Current Affairs - Environment

UNESCO recently approved the designation of 11 new Biosphere Reserves across 11 countries. This brings the total number of sites in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 759, spanning 136 countries. The designation of these reserves is a significant step in global efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development, highlighting the importance of balancing economic and social development with the conservation of natural and cultural landscapes.

The 'Mitra Van' initiative aims to plant 35 crore saplings across 35 districts, including those along the Uttar Pradesh and Nepal border, as part of the Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024. This initiative focuses on increasing green cover and promoting environmental sustainability in the region.

India recently achieved a significant milestone by compiling a comprehensive checklist of its entire fauna, totalling 104,561 species. This achievement was announced during the Animal Taxonomy Summit 2024, highlighting India's commitment to biodiversity conservation and taxonomy. The effort, led by the Zoological Survey of India, underscores India's proactive approach towards understanding and documenting its rich biodiversity, essential for effective conservation and sustainable environmental management.

India secured the 176th position among 180 countries in the 2024 Environment Performance Index. This ranking reflects challenges such as high emissions, poor air quality, and biodiversity-habitat concerns. India's heavy reliance on coal significantly impacts its environmental performance, leading to poor air quality and high projected emissions, which contributed to its low ranking in the index. The country's specific rankings were 177th in air quality and 172nd in projected emissions by 2025, highlighting areas needing urgent attention for environmental improvement.

NHAI plans to enhance the green cover along National Highways by implementing Miyawaki Plantation, a method known for its rapid growth and biodiversity benefits. This Japanese afforestation technique focuses on creating dense and native forests using indigenous plant species, which are well-suited to local climate and soil conditions. The Miyawaki Plantation method not only accelerates forest growth but also helps in groundwater recharge, acts as a barrier against sound and dust, and promotes ecological restoration effectively.