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India has submitted its seventh national report on biodiversity conservation to the global biodiversity convention, offering a snapshot of how the country is progressing toward international nature protection goals set for 2030. The report evaluates India’s performance under the global framework adopted in 2022 to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems. While it highlights improvements in forest cover, ecosystem restoration and the recovery of some iconic wildlife species, the assessment also raises concerns about whether the country is moving fast enough. Of the 23 national biodiversity targets, only two are clearly on track, pointing to the scale of work required in the years ahead.
Progress in conservation and species recovery
The report points to several positive developments in wildlife conservation and habitat protection. India has recorded gains in forest and tree cover, and efforts to restore degraded ecosystems have expanded in recent years. These initiatives form part of the country’s broader commitment to align with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.
Some of the most visible conservation successes involve well-known wildlife species. India’s tiger population has reached 3682, reflecting decades of conservation programmes and habitat protection. Numbers of Asiatic lions have also increased, while populations of the one-horned rhinoceros remain stable or are growing in key habitats. These examples highlight how targeted conservation action can lead to measurable results when protected areas and monitoring systems are strengthened.
Biodiversity integrated into agriculture and landscapes
The national assessment also looks at how biodiversity considerations are being incorporated into agriculture and land use planning. One area of focus is the expansion of trees outside forests, which now contribute a significant share of the country’s overall tree cover. Agroforestry practices are also becoming more widespread across rural landscapes.
According to the report, agroforestry now occupies about 8.65% of India’s geographical area. Integrating trees into farmland can help maintain soil health, support pollinators, and provide additional income sources for farmers. These practices are increasingly viewed as an important bridge between biodiversity conservation and agricultural productivity, particularly in regions where pressure on land resources is high.
Targets for 2030 remain a major challenge
Despite these gains, the report indicates that achieving the full set of biodiversity targets by 2030 remains uncertain. Out of the 23 national biodiversity targets, only two are clearly progressing on track. These include targets focused on biodiversity-inclusive land and sea use planning and ecosystem restoration.
Several obstacles continue to slow progress. The report highlights land degradation, biodiversity loss outside protected areas and gaps in ecological data as key concerns. Many lesser-known species and ecosystems still lack comprehensive monitoring, making it difficult to evaluate the overall health of biodiversity across the country.
Researchers and policymakers also note that conservation success has often been concentrated around flagship species, while broader ecosystem protection requires stronger planning across landscapes. Addressing these gaps will be crucial if India is to meet its biodiversity commitments and contribute to global efforts aimed at safeguarding nature by the end of the decade.
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