UN biodiversity body opens reporting to communities, cities and businesses

The recent decision by the UN biodiversity body to open its reporting framework to communities, cities, and businesses marks a pivotal shift in global environmental governance. Traditionally, international environmental agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, primarily relied on national governments for reporting on their conservation efforts and progress. This state-centric approach, while foundational, often struggled with implementation gaps, insufficient funding, and a lack of granular data from the ground where biodiversity truly thrives or diminishes.

This new approach is a direct response to the escalating global biodiversity crisis, highlighted by the alarming rate of species extinction and ecosystem degradation. The limitations of solely government-led initiatives became starkly evident with the failure to fully achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, set for 2011-2020. This realization underscored the urgent need for a more inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at COP15 in December 2022, emphasizes a 'whole-of-society' approach, recognizing that biodiversity conservation is not solely a government's responsibility but requires collective action from all sectors.

The core of this development is the expansion of the reporting mechanism, allowing non-state actors to directly submit data and reports on their biodiversity actions. This means that indigenous groups, urban local bodies, and private companies can now formally contribute to the global monitoring of biodiversity targets. This move aims to enhance accountability, provide a more comprehensive picture of conservation efforts, and mobilize a broader range of resources and expertise.

Key stakeholders in this evolving framework include, first and foremost, the **Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)**, which facilitates this reporting. **National governments** remain crucial, as they set overarching policies and provide the enabling environment. However, the new framework brings **Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)** to the forefront. IPLCs are often the frontline custodians of biodiversity, possessing invaluable traditional ecological knowledge. Their direct reporting can offer nuanced, localized insights, though concerns about equitable access to reporting mechanisms and the potential for their knowledge to be exploited or misrepresented (greenwashing) remain. **Cities and local authorities** are vital as urban areas are increasingly recognized as biodiversity hotspots and critical nodes for sustainable development. Their actions in green infrastructure, waste management, and sustainable planning directly impact local ecosystems. **Businesses**, from large corporations to SMEs, have significant ecological footprints through their supply chains, resource extraction, and pollution. Their direct reporting can drive corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and promote sustainable business practices, although the risk of 'greenwashing' – where companies present a misleadingly positive image of their environmental impact – necessitates robust verification mechanisms.

For India, a mega-diverse country housing 7-8% of the world's recorded species, this development carries immense significance. India's rich biodiversity is intrinsically linked to the livelihoods and cultural practices of millions, especially indigenous and tribal communities. The **Biodiversity Act, 2002**, and its associated **Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)** at local levels, along with the **National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)** and **State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)**, already provide a robust legal framework for decentralized biodiversity governance. This new UN reporting mechanism can further empower these local BMCs and Gram Sabhas (village councils) under the **Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)** and the **Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006**, by giving their conservation efforts international recognition and potentially attracting global support. Article 48A of the Indian Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country', while Article 51A(g) lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to 'protect and improve the natural environment'. This new framework aligns perfectly with these constitutional mandates by fostering a 'whole-of-society' approach.

From an economic perspective, Indian businesses, particularly those with global supply chains, will face increased pressure and opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity. This can drive innovation in sustainable practices, enhance brand reputation, and attract green investments. However, it also demands greater transparency and accountability, requiring robust internal monitoring and reporting systems to avoid accusations of greenwashing. Politically, India can leverage this platform to showcase its grassroots conservation models and traditional knowledge systems on a global stage, reinforcing its leadership in environmental diplomacy.

The historical context of environmental governance has seen a gradual evolution from command-and-control regulations to market-based instruments and, more recently, to participatory governance models. This shift by the UN biodiversity body represents a significant leap towards truly inclusive environmental governance, acknowledging that effective conservation requires local action, corporate responsibility, and urban planning alongside national policies. The future implications are profound: it could lead to more accurate global biodiversity assessments, foster greater innovation in conservation, and potentially unlock new funding mechanisms. However, success hinges on addressing critical challenges like capacity building for diverse stakeholders, ensuring data quality and comparability, establishing robust verification protocols to prevent greenwashing, and ensuring equitable access and benefit-sharing, especially for vulnerable communities. This move is a crucial step towards realizing the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal GBF and securing a biodiverse future for all.