“Resource mobilization will always be the cornerstone for implementation of policies and programs for conserving biodiversity.” – stated Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, Secretary (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) while handing over the signed ‘High Ambition Coalition’s ratified agreement to H.E. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India in a ceremony held today, thereby making India a potential member of the ‘High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People’.
The formal commencement of India’s membership to the HAC happened at a ceremony held between the Indian and French governments on October 7th in New Delhi.
The fairly novel organization of the HAC for nature and people is nothing but an informal, voluntary, and intergovernmental association of seventy countries hailing from a diversity of hemispheres. The foundation stone of this organization was laid by three countries – the UK, Costa Rica, and France which to co-chair it today. The fundamental aim that drives this organization is championing a global deal for nature and its inhabitants with the ultimate goal of protecting at least thirty per cent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. The 30×30 aim is a uniform global target that aims to halt the accelerating loss of species and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of global economic security.
This group of countries claims that it has lately introspected the ongoing destructive human activities unintentionally targeted against nature, and thus rather than repenting for the occurred loss it is the need of the hour to take a step forward, essentially a collective one. Therefore, the HAC longs to protect at least thirty per cent of land and oceans and ignite a transformative change for a better future of all lives on this blue planet.
Apparently, the HAC constitutes several countries from all nooks and corners of the world, Latin America, Europe, and the global north and south nearly at an equal pedestal. With regards to India’s newly subscribed membership to the HAC, it has become the first of all the nations that together constitute the BRICS, namely Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa besides India. A high-level biodiversity meet is to be conducted in China and following this meet India’s newly established relationship with the HAC has come to the forefront. The cornerstone of the said high-level meeting shall be the final discussion of the aspects to be covered under the ‘Biodiversity Treaty to be ratified by 2022.
Rameshwar Prasad Gupta on behalf of the Indian Union expressed his deepest delight in joining the HAC member countries as a part of this genuine global cause. “India would ensure all support in meeting the global biodiversity targets.” – he adds.
India’s decision to join the HAC was initiated at the ‘One Planet Summit held in Paris in January 2021 where it was welcomed and appreciated profoundly by the French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain who sees it as a real game-changer especially when COP15 is on the eve of its opening.
“This will boost our multilateral efforts.” – states Lenain. Withstanding the current pedestal where India stands as far as protecting biodiversity is concerned, India’s efforts are commendable. And thus, for India, it becomes all the more important yet challenging to uphold the high expectations and contribute significantly.
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