On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Rajasthan Forest Department, and Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, organized a national-level celebration in Udaipur, Rajasthan, to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2025. The event, themed “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, highlighted India’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity.
Launch of a Fortnight-Long Campaign
One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution
During the event, Shri Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, MoEFCC, launched a fortnight-long campaign leading up to World Environment Day 2025, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution”. This initiative aligns with India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), promoting sustainable practices to combat environmental challenges.
Exhibition on Biodiversity and Bioresources
Showcasing India’s Natural Heritage
An exhibition on Biodiversity and Bioresources was inaugurated by Shri Tanmay Kumar, showcasing indigenous biodiversity products, medicinal plants, and crop varieties. The event featured contributions from 12 State Biodiversity Boards, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and NGOs, with around 350 participants, including government officials, forest officers, students, and community organizations.
India’s Global Leadership in Biodiversity
Advancing the Kunming-Montreal Framework
Shri Tanmay Kumar highlighted India’s proactive role during the CBD-COP 16 held in Cali, Colombia, in 2024. India submitted updated National Biodiversity Targets in September 2024 and a revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) on October 30, 2024. These efforts align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), advocating for simplified instruments to address the biodiversity finance gap.
India’s conservation achievements include 89 Ramsar sites covering 1.35 million hectares and 49 Biodiversity Heritage Sites notified under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, showcasing ecologically and culturally significant ecosystems.
Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita
Nature Protects If Protected
Inspired by the Indian ethos of “Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita” (Nature protects if she is protected) and the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), Shri Kumar called for collective action to preserve biodiversity. He highlighted the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) campaign, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on June 5, 2024, which has resulted in 142 crore plantations globally.
Key Releases During the Event
Strengthening Biodiversity Commitments
The event featured the release of several key publications and resources, including:
- National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024-2030) in English and Hindi.
- A brochure on India’s Seventh National Report (NR7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- A prospectus for the MoEFCC-IICA-NBA-UNDP Certificate Programme in Business & Biodiversity Conservation.
- A compendium on India’s Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
- A brochure on Biological Diversity Regulations, 2025, focusing on access to bioresources and equitable benefit sharing.
Below is a summary of the key details of the IDB 2025 celebration:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | May 22, 2025 |
| Location | Udaipur, Rajasthan |
| Theme | Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development |
| Organizers | MoEFCC, NBA, Rajasthan Forest Department, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board |
| Key Campaign | One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution |
| Participants | 350 (State officials, forest officers, students, NGOs) |
India’s Rich Biodiversity
A Global Mega-Diverse Nation
India, one of the 17 mega-diverse countries, spans 329 million hectares and hosts over 1,00,000 animal species and 55,000 plant species across 10 bio-geographic regions. The country is also rich in traditional and indigenous knowledge, contributing to its global leadership in biodiversity conservation.
Key Highlights
- International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 celebrated on May 22, 2025, in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
- Theme: Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.
- Launch of fortnight-long campaign for Ending Plastic Pollution, aligned with Mission LiFE.
- Exhibition on Biodiversity and Bioresources showcased indigenous products and conservation measures.
- India’s contributions to Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework highlighted, including 89 Ramsar sites and 49 Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign achieved 142 crore plantations globally.