India’s Significant Progress in Land Restoration

29/11/2024

India's remarkable achievement in restoring 18.94 million hectares of degraded land underscores its steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. With a target of 24 million hectares by 2030, the country has already reached nearly 80% of its goal, highlighting a proactive approach to combating land degradation and climate change. This restoration effort is part of India's obligations under the Bonn Challenge and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The Bonn Challenge, a global effort to restore 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030, aligns with India's environmental priorities. Achieving these targets not only helps in land rehabilitation but also contributes to global climate objectives by enhancing carbon sequestration. India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover, a commitment under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as per the Paris Agreement.
India's role as one of the 17 megadiverse countries is crucial in the global biodiversity landscape. Despite occupying only 2.4% of the world's land area, India supports 7-8% of the world's species, making biodiversity conservation a national priority. Since becoming a party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994, India has made significant strides in protecting its natural heritage. The country's investment of approximately Rs 32,200 crore from 2017 to 2022 in biodiversity protection and the projected annual average expenditure of Rs 81,664.88 crore through 2030 reflect a robust financial commitment to ecological preservation. These efforts are crucial in the context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), which aims to protect at least 30% of the world's land and ocean areas by 2030. By focusing on restoring ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and rivers, India ensures the provision of essential ecosystem services like clean water and air, which are vital for human health and economic well-being.
The journey ahead is challenging but promising. Achieving the remaining targets will require continued investment, community involvement, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems. Policies must be strengthened to support sustainable land management practices, and international collaboration should be fostered to address shared environmental challenges. India's progress serves as a model for other nations, demonstrating that large-scale environmental restoration is achievable with dedication and strategic planning. By restoring its lands, India is not only fulfilling its environmental responsibilities but also contributing meaningfully to global sustainability goals. This commitment underscores India's role as a leader in the global effort to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

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