Target 3 of the GBF: India’s claim exposes the perils of putting a numerical value ahead of biodiversity outcomes

With a geographical area of 32,87,263 sq kms, India has a recorded forest area of 775,288 sq. km (23.58%). Of that forest area, a total of 1,73,053.69 sq kms is under Protected Areas, which is 5.26% of the geographical area. But, in a programme of the High Level Ambition Coalition (which India has just joined) in Geneva, the Indian delegation presented that India’s protected areas cover 23.71% so they are well on their way to fulfill the target of 30% protected areas by 2030 – an important but controversial target of the draft Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) that is being negotiated currently in Geneva under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The Forest Survey of India Report (2021) indicates the forest cover of India as 23.71% of the geographical area . However, according to this report, forest cover refers to all green patches that have canopy density of more than 10% and areas of one hectare or more in size, irrespective of land use, legal status and ownership. Forest cover data includes orchards, bamboo plantations, palms, monocultures, road, rail and canal side plantations, rubber, tea and coffee plantations and even coconut groves that are located in non-forest areas.

India, therefore, is manipulating its forest data in its ill conceived strategy to achieve a head start on 30% as suggested in the target 3 of the draft GBF. Its claim is in complete violation of its own legislation that identifies protected areas and settles the rights of forest dwellers.

Written by Souparna Lahiri

_________________________________________________________________________

The opinions,commentaries, and articles printed in ECO are the sole opinion of the individual authors or organizations, unless otherwise expressed.