University of Arizona Symposium Raises Concerns Over Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's Impact on India's Indigenous Tribes

A recent symposium organized by the University of Arizona has drawn attention to the potential ramifications of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on India's indigenous tribes. Adopted during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022, the GBF aims to bolster sustainable development goals while setting ambitious targets for biodiversity conservation.

Understanding the Kunming-Montreal GBF

• The framework, with four goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030, seeks to increase protected areas to 30% of the world's terrestrial area by 2030, up from the current 16%.
• India's progress in expanding protected areas, particularly Target 3 (30x30), has raised concerns over legal definitions and diversions of these areas for non-conservation purposes.

Implications for India's Indigenous Tribes

• Forest expansion under GBF targets may curtail traditional land use practices and livelihoods of indigenous communities, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity.
• Upgrading initiatives for wildlife sanctuaries, like the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan and the Nauradehi Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, could displace tribal villages, threatening their existence.

Utilizing Indigenous Tribes in Biodiversity Conservation

• Preserving cultural heritage through ecotourism initiatives led by indigenous communities can foster cultural preservation and generate income.
• Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific surveys can enhance conservation efforts, as demonstrated by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes' sacred groves in Meghalaya.
• Promoting co-management models, like the West Bengal Joint Forest Management program, allows indigenous communities to work alongside forest departments, leveraging their knowledge and fostering ownership.

The Way Forward

• Upholding Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before establishing protected areas on tribal lands, as mandated by the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
• Conducting social impact assessments to understand the potential repercussions of protected area expansion on existing livelihoods.
• Aligning national policies with international standards, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to ensure indigenous rights and knowledge systems are respected alongside conservation efforts.

The symposium underscores the need for a balanced approach to biodiversity conservation that respects the rights and livelihoods of India's indigenous tribes while fostering sustainable development.