a party to the Cartagena Protocol (ratified in 2003). The nodal agency is MoEFCC
- LMOs are classified as the following under the Protocol:
- LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment – subject to AIA procedures.
- LMOs for direct usage as food or feed, or for processing – subject to simplified procedures which includes informing through the BCH.
- LMOs for contained usage (like bacteria for lab experiments) – these are exempt from AIA procedures.
- does not cover pharmaceuticals for humans addressed by other international agreements and organisations or products derived from LMOs, such as cooking oil from GM corn.
- The protocol is legally binding
- GM Food crops are within the scope of Cartagena protocol only if they are capable of transferring or replicating genetic material
- Protocol follows the precautionary approach
Nagoya protocol?
- Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)
- covers genetic resources as well as Traditional knowledge
- adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. Aichi targets were adopted at the same COP.
- It is legally binding
- protocol will help both the users and the owners of genetic resources by creating better legal certainty and transparency in the following ways:
- It sets more predictable conditions for access to genetic resources.
- It helps in having a better benefit-sharing experience when the genetic resources travel outside the country of origin.
Aichi Biodiversity targets?
adopted at COP-10 of CBD at Nagoya, Japan in 2010
5 strategic goals and 20 targets
goals:
- address the underlying causes of BD loss by mainstreaming BD across govt and society
- Reduce direct pressure on BD and promote sustainable use
- improve BD by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
- enhance benefits to all frm BD and ecosystem services
- Enhance implementation thru participatory planning, knowledge mgmt and capacity building
Aichi Biodiversity targets: targets under Goal 1?
- making people aware
- integration into national planning and accounting and poverty reduction strategies
- incentives including subsidies, harmful to BD, be eliminated
Aichi Biodiversity targets: targets under Goal 2?
- rate of loss of all natural habitats, incl forests is halved and close to zero wherever possible
- ecosystem based approach to all aquatic stocks
- sustainable mgmt of areas under agri, aquaculture and forestry
- pollution, incl frm excess nutrients are brought to non-harmful levels
- invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritised to be managed
- anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems
Aichi Biodiversity targets: targets under Goal 3?
- By 2020, at least 17% of terresterial and inland water and 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved
- extinction of known threatened species be prevented by 2020 and conservation status improved
- genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives be maintained
Aichi Biodiversity targets: targets under Goal 4?
- ecosystems that provide essential services like water, health, livelihoods etc. are restored and safeguarded
- increase ecosystem resilience and contri of BD to carbon stocks including restoration of at least 15% of degraded ecosystems
- operationalise Nagoya protocol of equitable distribution of benefits
Aichi Biodiversity targets: targets under Goal 5?
- by 2020 each party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument and started implementing National BD strategy and action plan
- increase financial mobilisation for implementing the Strategic Plan for BD 2011-20
CITES Appendices?
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
- Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called “look-alike species”, i.e. species whose specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons. International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate.
- Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation International trade in specimens of species listed in this Appendix is allowed only on presentation of the appropriate permits or certificates.
CITES ?
was drafted as a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of IUCN. signed on March 3, 1973 (Hence world wildlife day is celebrated on march 3).
It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Secretariat— Geneva (Switzerland).
CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals. Some states and regional economic integratin organisations adhere to it voluntarily.
CITES — Washington Convention?
India has submitted proposals regarding changes to the listing of various wildlife species in the CITES
- the smooth-coated otter,
- small-clawed otter,
- Indian star tortoise,
- Tokay gecko,
- wedgefish and
- Indian rosewood.
The country seeks to boost the protection of all the five animal species as they are facing a high risk of international trade.
World Heritage convention: about?
- created in 1972
- goal: identify and protect world’s natural and cultural heritage considered to be of ‘outstanding universal value’
- Embodies a visionary idea- that some places are so important that their protection is not only the responsibility of the international community as a whole but also of present nd future generation
- The World Heritage Sites list is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 “states parties” that are elected by their General Assembly
- As of July 2021, a total of 1,154 World Heritage Sites (897 cultural, 218 natural, and 39 mixed properties) exist across 167 countries.
- With 58 selected areas, Italy is the country with the most sites on the list
- India acceded in 1977. India has 6th highest no. of WHS @ 40, as of July 2021.
World Heritage convention: criteria for selection of natural and cultural sites?
- Criteria for selection of natural sites
- Superlative natural phenomena, or
- Areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetics
- Outstanding examples representing major stages of earth history including the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms of significant geomorphic or physiographic features
- Represent significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of of ecosystems and communities of plant and animals
- Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity
- criteria for selection of cultural sites
- masterpiece of human creative genius
- exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world
- To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
- outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
- be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change
- To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
World heritage in danger?
- A site may be added to the List of World Heritage in Danger if conditions threaten the characteristics for which the landmark or area was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
- Such problems may involve armed conflict and war, natural disasters, pollution, poaching, or uncontrolled urbanisation or human development.
- This danger list is intended to increase international awareness of the threats and to encourage counteractive measures.
- Threats to a site can be either proven imminent threats or potential dangers that could have adverse effects on a site
- The state of conservation for each site on the danger list is reviewed yearly; after this, the Committee may request additional measures, delete the property from the list if the threats have ceased or consider deletion from both the List of World Heritage in Danger and the World Heritage List
- Only three sites have ever been delisted from both the lists:
- the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Oman,
- the Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany, and
- the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City in the United Kingdom
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was listed in UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992, but was removed in 2011 following significant improvements. Hampi was added to the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 1999, but got removed in 2006 following successful conservation efforts.
World heritage convention: criticism?
The first global assessment to quantitatively measure threats to Natural World Heritage Sites found that 63 per cent of sites have been damaged by increasing human pressures including encroaching roads, agriculture infrastructure and settlements over the last two decades
Of the Natural World Heritage Sites that contain forest, 91 per cent experienced some loss since 2000. Many of them are more threatened than previously thought and require immediate conservation action
perceived under-representation of heritage sites outside Europe, disputed decisions on site selection and adverse impact of mass tourism on sites unable to manage rapid growth in visitor numbers
A large lobbying industry has grown around the awards, because World Heritage listing can significantly increase tourism returns. Site listing bids are often lengthy and costly, putting poorer countries at a disadvantage.
Eritrea’s efforts to promote Asmara are one example. Further, In 2021, international scientists recommended UNESCO to put the Great Barrier Reef on the endangered list. the Australian government campaigned against this, and in July 2021, the World Heritage Committee, made up diplomatic representatives of 21 countries, ignored UNESCO’s assessment, based on studies of scientists
World heritage sites in India: overaview?
India has 6th highest no. of WHS @ 40, as of July 2021. Out of these, 32 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1 is mixed (meeting both cultural and natural criteria)
The first sites to be inscripted were Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal, of which all were inscribed in the 1983 session
The latest site to be inscribed is Dholavira, Gujarat in 2021
World heritage sites in India: cultural sites?
- Ajanta caves; Ellora caves; Agra fort; Taj Mahal (1983)
- Konark Sun Temple; Mahabalipuram Grp of monuments (1984)
- Churches and Convents of Goa; Khajuraho grp of monuments; Hampi grp of monuments (was added bt later removed from WHS in danger list); Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
- Grp of monuments at Pattadakal; Elephanta caves; Chola temples (Brihadeshwar temple at Gabgaikondacholapuram, Airavateshwar temple at Darasuram and Brihadeshwram temple at Thanjavur) (1987)
- Buddhist monuments at Sanchi (1989)
- Humayun’s tomb, Delhi; Qutb Minar at its monuments (2003)
- Mountain rlys of India:Darjeeling , Nilgiri rly at Ooty , Kalka-Shimla rly in HP
- Mahabodhi Temple complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
- rock shelters at Bhimbetka (2003)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004)
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
- Red fort complex (2007)
- Janta Mantar Jaipur (2010)
- Hill forts of RJ (Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Amber forts, Jaisalmer, gagron) (2013)
- Rani ki Vav (2014)
- Archaeological site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar; architectural work of Le Corbusier (2016)
- The Victorian and Art deco ensemble of Mumbai (2018)
- Jaipur (2019)
- Kakatiya Rudreswara (Ramappa) temple in telangana (2021)
- dholavira, GJ (2021)
World heritage sites in India: natural sites?
Kaziranga NP; Manas WLS (added to WHS in danger list in 1992 but removed from WHS in danger list in 2011); Keoladeo NP (1985)
Sunderbans NP (1987)
Nanda Devi BR (nanda devi and Valley of FLowers NPs) (2005)
Western ghats (2012)
Great Himalayan NP (2014)
World Heritage sites: mixed site?
Khangchendzonga NP
Convention on conservation of migratory species of wild animals (CMS)?
- aka Bonn convention
- under the aegis of UNEP
- Name to conserve migratory species throughout their range
- Adopted in 1979 and came into force in 1983
- It is the only Global convention specialising in the conservation of migratory species their habitat and migration route
- It lays the legal foundation for international coordinated conservation measures throughout the migratory range across the range states
- Some species covered by CMS: cheetah, common eel, river eel, blue whale, common dolphin, salt water crocodile, estuarine crocodile, Indian Gharial, Amur falcon etc.
- has two Appendices:
- Appendix I:
- contains endangered (facing a very high risk of extinction In The Wild in the near future) migratory species
- Migratory species threatened with extinction throughout or in a significant portion of their range
- Strictly protecting these animal, conserving and restoring their habitats and mitigating obstacles to migration
- Appendix II:
- Contains migratory species conserved through agreements
- The convention encourages the range states to conclude Global or regional agreements. In this respect, CMS acts as a framework agreement.
- Appendix I:
- India is a signatory since 1983. It was the first asian country to do so.
CMS-CoP 13?
hosted by India.
Mascot: Great Indian bustard
Gandhinagar declaration
- Conservation and sustainable management of migratory species and their habitats based upon the concept of ecological connectivity
- The progress in achieving conservation of migratory species should be measured using any species index such as living planet index, red list index and wild bird index as a potential indicator
7 new species added to cms appendix I:
- Asian elephant
- Jaguar
- Great Indian Bustard
- Little Bustard
- Bengal florican
- Antipodean Albatross
- Oceanic whitetip shark
3 new species added to cms appendix II:
- Urial ship
- Smooth Hammerhead shark
- Tope shark
New concerted actions with target based conservation plans have been agreed for another 14 species including South Asian river dolphin and irrawaddy dolphin
Living planet index?
- The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) manages the index in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). published in WWF’s Living planet report
- Measure of teeth of world’s biological diversity based on Population trends of vertebrate species
- Adopted by CBD as an indicator of progress towards its 2020 Aichi target
Red list Index?
Developed by IUCN to show trend in overall extinction risk for species
It is used by government to track their progress in achieving target that reduce biodiversity loss