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The Themes of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Programme explore the diverse ecosystems that sustain life on Earth—ranging from agricultural lands to mountain systems. Framed under global environmental action plans of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), these themes emphasize the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of biological resources. This content is crucial for students preparing for environmental studies, UPSC, and geography examinations as it links biodiversity with human livelihood and sustainable development.
The following sections elaborate on each theme, highlighting their scope, ecological value, threats, and the ongoing international efforts for biodiversity preservation under the CBD framework.
This theme under the Convention on Biological Diversity emphasizes sustainable management of agricultural diversity essential for human survival and ecosystem balance.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources define agro-biodiversity as the variety and variability of animals, plants, and microorganisms used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture. It forms the backbone of agricultural sustainability.
Agro-biodiversity integrates biological and ecological elements vital to farming systems and food production.
Modern agricultural systems face rising ecological challenges threatening agro-biodiversity.
This theme jointly initiated by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention to Combat Desertification highlights the resilience of species inhabiting arid and semi-arid regions.
Drylands include deserts, grasslands, savannas, and Mediterranean regions where species have evolved extraordinary adaptations.
Drylands are not just ecological frontiers but home to millions relying on biodiversity for survival.
Increasing human pressure and climatic shifts threaten the fragile balance of dryland ecosystems.
Forests represent one of the richest reservoirs of biodiversity, balancing climate and sustaining countless species.
Forest biodiversity encompasses plants, animals, and microorganisms interacting within forest ecosystems, shaped by evolutionary and ecological forces like climate and fire.
Inland waters sustain freshwater life and regulate hydrological and climatic systems.
Inland waters include lakes, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. As per the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are areas of marsh or fen, whether fresh or salty, permanent or temporary.
Islands are unique ecological entities that harbor high endemism and distinctive evolutionary traits.
Islands range from tiny atolls to large landmasses like Greenland, covering 0.15 km² to over 2 million km². Their isolation fosters unique adaptations such as dwarfism, gigantism, and loss of dispersal ability.
Covering nearly 70% of the planet, oceans harbor the richest diversity of life, critical for global climate balance.
Marine biodiversity encompasses coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, estuaries, and deep-sea ecosystems forming 95% of the biosphere.
Mountain ecosystems, occupying 27% of the Earth’s land surface, are vital sources of freshwater, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
The UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre and UNEP’s Mountain Programme use GIS-based mapping to monitor mountain ecology and biodiversity.
The CBD thematic programmes embody global commitment to conserve, restore, and sustain biodiversity across diverse ecosystems—from forests and mountains to islands and oceans. These initiatives emphasize integrating ecological, social, and economic dimensions for sustainable development. Understanding these themes is vital for students and policy learners to appreciate the interdependence between biodiversity and human survival.
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