India has taken a significant step in global environmental governance by submitting its Seventh National Report (NR-7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Alongside this, the country has also presented its first national report on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, showcasing its commitment to biodiversity conservation and equitable resource sharing.
The submissions were made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) ahead of the stipulated deadlines in February 2026.
India submitted its NR-7 on February 26, ahead of the February 28 deadline. The report evaluates the country’s biodiversity performance using 142 national indicators, aligned with 23 National Biodiversity Targets under the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030).
According to the Ministry, all 23 targets are currently “on track to achieve,” indicating strong alignment with the global biodiversity agenda, particularly the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
The report incorporates inputs from:
33 Central Ministries and departments
State governments
Research institutions
Statutory bodies and stakeholders
This reflects a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach, emphasizing inclusive and participatory conservation strategies.
Recorded forest area: 7,75,377 sq. km (23.59%)
Total forest and tree cover: 8,27,356.95 sq. km (25.17%)
The number of Ramsar wetlands in India has grown significantly from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026, indicating improved wetland conservation efforts.
India’s conservation infrastructure includes:
58 tiger reserves
33 elephant reserves
18 biosphere reserves
106 national parks
574 wildlife sanctuaries
Tigers: 3,682 (over 70% of global population)
One-horned rhinoceroses: 4,014
Wild elephants: 22,446
Asiatic lions: 891
Snow leopards: 718
Under Project Dolphin, India completed its first population estimation, recording 6,327 river dolphins.
India has identified:
22 agrobiodiversity hotspots
Conservation priority for 769 crop wild relatives
Coverage across 171 native crops and 230 native animal breeds
India submitted its first report on the Nagoya Protocol on February 27, covering the period from November 2017 to December 2025.
The protocol ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
India’s Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework operates under:
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Biological Diversity Rules, 2024
ABS Regulations, 2025
It follows a three-tier system:
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
State Biodiversity Boards
Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees established nationwide
Total ABS approvals: 12,830
NBA approvals: 5,913
State boards: 6,917
International compliance certificates: 3,556 (over 60% of global total)
Total monetary benefits: ₹216.31 crore
Distributed to communities: ₹139.69 crore
Additional mobilised funds: ₹51.96 crore
395 approvals included training, technology transfer, and research collaboration
Over 2.56 lakh individuals trained through 3,724 programmes
India is leveraging:
Remote sensing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Satellite telemetry
Drones and camera traps
DNA-based tools
These technologies are enhancing biodiversity monitoring and conservation outcomes.
India’s submission of its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, along with its first report on the Nagoya Protocol, highlights the country’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and global biodiversity goals. The data reflects measurable progress in forest expansion, wildlife conservation, wetland protection, and community participation.
By integrating advanced technologies and adopting a collaborative governance model, India has strengthened its conservation framework at both national and local levels. The significant increase in protected areas, biodiversity management committees, and benefit-sharing mechanisms demonstrates a balanced approach between ecological preservation and socio-economic development.
As global concerns over biodiversity loss intensify, India’s efforts position it as a key contributor to international environmental targets. Continued policy support, community engagement, and innovation will be critical in ensuring long-term conservation success and achieving the 2030 biodiversity goals.