India Files 7th Biodiversity Report, Highlights Major Conservation Gains

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.

Overview of India’s Seventh National Report (NR-7)

Submission and Framework

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).

Alignment with Global Goals

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.

Whole-of-Government Approach to Conservation

Collaborative Effort

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.

India’s Expanding Forest and Biodiversity Cover

Forest and Tree Cover Growth

• Recorded forest area: 7,75,377 sq. km (23.59%)

• Total forest and tree cover: 8,27,356.95 sq. km (25.17%)

Wetland Expansion

The number of Ramsar wetlands in India has grown significantly from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026, indicating improved wetland conservation efforts.

Strengthening Wildlife Conservation Network

Protected Areas

India’s conservation infrastructure includes:

• 58 tiger reserves

• 33 elephant reserves

• 18 biosphere reserves

• 106 national parks

• 574 wildlife sanctuaries

Key Wildlife Population Data

• Tigers: 3,682 (over 70% of global population)

• One-horned rhinoceroses: 4,014

• Wild elephants: 22,446

• Asiatic lions: 891

• Snow leopards: 718

River Dolphin Milestone

Under Project Dolphin, India completed its first population estimation, recording 6,327 river dolphins.

Focus on Agrobiodiversity and Genetic Resources

Agrobiodiversity Hotspots

India has identified:

• 22 agrobiodiversity hotspots

• Conservation priority for 769 crop wild relatives

• Coverage across 171 native crops and 230 native animal breeds

India’s First Nagoya Protocol Implementation Report

Reporting Period and Framework

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.

Legal and Institutional Structure

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)

Community Participation and ABS Achievements

Grassroots Governance

• 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees established nationwide

Approvals and Certifications (2017–2025)

• Total ABS approvals: 12,830

  • NBA approvals: 5,913

  • State boards: 6,917

• International compliance certificates: 3,556 (over 60% of global total)

Economic Benefits

• Total monetary benefits: ₹216.31 crore

• Distributed to communities: ₹139.69 crore

• Additional mobilised funds: ₹51.96 crore

Capacity Building and Technology Integration

Non-Monetary Benefits

• 395 approvals included training, technology transfer, and research collaboration

• Over 2.56 lakh individuals trained through 3,724 programmes

Use of Advanced Technologies

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.

Conclusion

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.