1. HIWISE - ICIMOD

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region faces a critical situation, emphasizing the urgency for action and financial support by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to prevent the collapse of natural ecosystems in High Mountain Asia.

Key points of the ICIMOD''s Report

• ICIMOD characterizes the HKH region as a ''biosphere on the brink,'' indicating a state of imminent ecological crisis.
• The organization is hosting the Third Lead Authors meeting of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in Kathmandu.

Losses in Nature and Habitat

• Experts from ICIMOD express deep concern about the rapid and extensive losses in both nature and habitat within the HKH region, describing them as ''catastrophic.''
• Deputy Director General conveys a sense of urgency, suggesting that it may be nearly too late to address the crisis effectively.

Biodiversity Hotspots and Protected Areas

• The HKH region stands out globally, hosting four of the world’s 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots.
• Additionally, the region boasts 575 Protected Areas and 335 important bird areas, signifying its ecological significance.

Impact on Mountain Communities

• Despite concerted conservation efforts, a significant portion (70%) of the original biodiversity in the HKH region has been lost over the last century.
• The dependence of mountain communities, constituting 85% of the region''s population, on this biodiversity for fundamental needs like food, water, flood control, and cultural identity is stressed.

High Mountain Asia - ''Water Tower’

• High Mountain Asia, encompassing the Tian Shan, Kunlun Shan, Pamir, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Tibetan Plateau, and the Himalayas, is termed the ''Water Tower of Asia.''
• This region, spanning 3,500 kilometres and eight countries, plays a critical role in providing essential ecosystem services, including clean water for a third of the world’s population.

Population and Food Security

• The HKH region has a population of 241 million people, with 31% categorized as ''food-insecure,'' and half facing some form of malnutrition.
• Urgent prioritization of investment is advocated to fund efforts against nature loss and species extinction.

Call for Urgent Investment

• It emphasizes the immediate need to prioritize investment in the HKH region to combat nature loss and prevent the collapse of crucial ecosystems.
• The call includes a plea for accelerated policy, institutional, and market reforms, along with a rapid increase in integrated global finance, particularly for vulnerable regions like the HKH.

ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development)

• ICIMOD is a regional knowledge and learning centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Established in 1983, ICIMOD works to promote sustainable mountain development through knowledge generation, capacity building, and regional cooperation.
• The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) is a vast mountain range stretching across eight countries, home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. The region is vital for the well-being of over 2 billion people downstream, providing water, food, and energy. However, it is also facing immense challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and natural disasters.

ICIMOD focuses on several key areas in the HKH

• Studying glaciers, snow cover, and river systems to understand the impacts of climate change on water resources and develop adaptation strategies.
• Assessing the impacts of climate change on the HKH region and supporting countries in developing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Conserving biodiversity and restoring degraded ecosystems in the HKH.
• Improving the livelihoods of mountain communities through sustainable agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and other initiatives.
• Fostering cooperation among HKH countries on issues of common concern.

Key ICIMOD Initiatives

• Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment (HKHA): A comprehensive assessment of the HKH region published in 2019, highlighting the region''s importance and vulnerability in the face of climate change.
• HI-WISE (Water, Ice, Society, and Ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalaya): A follow-up to the HKHA, focusing on the ecological and human impacts of changes in the cryosphere.
• Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment Programme (HIMAP): A long-term program that monitors and assesses the state of the HKH region and provides data and information for decision-making.
• Regional Information System (RIS): A platform that provides access to data and information on the HKH region.
• Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: ICIMOD provides training, workshops, and other capacity-building programs to stakeholders in the HKH region.

The HKH region faces many challenges, including:

• Climate change: The HKH is warming at twice the global rate, leading to glacier retreat, floods, and other impacts.
• Poverty: Many mountain communities in the HKH are among the poorest in the world.
• Natural disasters: The HKH is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and other natural disasters.

Way forward for sustainable development in the HKH

• Climate Resilience Programs: Implementing initiatives to enhance climate resilience in communities, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and water management.
• Poverty Alleviation Measures: Introducing poverty alleviation programs that empower communities economically and socially, improving their adaptive capacity.
• Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-based disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration between nations, organizations, and communities to develop and implement sustainable strategies for climate resilience, poverty reduction, and disaster management in the HKH region.
• Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation to better understand the complex interplay of climate change, poverty, and natural disasters, leading to informed decision-making and effective solutions.

Conclusion

• ICIMOD plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. By focusing on key areas such as water, climate change, and livelihoods, ICIMOD is helping to build a brighter future for the mountains and their people.

2. GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK FUND

The first council meeting of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) took place recently in Washington DC, US.

• The meeting, held as part of the 66^thCouncil Meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), underscored the necessity of securing funds to fulfil the objectives outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15.
  • Guidelines were established for the execution of GBFF, initially proposed during COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)in 2022.
• GEF, as the implementing agency for GBFF, serves as a "financial mechanism" to five conventions: CBD,UNFCCC, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Purpose

• Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been designed to mobilize and accelerate investment in the conservation and sustainability of wild species and ecosystems, whose health is under threat from wildfires, flooding, extreme weather, and human activity including urban sprawl.

Mandate

• The GBF Fund is uniquely dedicated to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, its goals and its targets.
• It provides an opportunity to receive funding from all sources, quickly disburse through streamlined procedures, with enhanced access for indigenous peoples and local communities, according to their own priorities.
• The Fund also provides the opportunity for a greatly enhanced involvement of Multilateral Development Banks and Development Finance Institutes, which will facilitate the mainstreaming of biodiversity necessary to implement the Framework.

THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

• The GEF was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
• It is afamily of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health.
• It has a unique governing structure organized around anAssembly, the Council, the Secretariat, 18 agencies, a Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel, and the Evaluation Office.
• It providesFinancial Assistance for five major International Conventions:
  • The Minamata Conventionon Mercury (signed in 2013 and entered into force in 2017).
  • The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs) (adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004).
  • TheUnited Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD ) (entered into force in 1993).
  • TheUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (adopted in 1994).
  • TheUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (signed in 1992 and entered into force in 1994).
• It has184 member countries, including India.
• Its secretariat is based in Washington, D.C.
• The World Bank serves as the GEF Trustee, administering the GEF Trust Fund (contributions by donors).

GEF Council

• The Council, the GEF''s main governing body,comprises 32 members appointed by constituencies of GEF member countries (14 from developed countries, 16 from developing countries, and two from economies in transition).
  • India has formed a permanent Constituency in the Executive Councilof the GEF together with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives.
• Council members rotateat different intervals determined by each constituency.
• The Council meets twice annually.
• The Council develops, adopts and evaluates the operational policies and programs for GEF-financed activities.
  • It also reviews and approves the work program (projects submitted for approval), making decisions by consensus.

KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK

• • The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP)-15of CBD following a four year consultation and negotiation process.
  • This historic Framework, which supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goalsand builds on the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans, sets out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
• 30 by 30 Target:
  • The declaration made a reference to the ''30 by 30''target which is a key proposal being debated at the COP15, that would afford 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans protected status by 2030.
• Main Targets:
  • The framework consists of four goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.
    • The four goals are:
      • Conserve and restore biodiversity.
      • Ensure sustainable use of biodiversity.
      • Share benefits fairly and equitably.
      • Enable transformative change.
    • The 23 Targets are:
      
      
      

Kunming Biodiversity Fund

• China has also pledged to inject USD 233 millioninto a new fund to protect biodiversity in developing countries. The fund is being referred to by China as Kunming Biodiversity Fund.
• Further, some rich country donors say a new fund for conservation is unnecessary because the United Nations’ Global Environment Facilityalready helps developing nations finance green projects.

PYQ 

2014

With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
(d) Both (a) and (b)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle environmental problems. It is a private equity fund focused on seeking long term financial returns by investments in clean energy under climate change. Hence Option (a) is Correct.  It does not directly undertake any scientific research on environmental issues. Hence Option (b) is NOT Correct.  It is a program under the World Bank. Hence Option (c) is NOT Correct. 

2014

Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3

• The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture-
  • It was adopted by the 31st session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations on 3rd November 2001.
  • It is also known as the Seed Treaty.
  • India is a signatory to the treaty.
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification-
  • ​It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
  • The convention was drafted and opened for signing in 1994. It became effective in 1996 after receiving 50 ratifications.
  • Aim: Its 197 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 
• The World Heritage Convention-
  • ​Created in 1972, the primary mission of the Convention is to identify and protect the world's natural and cultural heritage considered to be of outstanding universal value.
  • It is a Convention under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

2012

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?

(a) Production of food and water

(b) Control of climate and disease

(c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination

(d) Maintenance of diversity

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) was called for by the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2000.

• • Initiated in 2001, the objective of the MA was to assess the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and the scientific basis for action needed to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of those systems and their contribution to human well-being.
  • The MA has involved the work of more than 1,360 experts worldwide. Their findings, contained in five technical volumes and six synthesis reports, provide a state-of-the-art scientific appraisal of the condition and trends in the world’s ecosystems and the services they provide (such as clean water, food, forest products, flood control, and natural resources) and the options to restore, conserve or enhance the sustainable use of ecosystems.

Types of Ecosystem Services: 

• • The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), a major UN-sponsored effort to analyze the impact of human actions on ecosystems and human well-being, identified four major categories of ecosystem services: provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services.
  • Provisioning Services:
    • When people are asked to identify a service provided by nature, most think of food.
    • Fruits, vegetables, trees, fish, and livestock are available to us as direct products of ecosystems.
    • A provisioning service is any type of benefit to people that can be extracted from nature.
    • Along with food, other types of provisioning services include drinking water, timber, wood fuel, natural gas, oils, plants that can be made into clothes and other materials, and medicinal benefits.
  • Regulating Services:
    • Ecosystems provide many of the basic services that make life possible for people.
    • Plants clean air and filter water, bacteria decompose wastes, bees pollinate flowers, and tree roots hold soil in place to prevent erosion.
    • All these processes work together to make ecosystems clean, sustainable, functional, and resilient to change.
    • A regulating service is the benefit provided by ecosystem processes that moderate natural phenomena.
    • Regulating services include pollination, decomposition, water purification, erosion and flood control, and carbon storage and climate regulation.
  • Cultural Services:
    • As we interact and alter nature, the natural world has in turn altered us.
    • It has guided our cultural, intellectual, and social development by being a constant force present in our lives.
    • The importance of ecosystems to the human mind can be traced back to the beginning of mankind with ancient civilizations drawing pictures of animals, plants, and weather patterns on cave walls.
    • A cultural service is a non-material benefit that contributes to the development and cultural advancement of people, including how ecosystems play a role in local, national, and global cultures; the building of knowledge and the spreading of ideas; creativity born from interactions with nature (music, art, architecture); and recreation.
  • Supporting Services:
    • The natural world provides so many services, sometimes we overlook the most fundamental.
    • Ecosystems themselves couldn't be sustained without the consistency of underlying natural processes, such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, the creation of soils, and the water cycle. Hence, option 3 is correct.
    • These processes allow the Earth to sustain basic life forms, let alone whole ecosystems and people. Without supporting services, provisional, regulating, and cultural services wouldn't exist.